Meaning
Used to ask for the translation or pronunciation of a word or phrase.
Cultural Background
French people are often very proud of their language and will appreciate you asking for the 'correct' word rather than just using English. In Quebec, you might hear 'Comment on dit' more frequently than the inverted 'Comment dit-on', reflecting a slightly more casual linguistic culture. In Francophone Africa, French is often used alongside local languages like Wolof. 'Comment dit-on' is a vital bridge for code-switching.
Point and Ask
If you don't know the English word, just point and say 'Comment dit-on ça ?'. It works every time.
The Hyphen
Always include the hyphen when writing 'dit-on' in its inverted form.
Meaning
Used to ask for the translation or pronunciation of a word or phrase.
Point and Ask
If you don't know the English word, just point and say 'Comment dit-on ça ?'. It works every time.
The Hyphen
Always include the hyphen when writing 'dit-on' in its inverted form.
Test Yourself
Complete the phrase to ask for the word 'water'.
Comment ____-on 'water' ?
The subject is 'on', which takes the third-person singular form of 'dire'.
Which is the most natural way to ask a teacher for a translation?
...
This is the standard, polite, and neutral form.
Match the French phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
All pairs are correctly matched.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Pardon, ________ 'bread' ? B: On dit 'du pain'.
The context clearly asks for a translation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesComment ____-on 'water' ?
The subject is 'on', which takes the third-person singular form of 'dire'.
...
This is the standard, polite, and neutral form.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
All pairs are correctly matched.
A: Pardon, ________ 'bread' ? B: On dit 'du pain'.
The context clearly asks for a translation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, it is very common in spoken French, though slightly less formal than 'Comment dit-on'.
It is 'dit' because the subject is 'on' (3rd person singular).
Only if it's not obvious from the context. Usually, it's implied.
Say 'Comment ça s'écrit ?' right after they give you the word.
Yes, it is neutral and polite enough for almost any situation.
No, for names use 'Comment s'appelle...?'
Related Phrases
Que signifie...?
similarWhat does ... mean?
Comment ça s'écrit ?
builds onHow is that written/spelled?
C'est quoi ?
informalWhat is it?
