French Explaining Words: How to Rephrase (c'est-à-dire)
c'est-à-dire help you rephrase ideas so your listener understands your true meaning perfectly.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'c'est-à-dire' to clarify or rephrase your previous statement, exactly like saying 'that is to say' or 'in other words' in English.
- Use it to define a term: 'Il est polyglotte, c'est-à-dire qu'il parle plusieurs langues.'
- Use it to simplify complex ideas: 'C'est un travail ardu, c'est-à-dire difficile.'
- Always follow it with a clear, simpler explanation or a synonym.
Overview
Effective communication in French, especially at the B1 level, requires more than just correct grammar and vocabulary; it demands clarity and precision. Reformulation connectors are linguistic tools that allow you to rephrase an idea, concept, or statement, ensuring that your message is fully understood by your audience. These connectors signal to the listener or reader that you are about to present the same information in a different, often simpler, more specific, or more explicit manner.
The primary function of reformulation is to enhance discourse coherence and to manage the listener's cognitive load. By offering an alternative phrasing, you provide a safety net against potential misunderstandings, clarify ambiguity, or simply confirm mutual comprehension. This is not about introducing new information but about refining the presentation of existing content.
Mastery of these connectors marks a significant step towards fluent and empathetic French communication.
For instance, if you state, Le principe de la relativité restreinte repose sur deux postulats fondamentaux, you might follow up with c'est-à-dire que la vitesse de la lumière est constante et que les lois de la physique sont les mêmes pour tous les observateurs inertiels. Here, c'est-à-dire que clarifies a complex scientific concept for a less specialized audience. These connectors are indispensable for precise expression in both spoken and written French.
How This Grammar Works
Mon projet est ambitieux, autrement dit, il demande beaucoup d'investissement, the connector autrement dit tells you that il demande beaucoup d'investissement is a re-expression of Mon projet est ambitieux. The second phrase provides a more concrete and perhaps less euphemistic interpretation of the first. The communicative intent is not to add new content, but to deepen understanding of the original statement.Formation Pattern
c'est-à-dire. This phrase literally means "that is to say" or "that means." Its structure is fixed and includes hyphens: c'est-à-dire. Omitting these hyphens is a common grammatical error. C'est-à-dire is highly versatile and can introduce a single word, a phrase, or a full clause.
c'est-à-dire introduces a word or a noun phrase, it stands alone:
Il est francophone, c'est-à-dire bilingue. (He is francophone, that is to say, bilingual.)
c'est-à-dire introduces a complete clause (meaning it has a subject and a verb), it is followed by que:
Elle est autonome, c'est-à-dire qu'elle gère ses projets seule. (She is autonomous, that is to say, she manages her projects alone.)
que becomes qu' before a vowel or mute h.
c'est-à-dire: A comma almost invariably precedes c'est-à-dire. This comma introduces a slight pause, allowing the listener to prepare for the clarification. Example: Le budget est serré, c'est-à-dire que nous devons être économes. (The budget is tight, that is to say, we must be economical.)
c'est-à-dire, other connectors offer subtle variations in tone or emphasis:
Autrement dit: Meaning "otherwise said" or "in other words," this connector implies a simpler, more direct, or sometimes more blunt rephrasing. It suggests that the first statement might have been too complex or indirect. It can often begin a new sentence for emphasis.
Le délai est irréaliste, autrement dit, ce n'est pas possible. (The deadline is unrealistic, in other words, it's not possible.)
En d'autres termes: This phrase also translates to "in other words." It is generally perceived as slightly more formal than autrement dit and is often used when rephrasing with different vocabulary to enhance clarity or precision, particularly in written or academic contexts. It, too, can start a new sentence.
L'entreprise privilégie la croissance organique, en d'autres termes, elle évite les acquisitions externes. (The company prioritizes organic growth, in other words, it avoids external acquisitions.)
En fait: While en fait can sometimes act as a reformulation connector, its primary role is to introduce a correction, a clarification, or to reveal the actual situation, often contrasting it with a previous assumption. It translates more closely to "actually" or "in reality." It should be used judiciously for pure reformulation.
