phrase in 30 Sekunden
- Phrase means 'sentence' in French, not just a fragment of words.
- It is a feminine noun (une phrase) and follows standard SVO word order.
- A phrase must start with a capital and end with punctuation.
- Commonly used in school, media ('petite phrase'), and literary contexts.
The French word phrase is a fundamental concept in linguistics and everyday communication. While it looks identical to the English word 'phrase', its primary meaning is actually 'sentence'. In French, a phrase is a sequence of words that makes sense on its own, typically beginning with a capital letter and ending with a full stop (.), question mark (?), or exclamation mark (!).
- La Phrase Simple
- A sentence containing only one conjugated verb, representing a single main clause. Example: 'Le chat dort.'
- La Phrase Complexe
- A sentence containing at least two conjugated verbs and multiple clauses. Example: 'Je pense qu'il va pleuvoir.'
Une phrase bien construite est la clé d'une communication claire.
Understanding the structure of a phrase involves identifying the subject (who or what), the verb (the action or state), and often the complement (additional information). In French, the standard word order is Subject-Verb-Object (SVO), much like English. However, French is more rigid about the presence of a subject pronoun than some other Romance languages like Spanish or Italian.
Écrivez une phrase sur votre famille.
In a broader sense, 'phrase' can also refer to a musical phrase or a specific way of speaking. When someone mentions a 'petite phrase' in French politics, they are referring to a short, punchy, and often controversial statement designed to be picked up by the media. This demonstrates that while the grammatical definition is strict, the social application of the word can imply rhetoric and impact.
- Phrase Nominale
- A sentence without a conjugated verb, often used in titles or exclamations. Example: 'Quelle belle journée !'
Using the word phrase correctly requires understanding its role as a noun. It is feminine, so it takes feminine articles: la phrase, une phrase, cette phrase. When constructing sentences about sentences, you will often use verbs like écrire (to write), lire (to read), prononcer (to pronounce), or analyser (to analyze).
- Common Verbs
- Construire une phrase (to build), traduire une phrase (to translate), souligner une phrase (to underline).
Peux-tu traduire cette phrase en anglais ?
In grammatical exercises, you will encounter various types of 'phrases'. The phrase déclarative states a fact, the phrase interrogative asks a question, the phrase exclamative expresses strong emotion, and the phrase impérative gives a command. Mastering these types is essential for A1 and A2 learners to vary their communication style.
Il a dit une phrase très mystérieuse avant de partir.
At more advanced levels, you might talk about the tournure de phrase (phrasing/wording). This refers to the specific way a thought is expressed. A 'belle tournure de phrase' suggests elegance and stylistic flair. Writers often spend hours perfecting a single phrase to ensure the rhythm and tone are exactly right.
- Phrases d'accroche
- Hook sentences used at the beginning of essays or speeches to grab attention.
Sa phrase fétiche est : 'Vouloir, c'est pouvoir'.
The word phrase is ubiquitous in educational settings. If you are taking a French class, your teacher will constantly use it. 'Répétez la phrase' (Repeat the sentence), 'Faites une phrase avec le mot...' (Make a sentence with the word...), or 'Lisez la phrase suivante' (Read the following sentence) are standard instructions.
Le professeur nous demande d'écrire dix phrases au passé composé.
In the world of media and journalism, 'phrase' takes on a more strategic meaning. Journalists often look for the 'petite phrase'—a short, memorable, and often provocative statement made by a politician. These 'petites phrases' often become the headline of the day and can influence public opinion or spark debates. This usage highlights the power of language beyond simple grammar.
You will also hear it in literature and philosophy. Critics might discuss the 'phrase proustienne'—referring to the famously long and complex sentences of Marcel Proust. In this context, the word 'phrase' is linked to the breath, the rhythm, and the unique voice of the author. It is not just a grammatical unit but an artistic one.
- En résumé
- Whether in a classroom, a newspaper, or a concert hall, 'phrase' denotes a structured unit of meaning.
The most common mistake for English speakers is treating phrase as a direct equivalent to the English word 'phrase'. In English, a phrase is a group of words that *doesn't* necessarily form a complete sentence (e.g., 'in the morning'). In French, this is called an expression or a locution. If you mean 'sentence', use 'phrase'. If you mean 'expression', use 'expression'.
Incorrect: 'In the morning' est une phrase.
Correct: 'In the morning' est une expression.
Another mistake is grammatical: forgetting that 'phrase' is feminine. Students often say 'un phrase' instead of 'une phrase'. This is a common error for A1 learners who are still internalizing noun genders. Always pair it with 'la' or 'une'.
Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the 'phrase complexe'. In French, when you join two phrases, you often need a conjunction (que, qui, car, mais). Simply putting two sentences together with a comma (comma splice) is considered a stylistic error in formal French writing, just as it is in English.
