en face
en face 30 सेकंड में
- Means 'opposite' or 'facing'.
- Use 'en face de' with a noun.
- Contract 'de' with le/les (du, des).
- Don't confuse with 'devant' (in front).
The French phrase 'en face' is a fundamental spatial expression used to indicate that something is located directly opposite or facing something else. Understanding how to navigate space and describe locations is a core competency in the French language, particularly at the A2 level where learners are expected to give and follow directions. When you use 'en face', you are establishing a direct line of sight or a spatial relationship where two entities are positioned front-to-front. This concept is deeply ingrained in everyday French communication, from describing the layout of a city street to explaining where someone is sitting at a dinner table. The literal translation is 'in face', which perfectly encapsulates the idea of two things facing each other.
- Spatial Orientation
- In spatial terms, 'en face' denotes a position directly across a dividing space, such as a street, a room, or a table. It implies a frontal alignment.
La boulangerie est juste en face.
It is important to distinguish between 'en face' used as an adverbial phrase standing alone, and 'en face de' used as a prepositional phrase requiring an object. When a specific reference point is already understood from the context, 'en face' is sufficient. For example, if you are standing outside a train station and someone asks where the hotel is, you can simply point across the street and say 'Il est en face'. However, if you need to explicitly state the reference point, you must append the preposition 'de', which then contracts with definite articles as necessary (du, de la, de l', des).
- Grammatical Function
- It functions both as an independent adverb of place and, when combined with 'de', as a complex preposition introducing a locative complement.
Il s'est assis en face de moi.
Beyond physical locations, 'en face' can occasionally take on a more abstract or psychological nuance, though this is less common at the A2 level. It can imply confrontation or direct opposition in a debate or conflict. However, for early learners, mastering the physical, geographical application is paramount. The phrase is ubiquitous in urban environments. French cities, with their intricate networks of streets and boulevards, require precise navigational vocabulary. Knowing how to say that the pharmacy is opposite the bakery, or that the post office is facing the park, is essential for daily life.
- Urban Navigation
- A critical vocabulary item for giving and receiving directions in francophone cities, indicating landmarks positioned across from one another.
Regarde le bâtiment en face.
In summary, 'en face' is a versatile and indispensable phrase. It paints a clear picture of two entities separated by a space but oriented towards each other. Whether you are arranging furniture in a living room, describing the layout of a classroom, or finding your way through the bustling streets of Paris, 'en face' provides the precise spatial clarity needed for effective communication. Practice visualizing the 'face-to-face' relationship to solidify your understanding of this concept.
Nous habitons dans la maison d'en face.
Le parc est en face du musée.
Using 'en face' correctly depends entirely on whether you are mentioning the reference point explicitly in your sentence or leaving it implied based on the context. This dual nature makes it highly flexible but requires a solid understanding of French prepositional mechanics. When 'en face' is used as an adverb, it stands alone at the end of a clause or sentence. This happens when the speaker and the listener already know what is being faced. For instance, if you are looking out of your apartment window and say, 'Le supermarché est en face', the listener understands that the supermarket is opposite your apartment building. There is no need to add 'de mon appartement' because the context provides that information.
- Standalone Adverb
- Used without 'de' when the reference point is obvious from the physical context or previous conversation.
C'est le magasin juste en face.
Conversely, when you need to specify the object that is being faced, you must transform the adverb into a prepositional phrase by adding 'de'. This is where learners must be careful with mandatory contractions. If the noun following 'de' is masculine singular (le), 'de + le' becomes 'du'. If it is plural (les), 'de + les' becomes 'des'. For feminine singular (la) or words starting with a vowel (l'), it remains 'de la' or 'de l''. For example, 'en face du cinéma', 'en face de la gare', 'en face de l'hôpital', and 'en face des magasins'. Mastering these contractions is essential for sounding natural and grammatically correct.
- Prepositional Phrase
- Requires the preposition 'de' followed by a noun, necessitating the correct use of definite article contractions.
