Meaning
To organize items by sorting them and discarding what is not needed.
Cultural Background
The French take pride in 'le rangement'. 'Faire du tri' is seen as a productive, adult activity. Similar usage to France, but often used in the context of 'le ménage du printemps'. Usage is identical to France, often used in professional settings. Very common in the context of 'le tri sélectif' (recycling), though 'faire du tri' remains general.
Focus on the 'du'
Remember that 'tri' is masculine, so 'du' is mandatory. Never use 'de la' or 'des' unless the object is plural.
Metaphorical usage
Use it in professional settings to sound more native when talking about prioritizing tasks.
Meaning
To organize items by sorting them and discarding what is not needed.
Focus on the 'du'
Remember that 'tri' is masculine, so 'du' is mandatory. Never use 'de la' or 'des' unless the object is plural.
Metaphorical usage
Use it in professional settings to sound more native when talking about prioritizing tasks.
Minimalism
The phrase is very popular in the context of the 'minimalist' lifestyle movement in France.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase.
Je dois ____ dans mes vieux dossiers.
'Faire du tri' is the correct idiomatic collocation.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the best option:
'Tri' is the correct spelling and 'du' is the correct article.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Pourquoi as-tu jeté ces vieux livres ? B: Parce que je devais ____.
The context of discarding items makes 'faire du tri' the most appropriate choice.
Match the situation to the most likely action.
You have too many emails in your inbox.
Sorting through digital items is a classic use of 'faire du tri'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJe dois ____ dans mes vieux dossiers.
'Faire du tri' is the correct idiomatic collocation.
Choose the best option:
'Tri' is the correct spelling and 'du' is the correct article.
A: Pourquoi as-tu jeté ces vieux livres ? B: Parce que je devais ____.
The context of discarding items makes 'faire du tri' the most appropriate choice.
You have too many emails in your inbox.
Sorting through digital items is a classic use of 'faire du tri'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, use 'le' when referring to a specific set of items (e.g., 'le tri des dossiers').
It is neutral. It works in both casual and professional contexts.
'Trier' is the verb; 'faire du tri' is the idiomatic activity.
Yes, metaphorically, to mean distancing yourself from certain people.
Yes, especially when discussing project organization.
Because 'tri' is a masculine noun.
Absolutely. 'Faire du tri dans ses idées' is a very common expression.
Yes, it is standard French across all regions.
Use 'faire le ménage'.
It's a collocation, not a phrasal verb in the English sense.
With a guttural French 'r'.
Yes, to describe how you manage your workload.
Related Phrases
Faire le ménage
similarTo clean/clear out
Trier sur le volet
specialized formTo select carefully
Mettre de l'ordre
similarTo put in order
Faire le tri sélectif
specialized formTo recycle