Je croyais qu'il était parti, en fait, il attendait son taxi. (I thought he had left, actually, he was waiting for his taxi.)
c'est-à-dire | Equivalence, specification, explanation | Neutral | Most versatile, widely used |
c'est-à-dire que| Equivalence, specification (clause) | Neutral | When followed by a full sentence |
autrement dit | Simpler, more direct rephrasing | Neutral | Often used for conciseness or plain speaking |\
en d'autres termes| Rephrasing with different vocabulary | Slightly Formal | Written, academic, professional contexts |\
en fait | Correction, revelation, actual situation | Neutral | Clarifying a misconception, self-correction |
When To Use It
La cryptomonnaie est volatile, c'est-à-dire que son prix peut changer radicalement et rapidement. (Cryptocurrency is volatile, that is to say, its price can change radically and rapidly.)Nous visons une réduction significative des dépenses, autrement dit, nous allons couper le budget de 15%. (We aim for a significant reduction in expenses, in other words, we are going to cut the budget by 15%.)Je pense que le dossier est prêt, en fait, il manque encore quelques signatures. (I think the file is ready, actually, it still needs a few signatures.) This use of en fait is common in spoken French for self-correction.Le projet est sous-financé, en d'autres termes, nous risquons de ne pas atteindre nos objectifs. (The project is underfunded, in other words, we risk not reaching our objectives.)Après des heures de discussion, nous avons décidé de reporter la réunion, c'est-à-dire de la tenir la semaine prochaine. (After hours of discussion, we decided to postpone the meeting, that is to say, to hold it next week.)Common Mistakes
c'est-à-dire:- The Hyphens: A persistent error is writing
c'est a direwithout the hyphens. The correct form isc'est-à-dire. These hyphens are not optional; they integrate the words into a fixed expression. Always double-check this detail. - The Comma: Forgetting the comma before
c'est-à-direis another common oversight. The comma signals a slight pause and separates the initial statement from its rephrasing, aiding readability and flow.*Il est compétent c'est-à-dire qu'il sait programmer.(Incorrect) should beIl est compétent, c'est-à-dire qu'il sait programmer.(Correct)
c'est-à-dire with par exemple:C'est-à-dire introduces an equivalent or more specific definition of the preceding concept. Par exemple (for example) introduces an instance or a subset of a broader category.J'aime les fruits tropicaux, c'est-à-dire les mangues et les ananas.(Incorrect usage ofc'est-à-direbecause mangos and pineapples are examples of tropical fruits, not an exhaustive definition of all tropical fruits.)- Correct:
J'aime les fruits tropicaux, par exemple les mangues et les ananas.(I like tropical fruits, for example, mangos and pineapples.) - Correct usage of
c'est-à-dire:Il est végétarien, c'est-à-dire qu'il ne mange pas de viande.(He is vegetarian, that is to say, he does not eat meat.) Here, 'not eating meat' defines what 'vegetarian' means.
en fait or Misapplying Its Nuance:en fait can function in some reformulations, its primary meaning is "actually," "in reality," or "as a matter of fact." It is used to correct a misconception, reveal the truth, or add unexpected information. It is not a general synonym for c'est-à-dire.J'aime la musique, en fait j'écoute du rock.(Incorrect, unless you are correcting a previous assumption that you don't* listen to rock). This should beJ'aime la musique, par exemple j'écoute du rock.- Correct usage:
J'avais prévu de sortir, en fait, je suis trop fatigué.(I had planned to go out, actually, I'm too tired.) This corrects the prior intention.
*Le ciel est bleu, c'est-à-dire qu'il n'est pas vert.(Unnecessary; the first statement is clear.)
que with c'est-à-dire:c'est-à-dire que only when the clarification is a full clause (subject + verb). If it's a noun, adjective, or phrase, que is omitted. Forgetting this distinction leads to grammatical errors.*Il est intelligent, c'est-à-dire qu'un génie.(Incorrect)- Correct:
Il est intelligent, c'est-à-dire un génie.(He is intelligent, that is to say, a genius.) - Correct:
Il est intelligent, c'est-à-dire qu'il a une capacité d'apprentissage rapide.(He is intelligent, that is to say, he has a rapid learning ability.)