Elle travaille en face de la mairie.
Another common usage is with stressed pronouns (pronoms toniques) to indicate people facing each other. For example, 'en face de moi' (opposite me), 'en face de toi' (opposite you), 'en face de lui/elle' (opposite him/her), and 'en face d'eux/elles' (opposite them). This is particularly useful when describing seating arrangements at a restaurant, a meeting room, or on public transport. 'Il est assis en face de moi' clearly establishes the spatial dynamic between two individuals. It is a highly practical structure for everyday storytelling and descriptions.
- With Pronouns
- Combines with stressed pronouns (moi, toi, lui, elle, nous, vous, eux, elles) to describe interpersonal positioning.
Ne te mets pas en face du soleil.
Finally, consider the rhythm and intonation of the phrase. The liaison is generally not made between 'en' and 'face' because 'face' begins with a consonant. The phrase is pronounced smoothly as two distinct syllables: [ɑ̃] and [fas]. When combined with 'de', the 'e' in 'de' is often dropped in rapid spoken French, making it sound like 'en face d'la gare' instead of 'en face de la gare'. Listening to native speakers will help you internalize these subtle phonetic reductions, making your spoken French sound much more authentic and fluid.
Le chat dort en face de la cheminée.
Ils habitent juste en face.
The phrase 'en face' is ubiquitous in francophone environments, deeply embedded in the daily interactions that involve navigating physical spaces. One of the most common scenarios where you will encounter this phrase is when asking for or giving directions. Whether you are a tourist looking for a museum in Paris or a local trying to find a newly opened restaurant, 'en face' is a key directional marker. You will hear locals say things like, 'C'est juste en face de la station de métro' or 'Traversez la rue, c'est en face'. It is an essential part of the vocabulary needed to move efficiently through any French-speaking city or town.
- Giving Directions
- Frequently used by pedestrians, drivers, and GPS systems to indicate landmarks located directly across a street or pathway.
La pharmacie est en face de l'église.
Another frequent context is interior design and describing the layout of rooms. When discussing where to place furniture, 'en face' is highly useful. You might hear someone say, 'Mettons le canapé en face de la télévision' (Let's put the sofa opposite the television) or 'Le lit est en face de la fenêtre' (The bed is opposite the window). This application extends to describing seating arrangements in social settings, such as restaurants or dinner parties. 'Je voudrais m'asseoir en face de toi' (I would like to sit opposite you) is a common request that establishes a direct, face-to-face interaction, which is highly valued in French dining culture.
- Interior Layouts
- Used to describe the positioning of furniture, doors, and windows within a room to create a clear mental map of the space.
Placez la chaise en face du bureau.
In the context of public transportation, 'en face' is also highly relevant. When waiting for a train, you might notice that the platform for the return journey is 'le quai d'en face' (the opposite platform). On a bus or a train with facing seats, you might sit 'en face d'un inconnu' (opposite a stranger). This specific spatial relationship is a common feature of European public transit design, making the phrase practically unavoidable during daily commutes. Understanding it helps travelers navigate stations and seating arrangements with ease.
- Public Transport
- Crucial for identifying opposite platforms, tracks, or seating arrangements on trains, buses, and subways.
Son train arrive sur le quai d'en face.
Finally, in literature and storytelling, 'en face' is used to set the scene and establish the physical relationship between characters or objects. It helps the reader visualize the setting. A detective novel might describe a suspect living 'dans l'immeuble d'en face' (in the building opposite), creating a sense of surveillance or proximity. While primarily a practical phrase, its role in descriptive language makes it a valuable tool for both comprehension and creative expression in French.
L'homme en face de moi lisait un journal.
Le restaurant est situé en face de la mer.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 'en face' is confusing it with 'devant' (in front of). While both deal with frontal positioning, they describe entirely different spatial relationships. 'Devant' means something is directly ahead of you, but not necessarily facing you. For example, if you are standing in a queue, the person 'devant' you has their back to you. 'En face', however, requires a face-to-face orientation or being situated across a dividing space like a street. If a building is 'en face', its front is looking at your front. Using 'devant' when you mean 'across the street' will lead to confusion.
