How to Say “How to Say That in French” in French

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comment dit-on cela en français
The English phrase "how to say that in French" is translated into French as comment dit-on cela en français.
This phrase is a question used when you want to ask for the translation of a specific word or phrase into the French language. You can use the verb dire (to say) to ask this, or you can use the synonym formuler (to phrase) to ask how to express something.

What does it mean word for word?

Literally, comment dit-on cela en français translates to "how says one that in French".

Which one should you use?

The choice between the forms depends on the level of formality and the specific pronouns used. The form comment dit-on cela en français? is a standard way to ask the question, while replacing the formal cela with the more common ça in comment dit-on ça en français? makes the question sound more natural in spoken French.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

Formal situations can be handled with several phrases. Comment dit-on cela en français? is a formal way to ask. For even more polite or structured requests, you can use Pourriez-vous me dire comment dire cela en français? or J'aimerais savoir comment exprimer cela en français, s'il vous plaît. In informal settings, you can use Comment on dit ça en français?, Tu sais comment on dit ça en français? or the imperative Dis-moi comment on dit ça en français!

How does it change in a sentence?

In spoken French, replacing the formal cela with ça is a standard way to make the question sound more natural.

Did you know?

  • The word français is actually an adjective derived from the name of the 'Franks', a Germanic tribe that played a central role in the formation of France.
  • The pronoun on in comment dit-on does not refer to a specific person, but functions as an indefinite pronoun similar to the English 'one' or a general 'we'.
  • In spoken French, native speakers frequently drop the inversion of the subject and verb, turning comment dit-on into comment on dit without changing the meaning.

Examples in context

  • Comment dit-on 'Where is the train station?' en français? Je suis perdu en ce moment!
    How do you say 'Where is the train station?' in French? I'm lost right now!
  • Pardon, comment dit-on cela en français ?
    Excuse me, how do you say that in French?

Example conversation

A student asks a friend for help with a vocabulary word.

  1. Hugo

    Comment dit-on cela en français ?
    How do you say that in French?
  2. Emma

    On dit « bonjour ».
    We say "bonjour".
  3. Hugo

    Merci, Emma.
    Thank you, Emma.
  4. Emma

    De rien, Hugo.
    You're welcome, Hugo.

Sources

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Madeleine Nancy
Madeleine NancyHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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