Real Conversations
Reformulation connectors are omnipresent in authentic French communication, spanning formal, informal, written, and spoken contexts. Observing their use in various real-world scenarios helps solidify your understanding and enables more natural application.
1. Formal Written Communication (Emails, Reports): In professional or academic settings, clarity is paramount. En d'autres termes and c'est-à-dire are frequently employed to ensure unambiguous understanding of complex points.
- Email: Veuillez compléter le formulaire avant la date limite, en d'autres termes, avant le 30 mai. (Please complete the form before the deadline, in other words, before May 30th.)
- Report: L'analyse révèle une corrélation inversement proportionnelle entre ces deux variables, c'est-à-dire que lorsque l'une augmente, l'autre diminue. (The analysis reveals an inversely proportional correlation between these two variables, that is to say, when one increases, the other decreases.)
2. Informal Written Communication (Texting, Social Media): Even in casual contexts, the need for clarity persists. In highly informal SMS, c'est-à-dire is sometimes abbreviated to c-à-d, although for B1 learners, writing it out fully is recommended for practice and clarity.
- Text Message: Je serai là vers 19h, c'est-à-dire après mon cours. (I'll be there around 7 PM, that is to say, after my class.)
- Social Media Caption: C'est un weekend pluvieux, autrement dit parfait pour binge-watcher! (It's a rainy weekend, in other words, perfect for binge-watching!) This shows a relaxed, almost playful rephrasing.
3. Spoken French (Casual Conversations, Discussions): In real-time speech, these connectors help manage conversational flow, clarify on the fly, and show empathy towards the listener's comprehension.
- Casual chat: Il a beaucoup de charisme, c'est-à-dire qu'il attire facilement l'attention. (He has a lot of charisma, that is to say, he easily attracts attention.) You might hear a slight liaison on c'est-à-dire with the following word, particularly if it starts with a vowel, although c'est-à-dire is often treated as a block.
- Discussion: Je pensais que l'option A était meilleure, mais en fait, l'option B est plus réaliste. (I thought option A was better, but actually, option B is more realistic.) Here, en fait functions as a correction of a previous thought or assumption, a very common use in spontaneous speech.
4. Explaining Instructions or Processes: When guiding someone through a procedure, reformulation helps break down steps or concepts into digestible parts.
- Il faut d'abord compiler le code, autrement dit, le transformer en un programme exécutable. (First, you need to compile the code, in other words, transform it into an executable program.)
These examples illustrate that French speakers instinctively use reformulation to ensure their message is understood, adapting the connector and the rephrasing to the context and their audience. Integrating these into your own French will make your communication far more effective and natural.
Quick FAQ
c'est-à-dire considered formal or informal?C'est-à-dire is generally considered neutral in terms of formality. You can use it in almost any context, from casual conversations with friends to formal presentations. Its widespread utility makes it a safe choice for rephrasing.c'est-à-dire and c'est-à-dire que?- Use
c'est-à-direwhen the rephrasing is a single word, an adjective, or a noun phrase.
Elle est minimaliste, c'est-à-dire simple. (She is minimalist, that is to say, simple.)- Use
c'est-à-dire quewhen the rephrasing is a complete clause, meaning it contains both a subject and a conjugated verb.