To enrich your vocabulary, it's helpful to know words related to phrase. While 'phrase' is the general term for a sentence, other words describe specific types of word groupings or utterances.
- Énoncé
- A more technical term used in linguistics to refer to any spoken or written utterance, regardless of its grammatical completeness.
- Proposition
- A clause. A 'phrase' can be made up of several 'propositions'.
- Sentence
- In French, this usually refers to a moral maxim or a legal judgment, not just any sentence.
Il utilise des expressions idiomatiques dans chaque phrase.
Comparing 'phrase' with 'parole' is also useful. 'Parole' refers to the act of speaking or a specific word given as a promise ('donner sa parole'). A 'phrase' is the structural unit, while 'parole' is the abstract concept of speech or the individual's contribution to a conversation.
How Formal Is It?
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Wichtige Grammatik
Word order (SVO)
Punctuation spacing
Noun-adjective agreement
Relative pronouns
Negation
Beispiele nach Niveau
C'est une phrase.
This is a sentence.
Basic 'c'est' structure.
Je lis la phrase.
I am reading the sentence.
Subject-Verb-Object (SVO).
La phrase est courte.
The sentence is short.
Adjective agreement (feminine).
Écris une phrase.
Write a sentence.
Imperative mood.
Où est la phrase ?
Where is the sentence?
Interrogative structure.
C'est ma phrase préférée.
It's my favorite sentence.
Possessive adjective 'ma'.
Il y a une phrase ici.
There is a sentence here.
Use of 'il y a'.
La phrase finit par un point.
The sentence ends with a period.
Present tense verb 'finit'.
Je ne comprends pas cette phrase.
I don't understand this sentence.
Negative structure 'ne... pas'.
Peux-tu répéter la phrase, s'il te plaît ?
Can you repeat the sentence, please?
Polite request with 'peux-tu'.
Cette phrase est très longue et difficile.
This sentence is very long and difficult.
Multiple adjectives.
Il a écrit une phrase sur le tableau.
He wrote a sentence on the board.
Passé composé.
Il faut traduire cette phrase en français.
It is necessary to translate this sentence into French.
Impersonal 'il faut'.
Elle a souligné la phrase importante.
She underlined the important sentence.
Past participle agreement.
C'est une phrase que j'aime beaucoup.
It's a sentence that I like a lot.
Relative pronoun 'que'.
Chaque phrase commence par une majuscule.
Every sentence starts with a capital letter.
Indefinite adjective 'chaque'.
Je cherche une phrase qui résume bien le livre.
I am looking for a sentence that summarizes the book well.
Relative clause with 'qui'.
Il a prononcé une phrase qui a surpris tout le monde.
He uttered a sentence that surprised everyone.
Complex sentence structure.
Si tu ne comprends pas, lis la phrase encore une fois.
If you don't understand, read the sentence one more time.
Conditional 'si' clause.
C'est une phrase pleine de sens.
It's a sentence full of meaning.
Adjective phrase 'pleine de'.
Il est difficile de construire une phrase correcte.
It is difficult to build a correct sentence.
Infinitive construction 'il est... de'.
Bien que la phrase soit courte, elle est puissante.
Although the sentence is short, it is powerful.
Subjunctive after 'bien que'.
Je me souviens de cette phrase depuis mon enfance.
I remember this sentence since my childhood.
Verb 'se souvenir de'.
Il a ajouté une petite phrase à la fin de sa lettre.
He added a small sentence at the end of his letter.
Noun-adjective order.
Sa tournure de phrase est vraiment élégante.
His phrasing is truly elegant.
Expression 'tournure de phrase'.
Cette petite phrase a déclenché une vive polémique.
This short statement triggered a sharp controversy.
Metaphorical use of 'petite phrase'.
Il a l'art de trouver la phrase juste au bon moment.
He has the knack for finding the right sentence at the right time.
Noun 'art' + 'de' + infinitive.
On peut analyser cette phrase sous plusieurs angles.
One can analyze this sentence from several angles.
Preposition 'sous'.
La structure de la phrase influence la compréhension.
The structure of the sentence influences understanding.
Abstract noun usage.
Il a cité une phrase célèbre de Victor Hugo.
He quoted a famous sentence by Victor Hugo.
Verb 'citer'.
Évitez les phrases trop complexes dans votre rapport.
Avoid overly complex sentences in your report.
Imperative 'évitez'.
Cette phrase résume parfaitement ma pensée.
This sentence perfectly summarizes my thought.
Adverb 'parfaitement'.
L'auteur privilégie la phrase courte pour dynamiser le récit.
The author favors short sentences to energize the narrative.
Literary analysis vocabulary.
