c'est-à-dire
/s‿ɛ.t‿a.diʁ/
The English phrase "that is" can be translated into French as c'est-à-dire. If unsure, use c'est-à-dire. Wiktionary also lists c-à-d.
Meaning: in other words (adv)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| c'est-à-dire | /s‿ɛ.t‿a.diʁ/ /st‿a.diʁ/ |
|
| c-à-d | abbreviation |
The phrase is used as an adverb meaning "in other words".
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, c'est-à-dire means "it is to say".
Which one should you use?
c'est-à-dire is the full phrase, while c-à-d is an abbreviation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The abbreviation c-à-d is commonly used in written French, particularly in notes or informal correspondence.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /s‿ɛ.t‿a.diʁ/. It has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- In certain regional dialects of French, particularly in some African Francophone countries, c'est-à-dire can be used as a standalone question to mean 'And so?' or 'What is your point?'
- In a formal debate or a legal setting, a French speaker might use c'est-à-dire to subtly challenge an opponent by forcing them to be more specific about a vague claim.
- While c'est-à-dire means 'that is' or 'namely', it is often used as a filler word in spoken French to give the speaker time to think, similar to how English speakers use 'I mean'.
Examples in context
- C'est-à-dire le 10 mai.That is to say, on May 10th.Tatoeba #8485862 by Aiji, translation #39772 by AlanF_US
- Vous avez une fracture, c'est-à-dire une rupture de l'os.You have a fracture, that is to say a broken bone.Tatoeba #2428997 by nimfeo, translation #9976616 by Baberino
- Elle est la mère de ma femme, c'est-à-dire ma belle-mère.She is my wife's mother, that is to say, my mother-in-law.Tatoeba #6000919 by sicerabibax, translation #6002832 by CannedBread
- C'est mon livre.That is my book.
- Voilà votre voiture.That is your car.
- Il s'agit du dernier rapport.That is the latest report.
- Il s'agit d'une question importante.It is an important question.
- C'est ça, tu as raison.That's right, you're correct.
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are discussing a change in their travel plans.
- ChloéLe train est annulé, c'est-à-dire que nous devons partir en voiture.The train is cancelled, that is, we have to leave by car.
- GabrielC'est-à-dire que nous allons conduire toute la nuit ?That is to say, we are going to drive all night?
- ChloéNon, nous partirons tôt demain matin.No, we will leave early tomorrow morning.
- GabrielD'accord, c'est une meilleure idée.Okay, that is a better idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “that is” translations and entries c'est-à-dire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
