Learning how to express the phrase “that girl” in French can be a helpful addition to your vocabulary. Whether you want to describe someone specific or refer to a general concept of a girl, having the right words at your disposal is essential. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “that girl” in French, providing tips, examples, and even highlighting regional variations if necessary. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “That Girl” in French
When using formal language in French, such as in professional or formal contexts, it’s important to choose the appropriate phrases to convey your message. Here are a few formal ways to say “that girl” in French:
1. Cette jeune fille
The phrase “cette jeune fille” is a polite and formal way to refer to “that girl.” It translates directly to “that young girl” in English. This expression is commonly used when describing someone younger or in a respectful manner, such as when talking about a hypothetical girl in a conversation.
Example: “Cette jeune fille est très talentueuse en musique.” (That young girl is very talented in music.)
2. Cette fille-là
“Cette fille-là” is another formal option to say “that girl” in French. This phrase emphasizes the sense of distance, as it translates to “that girl over there” or “that particular girl.” It’s a respectful way to refer to someone, especially when you want to be precise about the person you are talking about.
Example: “Cette fille-là a gagné le prix du meilleur étudiant.” (That girl over there won the best student award.)
Informal Ways to Say “That Girl” in French
In more relaxed or informal situations, you might want to use a different set of expressions to say “that girl” in French. Below, you’ll find some common informal phrases:
1. Cette fille
“Cette fille” is a simple and commonly used phrase to say “that girl” in an informal context. It’s a versatile expression that suits various situations and is easily understood by French speakers of all ages.
Example: “Cette fille est tellement drôle !” (That girl is so funny!)
2. Cette nana
The word “nana” is an informal term for “girl” and is often used in spoken French. “Cette nana” can be a casual way to refer to “that girl” in a friendly or informal conversation.
Example: “Cette nana est vraiment sympa, je l’apprécie beaucoup.” (That girl is really nice, I really like her.)
Regional Variations
French is a language spoken in various regions, and as a result, there can be some regional variations in vocabulary. While the formal and informal ways mentioned earlier can be applied across most French-speaking regions, it’s worth noting a few regional variations:
1. Quebec French
In Quebec, Canada, the word “fillette” is sometimes used instead of “fille” to mean “girl.” So, you may hear “cette fillette” to express “that girl” in Quebec French.
Example: “Cette fillette est très douée en danse.” (That girl is very talented in dance.)
2. Belgian French
In Belgium, you might come across the informal term “meuf,” which is an equivalent of “girl” or “gurl” in English. So, saying “cette meuf” can convey the meaning of “that girl” informally in Belgian French.
Example: “Cette meuf est vraiment débrouillarde.” (That girl is really resourceful.)
Tips for Using the Phrases
- Consider the context and level of formality before choosing the appropriate expression.
- When unsure, opt for the formal options, as they can be used in both formal and informal situations.
- Pay attention to regional variations if you are in a specific French-speaking country or interacting with individuals from those regions.
- Listen to native French speakers and observe their usage to get a better grasp of the appropriate situations for each phrase.
- Practice using these phrases in conversations to become more comfortable and fluent in French.
With these phrases and tips in mind, you should now be well-equipped to express “that girl” in French. Remember to adapt your choice to the level of formality and the specific region you are in to ensure effective communication. Enjoy your French language journey!
