Greetings! If you’re looking to expand your French vocabulary, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to express the concept of “that one” in French, both formally and informally. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, we’ve got you covered with plenty of tips, examples, and regional variations. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “That One”
When speaking formally, it’s essential to keep your language polite and respectful. Here are several ways to express “that one” in a formal context:
- Celui-là – This is a versatile expression suitable for all genders. It can be used in reference to objects, places, or people. For instance, “I prefer that one” would translate to “Je préfère celui-là.”
- La personne-ci – When referring to a specific person, especially when pointing to them, you can use this phrase. For example, “That one over there is my boss” would be “La personne-ci est mon patron.”
- Cette chose – If you want to describe something without using precise gendered pronouns, this phrase comes in handy. It literally means “this thing” and can be used when pointing to an object. For example, “I need that one” would be “J’ai besoin de cette chose.”
Informal Ways to Say “That One”
When speaking informally or with friends, you can use more casual expressions to convey the meaning of “that one.” Here are a few popular options:
- Celui-là – Similar to the formal usage, “celui-là” can also be employed in informal settings for all genders. For example, “I want that one” can be translated as “Je veux celui-là.”
- Ce truc-là – Informally, you can replace “chose” (thing) with “truc” (stuff). This phrase is suitable when referring to an object, like “That one is mine” would be “Ce truc-là, c’est le mien.”
- Celui-ci – This expression is commonly used in spoken French to refer to someone or something near you. For example, “Pass me that one” can be translated as “Passe-moi celui-ci.”
Regional Variations
French is spoken in various countries, and regional differences can sometimes lead to variations in language usage. Here are a couple of regional variations to be aware of:
Québec French
In Quebec, Canada, they have their own expressions for “that one” that you may encounter. Here are a few examples:
- C’t’homme-là – This informal Quebec French expression translates to “that man” or “that person.” For instance, “That one is funny” in Quebec French can be “C’t’homme-là est drôle.”
- Ça, là-bas – Quebec French sometimes uses “Ça” (that) combined with “là-bas” (over there) to denote “that one.” For example, “I like that one” would be “J’aime ça, là-bas.”
Swiss French
Swiss French also has specific regional variations. Here’s an example:
“J’aime bien celui-ci, tu vois, le truc qui brille là-bas.” (Translation: “I quite like this one, you know, the shiny thing over there.”)
As you can see, “celui-ci” is still used in Swiss French to convey the meaning of “this one.”
Tips to Improve Your Usage
Now that we’ve covered various ways to express “that one” in French, here are a few additional tips to help you sound more natural:
- Pay attention to gestures: In French conversations, gestures and pointing are common when referring to objects or people, so use them accordingly.
- Practice in context: Try using these expressions in real-life situations to fully grasp their nuances and become more comfortable with them.
- Listen and mimic: Pay close attention to native French speakers and imitate their usage of “that one” in different scenarios, as this will help refine your skills.
- Reinforce with vocabulary: Expand your vocabulary to describe objects or people more precisely, which can reduce the need for generic phrases like “that one.”
Remember, language learning is a journey, so don’t be afraid to make mistakes and keep practicing. Bonne chance (good luck)!
