Meaning
Describes something as costly.
Cultural Background
In France, complaining about 'la vie chère' is a way to start a conversation with strangers, especially at markets or in queues. Quebecers often use 'dispendieux' in formal contexts where a French person from France would simply say 'cher'. In many French-speaking African countries, bargaining is common. Saying 'Ça coûte cher' is the first step in a negotiation. Switzerland is known for being expensive. Locals might use 'Ça coûte cher' less as a complaint and more as a simple statement of reality.
The Adverb Rule
Always keep 'cher' masculine and singular after the verb 'coûter'. It's the #1 mistake even intermediate learners make!
The Art of Complaining
Don't be afraid to say 'Ça coûte cher' in a shop. It's not considered rude; it's often seen as being a savvy consumer.
Meaning
Describes something as costly.
The Adverb Rule
Always keep 'cher' masculine and singular after the verb 'coûter'. It's the #1 mistake even intermediate learners make!
The Art of Complaining
Don't be afraid to say 'Ça coûte cher' in a shop. It's not considered rude; it's often seen as being a savvy consumer.
C'est cher vs Ça coûte cher
Use 'C'est cher' for a general state. Use 'Ça coûte cher' when you want to emphasize the transaction or the price tag.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'cher'.
Cette robe est magnifique, mais elle coûte ______.
Even though 'la robe' is feminine, 'cher' is an adverb here and does not change.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'It's expensive' in a neutral register?
Comment dit-on 'It's expensive' ?
'Ça coûte cher' is the standard idiomatic expression.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: Tu veux aller au concert de Taylor Swift ? B: J'aimerais bien, mais les billets ______.
The plural subject 'les billets' requires the verb 'coûtent', but 'cher' remains singular as an adverb.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase fits a very formal business context?
This uses 'Cela' and formal vocabulary suitable for professional settings.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Ways to say 'Expensive'
Formal
- • C'est onéreux
- • Coût élevé
- • Dispendieux
Neutral
- • Ça coûte cher
- • C'est cher
Slang
- • Ça douille
- • Une blinde
- • Un bras
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCette robe est magnifique, mais elle coûte ______.
Even though 'la robe' is feminine, 'cher' is an adverb here and does not change.
Comment dit-on 'It's expensive' ?
'Ça coûte cher' is the standard idiomatic expression.
A: Tu veux aller au concert de Taylor Swift ? B: J'aimerais bien, mais les billets ______.
The plural subject 'les billets' requires the verb 'coûtent', but 'cher' remains singular as an adverb.
Which phrase fits a very formal business context?
This uses 'Cela' and formal vocabulary suitable for professional settings.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo. In this specific phrase, 'cher' is an adverb, and adverbs never change their form based on the gender of the noun.
Yes, it is neutral and polite. However, in a very formal setting, you might prefer 'C'est onéreux'.
'C'est cher' is more common for general descriptions. 'Ça coûte cher' focuses more on the act of paying or the specific cost.
You can say 'Ça coûte très cher' or 'Ça coûte extrêmement cher'.
No, you wouldn't say a person 'coûte cher' unless you are talking about their salary or the cost of their upkeep (like a professional athlete).
Yes, 'Ça douille' or 'Ça coûte une blinde' are very common in casual French.
No, it can also mean 'dear' as in 'Mon cher ami' (My dear friend).
Use the negation: 'Ça ne coûte pas cher'.
You can say 'Ça coûte beaucoup d'argent', but 'Ça coûte beaucoup' alone is less common and sounds slightly incomplete.
Yes, it is universally understood across the Francophonie.
Related Phrases
C'est cher
similarIt is expensive
Coûter les yeux de la tête
specialized formTo cost an arm and a leg
C'est donné
contrastIt's a bargain / It's practically free
Faire des économies
builds onTo save money
