la même chose
The English phrase "the same" is translated into French as la même chose.
la même chose is used to refer to a thing that is identical to one previously mentioned.
Which one should you use?
While la même chose is the standard way to say "the same thing", you can use identique in formal contexts to suggest absolute similarity or equivalence or use the informal pareil in casual conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to multiple things, the plural form of "the same" is les mêmes.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because chose is a feminine noun, you must use the feminine article la. Avoid using the masculine article le in the phrase le même chose, which is a common error.
Did you know?
- The word chose comes from the Latin word causa, which originally meant 'cause' or 'legal case' rather than a physical object.
- In casual French, pareil is often used as a one-word response to mean 'me too' or 'same here' when agreeing with a feeling or opinion.
- The word même can also mean 'even' in other contexts, such as in 'même si' which means 'even if'.
Examples in context
- C'est la même chose.This is the same thing.This sentence is useful for stating that something is the same.Tatoeba #10346594 by Aiji, translation #3733721 by CK
- Je veux la même chose.I want the same.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire for the same thing.Tatoeba #8974638 by Micsmithel, translation #5175140 by CK
- Je crains la même chose.I'm afraid of the same thing.This sentence is useful for expressing fear of the same thing.Tatoeba #2576339 by sacredceltic, translation #2543050 by CK
- La situation évolue rapidement, et les défis auxquels nous sommes confrontés restent les mêmes.The situation is evolving rapidly, and the challenges we face remain the same.
- Nous avons choisi un thème identique pour nos soirées.We chose the same theme for our parties.
- On a les mêmes goûts musicaux.We have the same taste in music.
- Tu as acheté le même sac que moi ? – Exactement, tout pareil !You bought the same bag as me? – Exactly, the same!
- 241 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are ordering coffee at a cafe.
- GabrielJe voudrais un café crème, s'il vous plaît.I would like a coffee with cream, please.
- ManonPour moi, ce sera la même chose.For me, it will be the same thing.
- GabrielTu veux aussi un croissant ?Do you also want a croissant?
- ManonNon, je n'ai plus faim.No, I am not hungry anymore.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chose, la, même, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