Chaque phrase semble avoir été pesée avec soin.
Every sentence seems to have been carefully weighed.
Passive voice 'avoir été pesée'.
La phrase proustienne est célèbre pour sa longueur labyrinthique.
The Proustian sentence is famous for its labyrinthine length.
Specific literary reference.
Il a glissé une phrase assassine au milieu de son discours.
He slipped a devastating sentence into the middle of his speech.
Idiomatic 'phrase assassine'.
L'équilibre de la phrase repose sur le choix des épithètes.
The balance of the sentence rests on the choice of epithets.
Technical linguistic term 'épithètes'.
Il s'agit d'une phrase d'accroche particulièrement efficace.
It is a particularly effective hook sentence.
Expression 'phrase d'accroche'.
La ponctuation donne le rythme à la phrase.
Punctuation gives rhythm to the sentence.
Metaphorical 'rythme'.
On sent une certaine ironie dans cette phrase.
One senses a certain irony in this sentence.
Abstract concept 'ironie'.
L'herméneutique de cette phrase révèle des strates de sens insoupçonnées.
The hermeneutics of this sentence reveal unsuspected layers of meaning.
High-level academic vocabulary.
Sa prose se caractérise par une déconstruction systématique de la phrase classique.
His prose is characterized by a systematic deconstruction of the classic sentence.
Philosophical/Literary term 'déconstruction'.
La phrase s'étire, se contorsionne, et finit par s'évanouir dans le silence.
The sentence stretches, contorts, and ends up vanishing into silence.
Personification of the sentence.
Il manie la phrase avec une dextérité presque chirurgicale.
He wields the sentence with almost surgical dexterity.
Advanced metaphor.
La concision de la phrase renforce l'impact du message.
The conciseness of the sentence reinforces the impact of the message.
Noun 'concision'.
On ne saurait réduire sa pensée à une simple phrase.
One cannot reduce his thought to a simple sentence.
Formal 'ne saurait' construction.
Cette phrase fait office de pivot dans toute l'argumentation.
This sentence serves as a pivot in the entire argument.
Expression 'faire office de'.
L'incise vient rompre la linéarité de la phrase.
The parenthetical remark breaks the linearity of the sentence.
Technical term 'incise'.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
Leicht verwechselbar
Satzmuster
So verwendest du es
In linguistics, 'phrase' is the syntactic unit, while 'énoncé' is the communicative unit.
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The noun is feminine.
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'Phrase' implies a complete sentence.
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A phrase is not complete without punctuation.
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Don't just join two phrases with a comma.
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French usually requires an explicit subject.
Tipps
Capitalization
Always start your phrase with a 'majuscule' (capital letter).
The Period
A phrase must end with a 'point' (period) or other terminal punctuation.
False Friend
Remember: Phrase = Sentence. Expression = Phrase.
Variety
Try to mix 'phrases simples' and 'phrases complexes' in your writing.
Intonation
The melody of your voice should fall at the end of a declarative phrase.
Politics
Listen for 'petites phrases' in French news to understand political nuances.
Music
The word 'phrase' is also used in music to describe a melodic unit.
Context
Learn phrases, not just words, to improve your fluency faster.
Elegance
A 'belle tournure de phrase' makes your French sound much more native.
Instructions
In exams, 'Faites une phrase' means you must write a full sentence, not just a word.
Einprägen
Wortherkunft
Greek 'phrasis' (diction, way of speaking), via Latin 'phrasis'.
Kultureller Kontext
The 'petite phrase' is a key rhetorical tool in French elections.
Dictation (la dictée) is a national tradition focusing on sentence accuracy.
Proust's long sentences are a point of national pride and study.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Gesprächseinstiege
"Quelle est ta phrase préférée ?"
"Peux-tu m'expliquer cette phrase ?"
"Comment dit-on cette phrase en français ?"
"As-tu entendu la petite phrase du président ?"
"Est-ce que cette phrase est correcte ?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Écris une phrase sur ta journée.
Quelle phrase célèbre t'inspire le plus ?
Invente une phrase avec trois adjectifs.
Décris ton livre préféré en une seule phrase.
Traduisez une phrase de votre chanson préférée.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenUsually, yes. However, a 'phrase nominale' (like 'Quelle chance !') does not have a conjugated verb but is still considered a phrase.
In French, 'une phrase' is a standard sentence. 'Une sentence' is a formal moral judgment or a legal verdict.
You can use 'slogan' or 'phrase fétiche' depending on the context.
It is always feminine: une phrase, la phrase.
Yes, if it conveys a complete thought and has punctuation, like 'Merci !' or 'Bonjour.'.
It is a short, often controversial statement made by a public figure to attract media attention.
You can use the verb 'formuler' or 'exprimer'.
