Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “that works” in French! In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express this phrase, offering tips, examples, and even touching upon regional variations when necessary. So, let’s dive right in!
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Formal Ways to Say “That Works” in French
When it comes to formal situations, it’s important to choose the right expressions to convey your meaning appropriately. Here are some suggested ways to say “that works” formally in French:
1. Cela fonctionne
The most straightforward translation of “that works” in a formal context is “Cela fonctionne.” This expression is used to express that something is functioning or operating correctly.
Example: “Nous avons testé la nouvelle méthode et cela fonctionne parfaitement.” (We have tested the new method, and that works perfectly.)
2. Ça marche
Another option is “Ça marche,” which is a casual yet widely understood phrase. It directly translates to “that works,” but it has a slightly less formal tone than “Cela fonctionne.”
Example: “Nous avons essayé votre suggestion, et ça marche très bien.” (We tried your suggestion, and that works very well.)
Informal Ways to Say “That Works” in French
In informal situations, you have a bit more freedom to use colloquial expressions. Here are a couple of informal ways to express “that works” in French:
1. Nickel
“Nickel” is a popular expression used informally, particularly among young people. Its equivalent in English might be “perfect” or “spot on,” indicating that something is working perfectly.
Example: “Ta proposition est géniale, ça marche nickel !” (Your proposal is great, that works perfectly!)
2. Impeccable
“Impeccable” is another informal way of saying “that works” in French. It signifies that something is working flawlessly or without any issues.
Example: “J’ai suivi tes conseils, et le résultat est impeccable !” (I followed your advice, and the outcome is excellent!)
Regional Variations
While the expressions mentioned above are widely used throughout the French-speaking world, it’s worth noting that different regions may have their own variations. Here are a couple of examples:
1. Fonctionne tout seul (Québec)
In Quebec, Canada, it is common to say “Fonctionne tout seul” to mean “that works” in a casual setting. It emphasizes that something is working effortlessly or without any intervention.
Example: “J’ai juste à appuyer sur ce bouton, et ça fonctionne tout seul !” (I just have to press this button, and that works on its own!)
2. Ça roule (France)
In France, an informal alternative to “that works” is “Ça roule.” It literally translates to “that rolls” and is often used to express that something is going smoothly or working well.
Example: “On a suivi ton conseil, et tout ça roule parfaitement !” (We followed your advice, and everything is working perfectly!)
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned various ways to say “that works” in French, both formally and informally. Remember to tailor your choice of expression based on the level of formality required in each situation. Whether you go with “Cela fonctionne” in formal settings or “Impeccable” in casual contexts, you’ll now feel more confident in expressing your ideas in French. Practice these phrases, and soon enough, they’ll become second nature to you!