- Devant vs En face
- 'Devant' implies sequential order or simply being ahead, while 'en face' implies opposition across a space, usually front-to-front.
Ne confondez pas être devant et être en face.
Another major stumbling block is the omission or incorrect contraction of the preposition 'de'. Learners often say 'en face le parc' instead of the correct 'en face du parc'. Because 'en face' translates to 'opposite' in English, and 'opposite' doesn't require 'of' (e.g., 'opposite the park'), English speakers naturally drop the 'de' in French. It is crucial to remember that in French, the structure is strictly 'en face + de + noun'. Furthermore, failing to contract 'de + le' to 'du' or 'de + les' to 'des' marks the speaker as a beginner. Practicing these contractions until they are automatic is highly recommended.
- Forgetting 'De'
- A direct translation error from English; 'en face' must always be followed by 'de' when an object is specified.
Il habite en face du (not de le) supermarché.
Learners also sometimes confuse 'en face' with 'avant' (before). 'Avant' is strictly a temporal preposition, referring to time, not physical space. You do something 'avant' (before) something else happens. You do not place an object 'avant' another object in a room; you place it 'devant' or 'en face'. This confusion usually stems from a general misunderstanding of prepositions of time versus prepositions of place. Keeping a clear mental separation between spatial and temporal vocabulary will prevent this error.
- Spatial vs Temporal
- Never use 'avant' (time) when you mean 'en face' or 'devant' (space).
La poste est en face de la banque.
Lastly, a subtle mistake is overusing 'en face' when 'vis-à-vis' might be more appropriate in formal or abstract contexts. While 'en face' is perfect for physical locations, 'vis-à-vis' is better suited for discussing relationships, comparisons, or attitudes towards a specific issue (e.g., 'mon attitude vis-à-vis de ce problème'). Sticking to 'en face' for physical geography is the safest bet for A2 learners.
Asseyez-vous en face de votre partenaire.
Le miroir est en face de la porte.
Expanding your vocabulary around spatial relationships involves learning words that are similar to 'en face' but carry slightly different nuances. One closely related term is 'vis-à-vis'. While it literally means 'face to face', it is often used in a more formal or abstract sense than 'en face'. In real estate, a house with 'un vis-à-vis' means it has windows directly facing another building's windows, often implying a lack of privacy. In abstract terms, 'vis-à-vis de' translates to 'concerning' or 'in relation to'. For simple physical directions, 'en face' remains the preferred, everyday choice.
- Vis-à-vis
- Often implies a direct, sometimes intrusive, line of sight between buildings, or is used abstractly to mean 'regarding'.
Ils habitent juste en face, sans vis-à-vis.
Another phrase to consider is 'à l'opposé de'. This translates directly to 'opposite to' but often carries a stronger sense of being at the completely other end of a space, rather than just across a street. For example, 'Il habite à l'opposé de la ville' means he lives on the completely opposite side of the city. 'En face' is more localized—just across the immediate dividing space. 'À l'opposé' emphasizes the maximum distance within a given area or a complete contrast in abstract terms.
- À l'opposé de
- Indicates being at the furthest possible point across a space, emphasizing distance and contrast rather than mere facing.
Ma chambre est en face de la tienne.
The preposition 'contre' (against) is also worth mentioning. While not meaning 'opposite', it is a spatial preposition that learners sometimes mix up when describing things touching or facing. 'Le lit est contre le mur' means the bed is against the wall. If you want to say the bed is facing the wall (but not touching it), you would use 'en face du mur'. Understanding the difference between contact ('contre') and proximity across a space ('en face') is vital for accurate descriptions.
- Contre
- Means 'against', implying physical contact, whereas 'en face' implies a gap or space between the two objects.
Le tableau est en face de la fenêtre.
