vers le haut
The English phrase upwards is translated into French as vers le haut.
Vers le haut is used as an adverbial phrase of direction to indicate movement toward a higher position. While it describes the direction of movement, you might also use the verb s'élever to mean to rise or the more intense phrase monter en flèche to mean to skyrocket.
Meaning: to a higher position (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of three parts: vers (towards), le (the) and haut (top/high).
How does it change in a sentence?
In a sentence, vers le haut functions as an adverbial phrase of direction.
Did you know?
- The word haut in vers le haut is a direct relative of the English word 'haughty', which describes someone who thinks they are above others.
- The word vers shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'versus', as both stem from the Latin 'vertere' meaning 'to turn'.
- In many contexts, using vers le haut alongside the verb monter can feel redundant. This is because monter inherently carries the meaning of moving to a higher position.
Examples in context
- Les tensions dans la chaîne d'approvisionnement ont considérablement poussé les prix vers le haut.Supply chain constraints have thrust prices upwards considerably.This sentence shows how vers le haut can be used to describe prices being pushed to a higher level.Tatoeba #10343293 by lbdx, translation #10343292 by AlanF_US
- Le ballon s'est envolé vers le hautThe balloon flew upwards
- L'avion s'est élevé à la verticaleThe plane ascended vertically
- Il a sauté vers le haut pour attraper la balleHe jumped upwards to catch the ball
- J'ai placé tes affaires en haut de l'étagèreI put your belongings up there on the shelf
- Je vais vers le haut en prenant l'escalatorI am going upwards by taking the escalator
- Elles ont monté les marches vers le haut du bâtimentThey climbed the steps to the top of the building
- La fusée est partie en ligne droite vers le hautThe rocket went straight up
- Il a grimpé jusqu'en haut de l'arbreHe climbed up to the top of the tree
- Il regarde vers le haut pour voir les oiseaux.He looks upwards to see the birds.
- L'ascenseur se déplace vers le haut.The elevator moves upwards.
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are looking at a large painting on a wall.
- ManonRegarde vers le haut, Hugo !Look upwards, Hugo!
- HugoQu'est-ce qu'il y a là-haut ?What is up there?
- ManonLe plafond est magnifiquement peint.The ceiling is beautifully painted.
- HugoC'est vraiment impressionnant.It is really impressive.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries haut, le, vers, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
