Meaning
Used to express enthusiasm or high approval for something.
Cultural Background
The French use 'super' as an adverb constantly. You will hear 'super bon', 'super sympa', and 'super grand' in every casual conversation. In Quebec, 'C'est super' is used, but 'C'est le fun' is a very popular local alternative that shows the English influence on the region. Belgian French speakers use 'super' similarly to the French, but they might also use 'septante' for seventy, so you might hear 'C'est super, il a septante ans !' Swiss French is often perceived as slightly more formal or slower, but 'C'est super' remains a staple of the youth and urban populations.
The 'U' sound
To get the 'u' in super right, shape your lips like you're going to whistle, but try to say 'eee'.
Avoid 'Supers'
Never add an 's' to super. It's a common mistake even for advanced learners!
Meaning
Used to express enthusiasm or high approval for something.
The 'U' sound
To get the 'u' in super right, shape your lips like you're going to whistle, but try to say 'eee'.
Avoid 'Supers'
Never add an 's' to super. It's a common mistake even for advanced learners!
Use it as an adverb
Boost your fluency by using 'super' before other adjectives: 'C'est super facile !'
The French Shrug
Sometimes French people say 'C'est super' while shrugging. This doesn't mean they don't like it; it's just a cultural habit of being understated.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form to complete the sentence.
Tes nouvelles chaussures sont ______ !
The adjective 'super' is invariable and never changes its ending.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: J'ai gagné deux places pour le concert ! B: Oh, ______ !
Winning concert tickets is a positive event, so 'C'est super' is the appropriate reaction.
Match the situation to the most likely use of 'C'est super !'
You find out your friend is getting married.
A wedding is typically a happy event calling for genuine enthusiasm.
What would a French person say in this casual situation?
A: Il fait un soleil magnifique aujourd'hui. B: Oui, ______ pour aller à la plage !
Sunny weather is 'super' for going to the beach.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Super vs. Superbe
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTes nouvelles chaussures sont ______ !
The adjective 'super' is invariable and never changes its ending.
A: J'ai gagné deux places pour le concert ! B: Oh, ______ !
Winning concert tickets is a positive event, so 'C'est super' is the appropriate reaction.
You find out your friend is getting married.
A wedding is typically a happy event calling for genuine enthusiasm.
A: Il fait un soleil magnifique aujourd'hui. B: Oui, ______ pour aller à la plage !
Sunny weather is 'super' for going to the beach.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it is polite and friendly, but avoid it in very formal letters or with high-ranking officials.
Yes! 'Il est super' means 'He is great/cool'.
No, it is invariable. 'Elle est super' is correct.
'Génial' is slightly more enthusiastic, like 'brilliant' vs 'great'.
It was slang in the 60s, but now it's standard informal French.
No, 'super' is already strong. Say 'C'est vraiment super' instead.
Use the past tense: 'C'était super'.
In texts and emails to friends, yes. In books or essays, less so.
It refers to 'super' unleaded gasoline (sans plomb).
Yes, with a flat or annoyed tone, it means 'That's just great (sarcastic)'.
Yes, it's universally understood across the Francophonie.
Try 'C'est excellent' or 'C'est remarquable'.
Related Phrases
C'est génial
synonymThat's brilliant/great
C'est top
similarThat's top-notch
C'est nul
contrastThat sucks / That's bad
C'est pas mal
similarThat's not bad
C'est chouette
synonymThat's nice/cool