Finally, 'de l'autre côté de' (on the other side of) is functionally very similar to 'en face de' when referring to streets or rivers. 'La banque est de l'autre côté de la rue' means essentially the same thing as 'La banque est en face'. However, 'en face' is more concise and specifically emphasizes the 'facing' aspect, whereas 'de l'autre côté' simply emphasizes crossing a boundary. Both are excellent tools for your navigational vocabulary.
La gare est juste en face.
Je me gare en face de chez toi.
How Formal Is It?
कठिनाई स्तर
ज़रूरी व्याकरण
Prepositions of place
Mandatory contractions (de + le = du)
Stressed pronouns (moi, toi, lui)
Imperative mood (for giving directions)
Adverbs of location
स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण
Le parc est en face.
The park is opposite.
Used as a standalone adverb without 'de'.
L'hôtel est juste en face.
The hotel is right opposite.
'Juste' adds emphasis, meaning 'right' or 'exactly'.
C'est en face ?
Is it opposite?
Simple question structure using intonation.
Regarde en face.
Look opposite/straight ahead.
Imperative form.
La gare est en face.
The station is opposite.
Basic identification of a location.
J'habite en face.
I live opposite.
Using 'habiter' to state residence location.
Le café est en face.
The cafe is opposite.
Common vocabulary for A1.
Non, c'est en face.
No, it's opposite.
Used in a simple negation/correction context.
La boulangerie est en face de la banque.
The bakery is opposite the bank.
Introduction of 'en face de' with feminine noun 'la banque'.
Il est assis en face de moi.
He is sitting opposite me.
Using a stressed pronoun 'moi'.
Le cinéma est en face du supermarché.
The cinema is opposite the supermarket.
Contraction: de + le = du.
Garez-vous en face de l'école.
Park opposite the school.
Using 'de l'' before a vowel.
Les toilettes sont en face des escaliers.
The toilets are opposite the stairs.
Contraction: de + les = des.
Elle habite dans la maison d'en face.
She lives in the house opposite.
Using 'd'en face' as an adjectival phrase.
Le chat dort en face de la cheminée.
The cat is sleeping opposite the fireplace.
Describing interior spatial arrangements.
Ne reste pas en face de la porte.
Don't stay opposite the door.
Negative imperative with spatial instruction.
Nous avons loué un appartement juste en face de la mer.
We rented an apartment right opposite the sea.
Combining 'juste' for emphasis with a complex prepositional phrase.
Le voisin d'en face fait toujours beaucoup de bruit.
The neighbor opposite always makes a lot of noise.
'Le voisin d'en face' is a very common B1 colloquialism.
Il s'est arrêté en face du monument pour prendre une photo.
He stopped opposite the monument to take a photo.
Using 'en face du' within a narrative sentence structure.
Lors de l'entretien, je me suis retrouvé en face du directeur.
During the interview, I found myself opposite the director.
Using 'se retrouver' to describe a situational placement.
Le nouveau centre commercial sera construit en face de l'ancien.
The new mall will be built opposite the old one.
Using future tense with spatial description.
Elle a traversé la rue pour aller à la pharmacie d'en face.
She crossed the street to go to the pharmacy opposite.
Linking movement ('traverser') with the destination ('d'en face').
Mettez le canapé en face de la télévision, c'est plus logique.
Put the sofa opposite the television, it's more logical.
Giving reasoned instructions regarding interior design.
Je préfère voyager dans le sens de la marche, pas en face.
I prefer traveling facing forward, not backwards (facing the opposite way).
Contextual use in public transport regarding seating orientation.
La construction de l'immeuble d'en face nous a complètement bouché la vue.
The construction of the building opposite completely blocked our view.
Using 'd'en face' as a modifier in a complex subject phrase.
Dans ce débat, il s'est retrouvé en face d'un adversaire redoutable.
In this debate, he found himself facing a formidable opponent.
Slightly metaphorical use implying confrontation or opposition.
Le restaurant est situé exactement en face de l'entrée principale du musée.