Elle est minimaliste, c'est-à-dire qu'elle préfère les choses épurées. (She is minimalist, that is to say, she prefers uncluttered things.) Remember the elision of que to qu' before a vowel or mute h.autrement dit or en d'autres termes start a sentence?autrement dit and en d'autres termes can effectively begin a new sentence. This often occurs when the preceding statement was long or complex, and you wish to start fresh with a clearer, more concise rephrasing. C'est-à-dire, however, typically functions mid-sentence.Le phénomène de l'urbanisation rapide a des conséquences socio-économiques profondes. Autrement dit, les villes croissent trop vite pour leurs infrastructures.en fait always mean "in fact"?en fait more commonly means "actually" or "in reality" in contemporary French. It introduces a correction, a clarification, or a statement that contrasts with what was previously said or implied. It is less about general rephrasing and more about revealing the true state of affairs or correcting a misunderstanding.c'est-à-dire, the t in c'est is usually pronounced in liaison with the à. However, with c'est-à-dire que, que is often elided to qu' before a vowel or mute h, but there's no mandatory liaison from dire to que. In general, for fixed expressions, pronounce them as learned.autrement dit, there's no liaison between autrement and dit. Focusing on clear articulation of each word is generally sufficient at the B1 level.Structure of C'est-à-dire
| Connector | Followed by | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
c'est-à-dire
|
Noun
|
C'est un félin, c'est-à-dire un chat.
|
|
c'est-à-dire
|
Adjective
|
Il est jovial, c'est-à-dire joyeux.
|
|
c'est-à-dire que
|
Verb (Clause)
|
Il travaille, c'est-à-dire qu'il est occupé.
|
|
c'est-à-dire
|
Prepositional Phrase
|
On se voit à midi, c'est-à-dire à 12h.
|
|
c'est-à-dire
|
Adverb
|
Il court vite, c'est-à-dire rapidement.
|
|
c'est-à-dire que
|
Pronoun + Verb
|
C'est mon choix, c'est-à-dire que je le veux.
|
Meanings
A connective phrase used to introduce a clarification, definition, or restatement of the preceding segment.
Definition
Providing a definition for a technical or obscure term.
“Il est entomologiste, c'est-à-dire qu'il étudie les insectes.”
“C'est un logiciel open-source, c'est-à-dire gratuit et modifiable.”
Clarification
Restating an idea in simpler or more precise terms.
“Le projet est en suspens, c'est-à-dire arrêté temporairement.”
“Il faut être ponctuel, c'est-à-dire arriver à l'heure.”
Correction
Refining a previous statement to be more accurate.
“Je suis fatigué, c'est-à-dire épuisé.”
“Il est riche, c'est-à-dire millionnaire.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Statement + c'est-à-dire + Clarification
|
Il est riche, c'est-à-dire millionnaire.
|
|
With Clause
|
Statement + c'est-à-dire que + Clause
|
Il est absent, c'est-à-dire qu'il n'est pas là.
|
|
Noun Definition
|
Noun + c'est-à-dire + Noun
|
C'est un vélo, c'est-à-dire une bicyclette.
|
|
Adjective Refinement
|
Adj + c'est-à-dire + Adj
|
C'est grand, c'est-à-dire immense.
|
|
Time Clarification
|
Time + c'est-à-dire + Time
|
On se voit demain, c'est-à-dire mardi.
|
|
Location Clarification
|
Place + c'est-à-dire + Place
|
On va à Paris, c'est-à-dire en France.
|
Formality Spectrum
Il est praticien, c'est-à-dire qu'il exerce la médecine. (Professional/Social)
Il est médecin, c'est-à-dire qu'il soigne les gens. (Professional/Social)
Il est toubib, c'est-à-dire qu'il est médecin. (Professional/Social)
Il est doc, c'est-à-dire qu'il est médecin. (Professional/Social)
The C'est-à-dire Map
Clarification
- Précision Precision
- Explication Explanation
Grammar
- que + verbe that + verb
- nom/adjectif noun/adjective
C'est-à-dire vs En d'autres termes
Should I use 'que'?
Is the next word a verb?
Examples by Level
C'est un fruit, c'est-à-dire une pomme.
It is a fruit, that is to say an apple.
J'ai un animal, c'est-à-dire un chat.
I have a pet, that is to say a cat.
Il est grand, c'est-à-dire très haut.
He is tall, that is to say very high.
C'est mon ami, c'est-à-dire mon copain.
He is my friend, that is to say my buddy.
Je suis occupé, c'est-à-dire que je travaille.
I am busy, that is to say that I am working.
On se voit demain, c'est-à-dire samedi.
