What does it mean word for word?
Literally, faire du sport translates to "to do some sport". The du part is a contraction of de and le.
Which one should you use?
While faire du sport is a general term for any type of physical exercise, faire de la musculation is used specifically when you are referring to weight training or bodybuilding. Additionally, s'entraîner is a more precise choice if you are talking about training or practicing for a particular sport.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec, it is common to use faire de l'activité physique to mean work out. In Belgium, faire du fitness is frequently used as an informal way to express working out.
How does it change in a sentence?
The du in faire du sport is a contraction of de and le. This part of the phrase will change based on the gender of the sport you are discussing. For example, you would say faire de la natation for swimming.
Did you know?
- The word sport was actually borrowed from English in the early 19th century. When it first entered the French language, speakers typically pronounced the final 't'.
Examples in context
- Je fais de l'exercice tous les matinsI work out every morning
- Je m'entraîne pour une courseI am working out for a race
- Elle s'entraîne tous les joursShe works out every day
- Je fais du sport tous les soirsI work out every evening
- Je dois me bouger plus souventI need to work out more often
- Je fais de l'activité physique régulièrementI work out regularly
- Ils font de l'activité physique parfoisThey work out sometimes
- Il fait de la musculation pour se renforcerHe does weightlifting to strengthen himself
- Nous faisons de l'exercice en groupeWe work out in a group
- Je vais faire du sport après le travail.I am going to work out after work.
- Je vais faire du sport ce matin.I am going to exercise this morning.
- Elle veut faire du sport tous les jours.She wants to exercise every day.
- Est-ce que tu veux faire du sport avec moi ?Do you want to work out with me?
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are talking about their weekend plans.
- GabrielQu'est-ce que tu fais samedi, Léa ?What are you doing Saturday, Léa?
- LéaJe vais faire du sport au gymnase.I'm going to work out at the gym.
- GabrielC'est génial, je peux venir avec toi ?That's great, can I come with you?
- LéaOui, Gabriel, on se retrouve là-bas !Yes, Gabriel, we'll meet there!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, faire, sport, CC BY-SA 4.0.