The restaurant is located exactly opposite the main entrance of the museum.
High precision in spatial description using 'exactement' and specific nouns.
Ils ont passé la soirée assis l'un en face de l'autre sans se dire un mot.
They spent the evening sitting opposite each other without saying a word.
Using 'l'un en face de l'autre' to emphasize mutual positioning.
Malgré les difficultés en face de lui, il a décidé de continuer.
Despite the difficulties facing him, he decided to continue.
Abstract use meaning 'confronting' or 'ahead of'.
Le commerce d'en face a fait faillite à cause de la crise.
The business opposite went bankrupt because of the crisis.
Integrating spatial vocabulary into economic/social discussions.
Assurez-vous que le miroir soit placé bien en face de la fenêtre pour refléter la lumière.
Ensure the mirror is placed directly opposite the window to reflect the light.
Subjunctive mood ('soit placé') combined with precise spatial instruction.
C'est un problème complexe, et nous avons des opinions diamétralement en face.
It's a complex problem, and we have diametrically opposed opinions.
Rare, highly figurative use meaning 'opposed' (though 'opposées' is more common, 'en face' can imply standing on opposite sides).
L'urbanisme moderne tend à éviter les grands ensembles placés directement en face les uns des autres pour préserver l'intimité.
Modern urban planning tends to avoid large complexes placed directly opposite each other to preserve privacy.
Complex syntax involving reciprocal pronouns ('les uns des autres').
Dans cette négociation tendue, se retrouver en face des syndicats nécessitait une préparation minutieuse.
In this tense negotiation, finding oneself facing the unions required meticulous preparation.
Metaphorical use indicating a formal confrontation or negotiation setting.
La façade de la cathédrale, majestueuse, se dresse en face de la petite place pavée.
The majestic facade of the cathedral stands opposite the small cobbled square.
Literary and descriptive use for setting a scene.
Il a toujours eu du mal à exprimer ses sentiments lorsqu'il se trouvait en face d'elle.
He always had trouble expressing his feelings when he found himself face-to-face with her.
Psychological nuance of physical presence causing an emotional reaction.
Le témoin a affirmé avoir vu l'accusé sortir de la ruelle située juste en face du lieu du crime.
The witness claimed to have seen the accused exiting the alleyway located right opposite the crime scene.
Precise spatial description used in a formal/legal context.
Cette politique va à l'encontre du bon sens, c'est l'évidence même quand on regarde les faits en face.
This policy goes against common sense, it's self-evident when you look the facts in the face.
Idiomatic expression 'regarder les faits en face' (to face the facts).
L'appartement offre une vue dégagée, sans aucun bâtiment en face pour obstruer l'horizon.
The apartment offers an unobstructed view, with no building opposite to block the horizon.
Real estate terminology emphasizing the absence of an opposing structure.
Leur stratégie consistait à placer leurs meilleures troupes en face du point faible de l'ennemi.
Their strategy consisted of placing their best troops opposite the enemy's weak point.
Tactical/military context of spatial alignment.
L'écrivain décrit avec acuité la sensation d'oppression ressentie par le protagoniste, cloîtré dans sa chambre, observant la vie monotone de l'immeuble d'en face.
The writer acutely describes the feeling of oppression felt by the protagonist, cloistered in his room, observing the monotonous life of the building opposite.
Highly literary, evocative use of 'd'en face' to establish a psychological atmosphere.
Placé en face de ses propres contradictions, le philosophe dut revoir l'entièreté de son postulat.
Faced with his own contradictions, the philosopher had to revise the entirety of his postulate.
Abstract, intellectual use meaning 'confronted by'.
L'architecture haussmannienne, avec ses façades alignées se regardant en face, a redéfini la sociabilité parisienne.
Haussmannian architecture, with its aligned facades looking at each other face-to-face, redefined Parisian sociability.
Personification ('se regardant') combined with spatial description in an academic context.