We see each other tomorrow, that is to say Saturday.
C'est un film drôle, c'est-à-dire comique.
It is a funny movie, that is to say comedic.
Il faut partir, c'est-à-dire quitter la maison.
We must leave, that is to say leave the house.
Le projet est en suspens, c'est-à-dire arrêté.
The project is on hold, that is to say stopped.
Il est polyglotte, c'est-à-dire qu'il parle plusieurs langues.
He is a polyglot, that is to say he speaks several languages.
C'est une situation complexe, c'est-à-dire difficile.
It is a complex situation, that is to say difficult.
Elle est ponctuelle, c'est-à-dire qu'elle est toujours à l'heure.
She is punctual, that is to say she is always on time.
Nous cherchons une solution viable, c'est-à-dire réalisable.
We are looking for a viable solution, that is to say feasible.
Le contrat est caduc, c'est-à-dire qu'il n'est plus valide.
The contract is void, that is to say it is no longer valid.
Il est très méticuleux, c'est-à-dire qu'il fait attention aux détails.
He is very meticulous, that is to say he pays attention to details.
C'est une mesure drastique, c'est-à-dire radicale.
It is a drastic measure, that is to say radical.
L'approche est holistique, c'est-à-dire qu'elle considère le tout.
The approach is holistic, that is to say it considers the whole.
Il est taciturne, c'est-à-dire peu bavard.
He is taciturn, that is to say not very talkative.
La situation est paradoxale, c'est-à-dire contradictoire.
The situation is paradoxical, that is to say contradictory.
C'est une décision arbitraire, c'est-à-dire sans fondement.
It is an arbitrary decision, that is to say without foundation.
L'œuvre est labyrinthique, c'est-à-dire complexe et sinueuse.
The work is labyrinthine, that is to say complex and winding.
Il s'agit d'une tautologie, c'est-à-dire une répétition inutile.
It is a tautology, that is to say a useless repetition.
La politique est éphémère, c'est-à-dire passagère.
Politics is ephemeral, that is to say fleeting.
C'est une vision utopique, c'est-à-dire idéale mais irréalisable.
It is a utopian vision, that is to say ideal but unrealizable.
Easily Confused
Learners often use them interchangeably, but 'en d'autres termes' is for summarizing whole ideas.
Both introduce clarifications, but 'à savoir' is more formal and introduces a list or specific details.
Very similar to 'c'est-à-dire', but 'autrement dit' sounds slightly more like 'put another way'.
Common Mistakes
C'est-à-dire il est gentil.
C'est-à-dire qu'il est gentil.
C'est-à-dire chat.
C'est-à-dire un chat.
C'est-à-dire que chat.
C'est-à-dire un chat.
C'est-à-dire il est.
C'est-à-dire qu'il est.
C'est-à-dire que manger.
C'est-à-dire manger.
C'est-à-dire que c'est un chien.
C'est-à-dire un chien.
C'est-à-dire que le projet est fini.
C'est-à-dire que le projet est terminé.
C'est-à-dire que, il est tard.
C'est-à-dire qu'il est tard.
C'est-à-dire, que il est tard.
C'est-à-dire qu'il est tard.
C'est-à-dire que il faut partir.
C'est-à-dire qu'il faut partir.
C'est-à-dire que le fait est que...
C'est-à-dire...
C'est-à-dire que, en effet, il est...
C'est-à-dire qu'en effet il est...
C'est-à-dire que, il s'agit de...
C'est-à-dire qu'il s'agit de...
C'est-à-dire que, c'est-à-dire...
C'est-à-dire...
Sentence Patterns
Il est ___, c'est-à-dire ___.
C'est un ___, c'est-à-dire ___.
Il travaille, c'est-à-dire que ___.
La situation est ___, c'est-à-dire que ___.
Real World Usage
On se voit à 8h, c'est-à-dire 20h.
J'ai de l'expérience, c'est-à-dire cinq ans dans le domaine.
C'est un projet fou, c'est-à-dire ambitieux.
Je cherche la gare, c'est-à-dire le train.
