Significado
Laugh discreetly so that others do not notice.
Contexto cultural
In French literature, 'rire sous cape' is often associated with the character of the 'valet' (servant) who is smarter than his master and laughs at his master's foolishness. While used in Quebec, you might also hear 'rire dans sa barbe' more frequently in casual rural contexts. The phrase is used identically in Belgium, often in political cartoons to show a politician who has outsmarted a rival. Swiss French speakers use it to describe the 'humour à froid' (dry humor) that is typical of the region.
Use it for 'Schadenfreude'
This is the best French phrase to describe that feeling of seeing a 'know-it-all' make a tiny mistake.
Don't add 'la'
Remember: it's 'rire sous cape,' NOT 'rire sous la cape.' Adding the article makes it sound like you are literally wearing a costume.
Significado
Laugh discreetly so that others do not notice.
Use it for 'Schadenfreude'
This is the best French phrase to describe that feeling of seeing a 'know-it-all' make a tiny mistake.
Don't add 'la'
Remember: it's 'rire sous cape,' NOT 'rire sous la cape.' Adding the article makes it sound like you are literally wearing a costume.
The 'Barbe' Alternative
If you want to sound even more like a native, use 'rire dans sa barbe' when talking about an older man.
Social Etiquette
In France, 'rire sous cape' is often seen as a sign of intelligence and observation rather than just being mean.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Quand le clown est tombé, les enfants ont ______ ______ ______.
We need the past participle 'ri' after the auxiliary 'ont' to form the Passé Composé.
Which situation best describes 'rire sous cape'?
Marc est à un enterrement et il se souvient d'une blague drôle. Il ne veut pas que les gens le voient sourire.
He is hiding his amusement in a serious situation, which is the definition of 'rire sous cape'.
Match the idiom to its meaning.
Match the following:
These three 'rire' idioms are often confused but have very different meanings.
What would Sophie say?
Jean: 'Pourquoi tu me regardes comme ça ? J'ai quelque chose sur le visage ?' Sophie: '(Elle a vu une tache de sauce sur son nez) Non, non... (Elle ______ ______ ______)'
Sophie is secretly amused by the sauce on Jean's nose but doesn't want to tell him yet.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Rire sous cape vs. Rire jaune
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosQuand le clown est tombé, les enfants ont ______ ______ ______.
We need the past participle 'ri' after the auxiliary 'ont' to form the Passé Composé.
Marc est à un enterrement et il se souvient d'une blague drôle. Il ne veut pas que les gens le voient sourire.
He is hiding his amusement in a serious situation, which is the definition of 'rire sous cape'.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
These three 'rire' idioms are often confused but have very different meanings.
Jean: 'Pourquoi tu me regardes comme ça ? J'ai quelque chose sur le visage ?' Sophie: '(Elle a vu une tache de sauce sur son nez) Non, non... (Elle ______ ______ ______)'
Sophie is secretly amused by the sauce on Jean's nose but doesn't want to tell him yet.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNot necessarily. It depends on why you are laughing. It can be a bit mocking, but it's often just a way to handle a funny situation in a serious place.
No. If the laugh is loud, use 'rire aux éclats' or 'éclater de rire.'
Yes, very much so! You will see it in newspapers, books, and hear it in movies and daily conversation.
They are 95% the same. 'Barbe' is slightly more informal and historically masculine.
Use 'avoir' + 'ri'. Example: 'J'ai ri sous cape.'
Technically yes, as an idiom, but 'rire sous cape' is much more natural for everyone.
It is neutral-to-formal. It's perfect for a professional setting.
It's not the standard idiom, but people will understand you. Stick to 'rire' for the full effect.
Yes, 'se marrer en douce' is a more casual way to say the same thing.
Sometimes it implies a bit of 'Schadenfreude,' but it can also just be a shared secret between friends.
Frases relacionadas
Rire dans sa barbe
synonymTo laugh in one's beard.
Rire jaune
contrastTo laugh forcedly.
Rire aux éclats
contrastTo laugh out loud.
Se gausser
similarTo mock or make fun of.
Pincer sans rire
relatedDeadpan humor.
Avoir le mot pour rire
builds onTo be witty/funny.