Il est fascinant d'observer comment deux cultures, situées géographiquement en face l'une de l'autre de part et d'autre du détroit, ont évolué si différemment.
It is fascinating to observe how two cultures, located geographically opposite each other on either side of the strait, evolved so differently.
Macro-geographical use involving complex prepositions ('de part et d'autre').
La dialectique hégélienne repose sur l'idée d'une thèse et d'une antithèse posées l'une en face de l'autre pour générer une synthèse.
Hegelian dialectic rests on the idea of a thesis and an antithesis placed opposite each other to generate a synthesis.
Philosophical discourse using spatial terminology to explain abstract concepts.
Dans ce huis clos étouffant, les personnages sont condamnés à vivre éternellement en face de leurs propres péchés.
In this stifling closed-door setting, the characters are condemned to live eternally face-to-face with their own sins.
Theatrical/literary analysis emphasizing inescapable confrontation.
L'art du portraitiste réside dans sa capacité à capturer l'âme du modèle assis en face de lui, au-delà de la simple ressemblance physique.
The art of the portraitist lies in his ability to capture the soul of the model sitting opposite him, beyond mere physical resemblance.
Describing the intimate dynamic of an artistic process.
Refusant de fuir, il décida de rester et de regarder la tempête en face, acceptant son destin avec une résignation stoïque.
Refusing to flee, he decided to stay and look the storm in the face, accepting his fate with stoic resignation.
Poetic, highly dramatic use of 'regarder en face' (to face head-on).
सामान्य शब्द संयोजन
सामान्य वाक्यांश
अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है
मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ
आसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले
वाक्य संरचनाएँ
इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें
While 'en face' means opposite, it implies a front-to-front orientation. If you are behind a building looking at the back of another building, 'en face' is less appropriate than simply saying 'de l'autre côté'.
- Saying 'en face le parc' instead of 'en face du parc'.
- Using 'devant' when meaning 'across the street'.
- Saying 'en face de le cinéma' instead of contracting to 'du'.
- Using 'avant' to describe a physical location opposite something.
- Forgetting the 'de' entirely when a noun follows.
सुझाव
Master the Contractions
The most common mistake is forgetting to contract 'de + le' to 'du'. Practice saying 'en face du parc', 'en face du cinéma', 'en face du supermarché' out loud until it feels natural.
Pair with 'Traverser'
When giving directions, 'en face' is often paired with the verb 'traverser' (to cross). E.g., 'Traversez la rue, c'est en face.' Learn these together for better fluency.
Stop saying 'Avant' for space
English speakers often use 'before' for space (e.g., 'the building before the park'). In French, 'avant' is ONLY for time. Use 'devant' or 'en face' for physical locations.
Drop the 'e' in fast speech
When listening to native speakers, be prepared to hear 'en face d'la' instead of 'en face de la'. The 'e' in 'de' is frequently dropped in casual conversation.
The Face-to-Face Rule
If you aren't sure whether to use 'devant' or 'en face', imagine the objects have faces. If they are looking at each other, use 'en face'.
Use Stressed Pronouns
Remember that after 'en face de', you must use stressed pronouns for people: moi, toi, lui, elle, nous, vous, eux, elles. E.g., 'en face de moi'.
Learn 'd'en face'
Memorize the chunk 'd'en face' as an adjective meaning 'across the street'. 'La maison d'en face', 'le magasin d'en face'. It's incredibly useful.
Restaurant Seating
Use 'en face' when asking for a table arrangement. 'Je voudrais m'asseoir en face de la fenêtre' (I would like to sit facing the window).
Add 'Juste' for precision
If something is exactly, perfectly opposite, add 'juste'. 'C'est juste en face' sounds very native and provides clearer directions.
Group your prepositions
Learn 'en face de' alongside its opposite 'à côté de' (next to) and 'derrière' (behind) to build a complete mental map of spatial vocabulary.
याद करें
स्मृति सहायक
Imagine two people standing IN a space, looking at each other's FACEs. They are 'en face'.