C'est un plat épicé, c'est-à-dire pimenté.
La théorie est valide, c'est-à-dire prouvée.
Use it to buy time
Don't overdo it
The 'que' rule
Formal vs Informal
Smart Tips
Use 'c'est-à-dire' to provide a simpler synonym.
Use 'c'est-à-dire' to give a specific time.
Always define it immediately with 'c'est-à-dire'.
Use 'c'est-à-dire' to refine your previous statement.
Pronunciation
Liaison
The 's' in 'c'est' is not pronounced, but the 't' in 'c'est' links to the 'à'.
Clarification drop
C'est-à-dire ↘
The pitch drops slightly at the end to indicate the end of the clarification.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'C'est-à-dire' as a 'C'learer 'A'ddition.
Visual Association
Imagine a person speaking, and when they get stuck, they pull a small 'clarification box' out of their pocket labeled 'c'est-à-dire'.
Rhyme
When you need to say it clear, add 'c'est-à-dire' so they can hear.
Story
Pierre was trying to explain his job. He said, 'I am an architect.' His friend looked confused. Pierre smiled and added, 'C'est-à-dire que je dessine des maisons.' The friend finally understood perfectly.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences about your day, and in each one, use 'c'est-à-dire' to clarify a detail.
Cultural Notes
Used constantly in academic and professional settings to ensure precision.
Used similarly, but sometimes replaced by 'autrement dit'.
Very common in formal speech, often used to clarify legal or administrative terms.
The phrase is a contraction of 'ce est à dire', meaning 'this is to say'.
Conversation Starters
Qu'est-ce que tu fais dans la vie, c'est-à-dire quel est ton métier ?
Comment décrirais-tu ton pays, c'est-à-dire sa culture ?
Quelle est ta vision du succès, c'est-à-dire que signifie réussir pour toi ?
Comment expliquerais-tu la situation politique actuelle, c'est-à-dire ses enjeux ?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Il est très riche, ___ millionnaire.
Il travaille, ___ qu'il est occupé.
Find and fix the mistake:
C'est-à-dire il est tard.
Il est intelligent. Il est brillant.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
A: C'est un travail ardu. B: ___ ?
Il / est / c'est-à-dire / jovial / joyeux.
La réunion est annulée, ___ reportée.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesIl est très riche, ___ millionnaire.
Il travaille, ___ qu'il est occupé.
Find and fix the mistake:
C'est-à-dire il est tard.
Il est intelligent. Il est brillant.
1. Polyglotte, 2. Ponctuel, 3. Épuisé.
A: C'est un travail ardu. B: ___ ?
Il / est / c'est-à-dire / jovial / joyeux.
La réunion est annulée, ___ reportée.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesLe contrat est fini, ___ il est terminé.
I am busy, in other words, I am working.
Elle n'est pas là. ___, elle est en retard.
fatigué / il / est / c'est-à-dire / qu' / il / dort / ,
Match them:
Il pleut, par exemple, on prend le bus.
On se voit demain, ___ samedi.
Pick the right one:
He is slow, that is to say, he is late.
Maison vide. ___, je suis seule.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
It is rare and usually sounds unnatural. It is better placed after the statement you are clarifying.
No, it is an invariable expression. It never changes.
It is neutral and works in all registers, from casual to formal.
They are the same, but 'c'est-à-dire' is spoken, while 'i.e.' is usually written.
Yes, a comma is standard to separate the clarification from the main statement.
It is better to use 'en d'autres termes' for large chunks of text.
Because 'que' elides to 'qu'' before a vowel.
Yes, it shows you are precise and careful with your language.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
es decir
Spanish does not require a 'que' connector as strictly as French.
das heißt
German word order can change after 'das heißt' depending on the clause.
つまり (tsumari)
Japanese is a verb-final language, so the structure is very different.
أي (ay)
Arabic 'ay' is a single particle, not a multi-word phrase.
也就是说 (yě jiù shì shuō)
Chinese does not have the same elision rules as French.
that is to say
English is much more flexible with punctuation and doesn't require 'que'.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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