Yes, 'des phrases'.
It is a 'hook' sentence used to start an essay or a speech to grab the audience's attention.
Because in English, a 'phrase' is a fragment, but in French, it is a full sentence.
Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen
Write a simple sentence in French using the word 'phrase'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I am writing a long sentence.'
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Describe what a 'phrase' is in French.
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Write a sentence about your favorite quote (phrase fétiche).
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Translate: 'Can you repeat the sentence?'
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Use 'tournure de phrase' in a sentence.
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Write a 'phrase nominale' (no verb).
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Translate: 'Every sentence starts with a capital letter.'
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Explain why 'phrase' is a false friend.
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Write a sentence using 'phrase d'accroche'.
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Translate: 'The teacher corrected my sentences.'
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Use 'phrase assassine' in a context.
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Write a complex sentence (phrase complexe).
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Translate: 'I don't understand this sentence.'
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Write a sentence about a 'petite phrase' you heard.
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Translate: 'The sentence ends with a period.'
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Describe the rhythm of a sentence.
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Translate: 'Translate this sentence into French.'
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Write a sentence using 'en une phrase'.
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Use 'phrasé' in a sentence about music.
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Pronounce: 'Une phrase.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'C'est ma phrase.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Ask: 'Quelle est cette phrase ?'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'Répétez la phrase.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'Je ne comprends pas la phrase.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'C'est une phrase difficile.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'Écris une phrase au tableau.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'Ma phrase fétiche est...' and finish it.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'Sa tournure de phrase est belle.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'En une phrase, c'est parfait.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'Traduisez cette phrase.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'C'est une petite phrase politique.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'La phrase finit par un point.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'Il a dit une phrase assassine.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'Lisez la phrase suivante.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'Chaque phrase est importante.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'Le phrasé est magnifique.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'Faites une phrase simple.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'C'est une phrase nominale.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'Je cherche la phrase juste.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Listen and write the word: 'Une phrase.'
Listen and write: 'C'est une phrase.'
Listen and write: 'Écris la phrase.'
Listen and write: 'La phrase est longue.'
Listen and write: 'Traduisez cette phrase.'
Listen and write: 'Je ne comprends pas la phrase.'
Listen and write: 'C'est une phrase simple.'
Listen and write: 'Répétez la phrase.'
Listen and write: 'Ma phrase fétiche.'
Listen and write: 'Une petite phrase.'
Listen and write: 'Sa tournure de phrase.'
Listen and write: 'La phrase nominale.'
Listen and write: 'Une phrase assassine.'
Listen and write: 'En une phrase.'
Listen and write: 'Lisez la phrase.'
Write a sentence with 'phrase' and 'difficile'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence with 'phrase' and 'politique'.
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Write a sentence with 'phrase' and 'musique'.
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Write a sentence with 'phrase' and 'Proust'.
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Write a sentence with 'phrase' and 'finir'.
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/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The French word 'phrase' translates to 'sentence'. It is the basic unit of written and spoken communication. Example: 'Cette phrase est facile' (This sentence is easy).
- Phrase means 'sentence' in French, not just a fragment of words.
- It is a feminine noun (une phrase) and follows standard SVO word order.
- A phrase must start with a capital and end with punctuation.
- Commonly used in school, media ('petite phrase'), and literary contexts.
Capitalization
Always start your phrase with a 'majuscule' (capital letter).
The Period
A phrase must end with a 'point' (period) or other terminal punctuation.
False Friend
Remember: Phrase = Sentence. Expression = Phrase.
Variety
Try to mix 'phrases simples' and 'phrases complexes' in your writing.
Verwandte Inhalte
Im Kontext lernen
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
Mehr communication Wörter
À bientôt
A1Bis bald.
accepter
A2Etwas Angebotenes annehmen oder zustimmen. Eine Situation oder Bedingung tolerieren.
accord
A2Eine Vereinbarung oder Harmonie zwischen Personen.
accueillir
A2Jemanden bei seiner Ankunft empfangen oder willkommen heißen. Auch: Platz für eine bestimmte Anzahl von Personen bieten.
actualité
A2Das aktuelle Geschehen oder die Nachrichten.
adresser
A2To address, to speak or write to someone.
affabulation
B2A fabricated story or statement, often fanciful or exaggerated.
affirmation
B2Eine Bestätigung ist eine Aussage, die besagt, dass etwas wahr ist oder existiert. Es ist eine starke Erklärung oder Bekräftigung.
affirmer
B1Etwas mit Bestimmtheit behaupten oder feststellen. Sich als Person oder in einer Rolle behaupten und durchsetzen.
allô
A1Hallo (am Telefon); wird verwendet, um einen Anruf entgegenzunehmen.