शब्द की उत्पत्ति
Latin
सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ
Sitting 'en face' is preferred for conversation in French restaurants.
'Sans vis-à-vis' (without anyone opposite looking in) is a highly sought-after feature in French apartments.
Haussmann's Paris was designed with grand buildings facing each other ('en face') across wide boulevards.
असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें
वास्तविक संदर्भ
बातचीत की शुरुआत
"Pardon, savez-vous où est la pharmacie ? (C'est en face !)"
"Tu préfères t'asseoir à côté de moi ou en face de moi ?"
"Qui habite dans la maison d'en face ?"
"Regarde le bâtiment en face, l'architecture est magnifique."
"Le supermarché est-il loin ? (Non, juste en face.)"
डायरी विषय
Décrivez ce qu'il y a en face de votre maison.
Racontez une fois où vous vous êtes assis en face d'un inconnu intéressant dans le train.
Dessinez le plan de votre salon et décrivez-le en utilisant 'en face de'.
Imaginez la vie de votre 'voisin d'en face'.
Expliquez comment aller de votre maison au magasin le plus proche en utilisant 'en face'.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवाल'Devant' means 'in front of' in terms of sequence or position, like standing in a line. The person 'devant' you has their back to you. 'En face' means 'opposite' or 'facing'. If someone is 'en face' de you, you are looking at their face. They describe different spatial relationships.
No. You only use 'de' if you are explicitly stating what is being faced. For example, 'Le parc est en face de la boulangerie'. If the context is clear, you can just use 'en face' as an adverb at the end of the sentence: 'La boulangerie est en face'.
In French, the preposition 'de' and the definite masculine article 'le' must contract to form 'du'. It is a strict grammatical rule. Saying 'de le' is incorrect. Similarly, 'de + les' becomes 'des'.
No, 'en face' is strictly a spatial preposition/adverb. It refers to physical locations. If you want to talk about time (e.g., 'before'), you must use 'avant'.
It translates to 'the neighbor from opposite' or 'the neighbor across the street'. It uses 'd'en face' as an adjectival phrase to describe which neighbor you are talking about.
'En face' is completely neutral and standard. It can be used in the most formal written documents as well as in casual, everyday street slang. It fits all registers.
It is pronounced as two syllables: [ɑ̃] (a nasal 'ah' sound) and [fas] (like the English word 'face' but with a shorter 'a' sound, like in 'mass'). There is no liaison between the two words.
No. If you want to say something is physically leaning against something else (like a ladder against a wall), you use 'contre'. 'En face' implies there is a space (like a street or a room) between the two objects.
This is an idiomatic expression that means 'to face the truth' or 'to look reality in the face'. It uses the spatial concept of 'en face' metaphorically to mean confronting something difficult directly.
No, the correct preposition is always 'de' (en face de). However, there is another phrase, 'face à', which means 'facing' or 'confronted with' (e.g., 'face à la mer' or 'face au problème'). Do not mix them up as 'en face à'.
खुद को परखो 200 सवाल
Write a sentence saying the bank is opposite the bakery.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence saying 'He is sitting opposite me'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The park is right opposite.'
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Translate: 'She lives in the house opposite.'
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Write a sentence saying the cinema is opposite the supermarket.
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Translate: 'Park opposite the station.'
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Translate: 'The neighbor opposite makes noise.'
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Write a sentence saying the chair is opposite the desk.
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Translate: 'Look straight ahead.'
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Write a sentence saying the toilets are opposite the stairs.
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Translate: 'The restaurant is opposite the sea.'
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Translate: 'Put the sofa opposite the TV.'
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Write a sentence saying the museum is opposite the park.
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Translate: 'I am opposite the hospital.'
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Translate: 'The pharmacy is opposite the church.'
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Write a sentence saying the cat is opposite the dog.
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Translate: 'We live opposite.'
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Translate: 'The building opposite is tall.'
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Write a sentence saying the mirror is opposite the door.
