Meaning
Indicates a position facing something else.
Cultural Background
In French cities like Paris, 'en face de' is often used to describe shops relative to the 'Mairie' (City Hall) or 'Église' (Church), which are the central landmarks of every town. In Quebec, you might hear 'de l'autre bord de la rue' as a more colloquial alternative to 'en face de' when referring to the other side of the street. The concept of 'vis-à-vis' is a legal and social concern in French real estate. Building codes strictly regulate how close windows can be 'en face' of each other to protect privacy.
The 'Chez' Trick
When talking about someone's house, always use 'en face de chez [name]'. Example: 'En face de chez Marie'.
Don't forget the 'De'
English speakers often say 'En face le parc'. You MUST include the 'de' (which becomes 'du').
Meaning
Indicates a position facing something else.
The 'Chez' Trick
When talking about someone's house, always use 'en face de chez [name]'. Example: 'En face de chez Marie'.
Don't forget the 'De'
English speakers often say 'En face le parc'. You MUST include the 'de' (which becomes 'du').
Juste en face
Add 'juste' to sound more native when something is directly across. 'C'est juste en face!'
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct contraction (du, de la, de l', des).
Le restaurant est en face ___ hôtel.
Hôtel starts with a mute 'h', so we use 'de l''.
Which sentence means 'The bakery is across from the schools'?
Choose the correct translation:
'Des' is the plural contraction for 'de + les'.
Match the French to the English.
Spatial relations:
Basic spatial prepositions in French.
Fill in the missing phrase.
A: Où est mon sac? B: Il est là, ___ toi!
With pronouns like 'toi', we use the full 'en face de'.
When would you say 'Regarde la réalité en face'?
Context check:
This is the figurative use of the phrase.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
En face de vs Devant
Common Contractions
Masculine
- • En face du parc
- • En face du ciné
Feminine
- • En face de la gare
- • En face de la banque
Practice Bank
5 exercisesLe restaurant est en face ___ hôtel.
Hôtel starts with a mute 'h', so we use 'de l''.
Choose the correct translation:
'Des' is the plural contraction for 'de + les'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Basic spatial prepositions in French.
A: Où est mon sac? B: Il est là, ___ toi!
With pronouns like 'toi', we use the full 'en face de'.
Context check:
This is the figurative use of the phrase.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
7 questionsYes, if the context is clear. 'Où est le chat? Il est en face.'
Always 'en face du'. 'De le' is never correct in French.
'En face de' is everyday language. 'Vis-à-vis' is formal or used in real estate.
Yes. 'Il est assis en face de moi' (He is sitting across from me).
Yes, you can be 'en face d'une opinion contraire'.
The phrase itself doesn't change, but 'de' becomes 'des'. 'En face des magasins'.
Simply 'en face' or 'de l'autre côté de la rue'.
Related Phrases
Vis-à-vis de
synonymFacing or regarding
À l'opposé de
similarAt the opposite of
Devant
contrastIn front of
Droit devant
builds onStraight ahead
