Bonjour! Are you curious about how to express the phrase “they are from” in French? Whether you want to engage in casual conversations or use more formal language, I’ve got you covered. In this guide, you’ll learn various ways to express this idea, including both formal and informal expressions. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “They are from”
In formal situations, it’s important to use respectful language. Here are a few expressions you can use to say “they are from” formally:
- Ils/Elles sont originaires de – This phrase literally translates to “They are originally from.” For example: “Ils sont originaires de Paris” (They are originally from Paris).
- Ils/Elles viennent de – This expression means “They come from.” For instance: “Elles viennent du Canada” (They come from Canada).
- Ils/Elles sont de – You can also use this phrase to say “They are from.” For example: “Elles sont de Belgique” (They are from Belgium).
Using these formal expressions will help you maintain a respectful tone in professional or formal settings.
Informal Ways to Say “They are from”
In more casual situations, you can use the following informal expressions to talk about where someone is from:
- Ils/Elles viennent de – This expression can be used in informal conversation as well. For example: “Ils viennent de Marseille” (They come from Marseille).
- Ils/Elles sont de – This phrase is also commonly used in everyday French. For instance: “Elles sont de Nice” (They are from Nice).
- Ils/Elles sont originaires de – Although this expression is more formal, it can also be used in informal situations. For example: “Ils sont originaires de Lyon” (They are originally from Lyon).
These informal expressions will come in handy during casual conversations or when speaking with friends and family.
Regional Variations
French is spoken in various regions, so it’s worth noting that there might be some regional variations in expressing “they are from.” However, the formal and informal phrases mentioned above are widely understood and accepted across different French-speaking areas. Nevertheless, let’s briefly look at a few regional variations:
In Quebec:
Ils/Elles viennent de là
In Switzerland:
Ils/Elles sont originaires de là
Remember, these variations are not necessary to learn, but they can be interesting to know if you encounter them while conversing with native speakers from specific regions.
Tips and Examples
Now that you have an overview of both formal and informal ways to express “they are from,” here are some additional tips and examples to further enhance your understanding:
1. Pronoun agreement: The phrases mentioned above (such as “Ils/Elles sont de” and “Ils/Elles viennent de”) can be used interchangeably for masculine and feminine subjects. Just ensure that the pronouns match the gender of the group you’re referring to.
Examples:
Ils viennent de France (They come from France).
Elles viennent de Suisse (They come from Switzerland).
2. Combine with nationality: If you want to specify the nationality of the group, you can simply add it after the expression.
Examples:
Ils sont originaires d’Espagne (They are originally from Spain).
Elles sont de l’Allemagne (They are from Germany).
3. Expand with city or region: To provide additional details about the group’s origin, you can add the name of a city or region after the expression.
Examples:
Ils sont de Paris, en France (They are from Paris, France).
Elles viennent de Nice, dans le sud de la France (They come from Nice, in the south of France).
4. Use with famous landmarks: You can also use famous landmarks or well-known places to describe where a group is from.
Examples:
Ils sont de la Tour Eiffel (They are from the Eiffel Tower).
Elles viennent du Château de Versailles (They come from the Palace of Versailles).
Now you’re equipped with the knowledge to confidently express “they are from” in French, both formally and informally! Practice these phrases and explore various examples to further enrich your language skills.
Remember, language is always evolving, and regional variations exist, but the expressions provided here will undoubtedly help you communicate effectively in various French-speaking contexts.
Happy learning and bon voyage!