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Translate: 'They are sitting opposite each other.'
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Say 'The park is opposite' in French.
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Say 'Opposite the bank' in French.
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Say 'He is opposite me' in French.
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Say 'The neighbor opposite' in French.
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Say 'Opposite the supermarket' in French.
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Say 'Right opposite' in French.
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Say 'Opposite the hospital' in French.
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Say 'Opposite the stairs' in French.
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Say 'Look opposite' in French.
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Say 'The house opposite' in French.
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Say 'Opposite the station' in French.
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Say 'Opposite the church' in French.
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Say 'Opposite the cinema' in French.
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Say 'Opposite the park' in French.
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Say 'Opposite the window' in French.
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Say 'Opposite the door' in French.
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Say 'Opposite the desk' in French.
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Say 'Opposite the sea' in French.
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Say 'Opposite the town hall' in French.
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Say 'Opposite the pool' in French.
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Listen to 'En face du parc'. What does it mean?
Listen to 'Juste en face'. What does it mean?
Listen to 'Le voisin d'en face'. What does it mean?
Listen to 'En face de moi'. What does it mean?
Listen to 'En face de la gare'. What does it mean?
Listen to 'En face des magasins'. What does it mean?
Listen to 'En face de l'hôpital'. What does it mean?
Listen to 'C'est en face'. What does it mean?
Listen to 'La maison d'en face'. What does it mean?
Listen to 'Regarde en face'. What does it mean?
Listen to 'En face du cinéma'. What does it mean?
Listen to 'En face de la mer'. What does it mean?
Listen to 'En face du bureau'. What does it mean?
Listen to 'En face de la fenêtre'. What does it mean?
Listen to 'En face de la porte'. What does it mean?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
'En face' means 'opposite' across a space. Always use 'de' (and contract it to du/des if needed) when mentioning the specific place you are facing. Example: 'Le café est en face du parc.'
- Means 'opposite' or 'facing'.
- Use 'en face de' with a noun.
- Contract 'de' with le/les (du, des).
- Don't confuse with 'devant' (in front).
Master the Contractions
The most common mistake is forgetting to contract 'de + le' to 'du'. Practice saying 'en face du parc', 'en face du cinéma', 'en face du supermarché' out loud until it feels natural.
Pair with 'Traverser'
When giving directions, 'en face' is often paired with the verb 'traverser' (to cross). E.g., 'Traversez la rue, c'est en face.' Learn these together for better fluency.
Stop saying 'Avant' for space
English speakers often use 'before' for space (e.g., 'the building before the park'). In French, 'avant' is ONLY for time. Use 'devant' or 'en face' for physical locations.
Drop the 'e' in fast speech
When listening to native speakers, be prepared to hear 'en face d'la' instead of 'en face de la'. The 'e' in 'de' is frequently dropped in casual conversation.
उदाहरण
L'arrêt de bus est en face de la poste.
संबंधित सामग्री
यह शब्द अन्य भाषाओं में
संबंधित मुहावरे
general के और शब्द
à cause de
A2एक पूर्वसर्ग वाक्यांश जिसका उपयोग किसी घटना के कारण को बताने के लिए किया जाता है, विशेष रूप से नकारात्मक या तटस्थ संदर्भ में। इसका अर्थ है 'के कारण' ।
à côté
A2के बगल में; के पास।
à côté de
A2Next to, beside.
À droite
A2दाईं ओर या दाहिने हाथ की तरफ। उदाहरण: 'अगले कोने पर दाईं ओर मुड़ें' ।
À gauche
A2To the left; on the left side.
à la
A2पूर्वसर्ग 'à' और स्त्रीलिंग लेख 'la' का संयोजन, जिसका अर्थ है 'को' या 'पर' ।
à laquelle
B2To which; at which (feminine singular).
à mesure que
B2जैसे-जैसे; अनुपात में।
abrégé
B1An abstract, summary, or abridgment.
absence
A2The state of being away from a place or person.