How to Say “Totally” in French: Formal and Informal Ways

Salut! Are you looking to expand your French vocabulary and learn how to say “totally” in different contexts? In this guide, we will explore various ways to express this concept in both formal and informal French. Whether you want to impress your French-speaking colleagues or sound more natural during casual conversations, we’ve got you covered. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!

Formal Ways to Say “Totally” in French

When it comes to formal speech, it’s essential to maintain a proper level of politeness and precision. Here are a few phrases you can use to express the idea of “totally” in a formal context:

1. Complètement – This is the most straightforward translation of “totally” in French. It conveys the idea of completeness or full agreement. For example:
   – “Je suis complètement d’accord avec vous” (I totally agree with you)
   – “Ce projet est complètement réalisable” (This project is totally feasible)
2. Entièrement – Similar to “complètement,” “entièrement” emphasizes something being fully or completely true. For instance:
   – “Je suis entièrement satisfait de votre travail” (I am totally satisfied with your work)
   – “Cette théorie a été entièrement démontrée” (This theory has been totally proven)
3. Totalement – Another excellent formal alternative for “totally” is “totalement.” It is commonly used to show complete agreement, support, or understanding. Examples include:
   – “Je suis totalement en faveur de cette proposition” (I am totally in favor of this proposal)
   – “Je le comprends totalement” (I totally understand him)

Informal Ways to Say “Totally” in French

When conversing with friends or in informal settings, you might want to adopt a more casual tone. Here are some commonly used phrases to express “totally” informally in French:

1. Tout à fait – This phrase is the most versatile and widely used way to say “totally” in an informal context. It can mean “totally,” “absolutely,” or “completely.” Examples include:
   – “Oui, j’ai tout à fait compris” (Yes, I totally understood)
   – “C’est tout à fait normal” (That’s totally normal)
2. Carrément – A more emphatic and slang expression, “carrément” denotes “totally” or “absolutely.” It adds a touch of enthusiasm to your speech. For instance:
   – “Il est carrément génial !” (He’s totally awesome!)
   – “J’ai carrément oublié de lui demander” (I totally forgot to ask him)
3. Complètement – While “complètement” is primarily used formally, it can also be employed in casual conversations to emphasize agreement or understanding. Examples include:
   – “J’en ai complètement marre !” (I’m totally fed up with it!)
   – “C’est complètement dingue !” (That’s totally crazy!)

Additional Tips and Examples

Now that you have a good grasp of different ways to say “totally” in French, here are some additional tips and examples to help you use them effectively:

• Regional Variations: While the expressions mentioned earlier are widely used and understood throughout the French-speaking world, it’s important to note that regional variations might exist. For instance, in Canada, “complètement” is commonly replaced with “tout à fait.”
• Intensify with “Vraiment”: To further emphasize the meaning of “totally,” consider adding the adverb “vraiment” (really). Examples include:
  – “C’est vraiment complètement fou” (It’s totally crazy)
  – “J’ai vraiment tout à fait aimé ce film” (I absolutely loved that movie)
• Use Context: As with any language, understanding the context is crucial. Pay attention to the tone of the conversation and adjust your choice of expression accordingly. The more you listen to native French speakers, the better you will become at using the appropriate phrases.

“Rappelle-toi toujours d’utiliser les expressions qui conviennent au contexte. C’est le complètement essentiel !” – Always remember to use the expressions that suit the context. It’s totally essential!

I hope this guide has helped you understand how to say “totally” in French in both formal and informal situations. Remember to practice using these phrases to become more confident in your French conversations. Now, go out there and show off your new vocabulary skills! Bonne chance!