When trying to express the idea of “that makes sense” in French, it’s important to consider whether you want to use a formal or informal expression. Additionally, regional variations may exist, so it’s essential to select the most widely understood phrases. In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “that makes sense” in both formal and informal contexts, providing tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “That Makes Sense”
In formal conversations or professional settings, it’s crucial to use appropriate expressions. Here are a few formal ways to convey the idea of “that makes sense” in French:
- Cela a du sens – This expression translates directly to “that makes sense.” It is a straightforward and widely understood way to convey the same idea in French.
- C’est logique – Meaning “it’s logical,” this phrase is commonly used to express that something is reasonable or logical in a formal context.
- C’est compréhensible – Translated as “it’s understandable,” this phrase is suitable for situations where you acknowledge someone’s point of view or reasoning.
- J’en comprends la logique – This phrase means “I understand the logic behind it.” It showcases your comprehension of the reasoning being presented.
- C’est rationnel – When you want to emphasize the idea of something being rational, you can use this expression to convey the concept of “that makes sense” in a formal manner.
Informal Ways to Say “That Makes Sense”
In informal conversations with friends, family, or peers, you may want to use more casual expressions to convey the same idea. Here are some informal ways to say “that makes sense” in French:
- Ça a du sens – Similar to its formal counterpart, this phrase is a relaxed way of saying “that makes sense” in French. It is widely understood and commonly used in everyday conversations.
- Ça se tient – This expression literally means “that holds up.” It’s often used to say that a statement, argument, or reasoning is logical and coherent.
- Je pige – Translating to “I understand” or “I get it,” this informal phrase is commonly used among friends to acknowledge comprehension.
- Je capte – Similar to “je pige,” this expression also means “I understand.” It is often used in casual conversations to show that something makes sense to you.
Tips and Examples
Here are some tips and additional examples to help you master the usage of these expressions:
1. Context Matters
Understanding the context in which you want to say “that makes sense” is vital. Consider whether you are in a formal setting or having a casual conversation, as it will influence the appropriate choice of expression.
Example: If you’re having a friendly discussion with a colleague, you can use an informal expression like “Je capte” to say “that makes sense.” However, if you’re presenting a formal proposal, a more suitable expression would be “Cela a du sens.”
2. Familiarize Yourself with Informal Expressions
Learning a few informal expressions can help you sound more natural in everyday conversations. It’s essential to be aware of the appropriate situations to use them.
Example: When your friend shares a funny story, you can respond with “Ça se tient” to convey that the narrative makes sense and is coherent.
3. Practice Active Listening
Engaging in active listening is key to understanding and appropriately responding to others. When someone explains something to you, take a moment to reflect on what they’ve said before using one of these phrases.
Example: After someone shares their opinion, you could respond with “C’est compréhensible” to show that you’ve actively listened and understand their viewpoint.
Note: Regional variations of expressions exist, but we have focused on widely understood phrases. Remember that these expressions can vary slightly within different French-speaking regions.
With these formal and informal expressions, tips, and examples, you are now well-equipped to say “that makes sense” in French depending on the context. Whether you’re in a formal setting or engaging in a casual conversation, you can confidently express your understanding and comprehension in a way that suits the situation.
