Meaning
To travel regularly between two places.
Cultural Background
The 'TGV' has created a class of 'super-commuters' who live in cities like Tours or Lille but work in Paris, spending 2-3 hours on high-speed trains daily. Commuting is a major part of Belgian life due to the centralization of jobs in Brussels. The term 'navetteur' is used very frequently in national media. In Quebec, the term 'navettage' is sometimes used to describe the commute, especially in the context of the long distances between regional hubs. With many people living in France or Germany but working in Switzerland for higher wages, 'la navette transfrontalière' is a key economic and social topic.
Use with 'entre'
Always specify the two locations using 'entre... et...' to sound more natural and precise.
Avoid 'Commuter'
Never use the verb 'commuter' for travel; it's a classic 'faux ami' (false friend).
Meaning
To travel regularly between two places.
Use with 'entre'
Always specify the two locations using 'entre... et...' to sound more natural and precise.
Avoid 'Commuter'
Never use the verb 'commuter' for travel; it's a classic 'faux ami' (false friend).
The Belgian 'Navetteur'
If you are in Belgium, feel free to use the noun 'navetteur'—it's a very common part of the local identity.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'faire la navette'.
Depuis qu'il travaille à Genève, il ________ entre la France et la Suisse.
The subject is 'il' (3rd person singular), so the verb 'faire' becomes 'fait'.
Which preposition is typically used with 'faire la navette' to indicate the two locations?
Je fais la navette ___ Paris et sa banlieue.
'Entre' (between) is the standard preposition used to link the two points of the commute.
Choose the most natural response.
A: Tu n'es pas trop fatigué par tes trois heures de train par jour ? B: Si, ________ est vraiment épuisant.
The context of daily train travel for work clearly points to commuting.
Match the context to the usage of 'la navette'.
Context: A bill is being sent from the Senate back to the National Assembly.
In French politics, the 'navette parlementaire' is the term for a bill moving between the two houses.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Commuting vs. One-way
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDepuis qu'il travaille à Genève, il ________ entre la France et la Suisse.
The subject is 'il' (3rd person singular), so the verb 'faire' becomes 'fait'.
Je fais la navette ___ Paris et sa banlieue.
'Entre' (between) is the standard preposition used to link the two points of the commute.
A: Tu n'es pas trop fatigué par tes trois heures de train par jour ? B: Si, ________ est vraiment épuisant.
The context of daily train travel for work clearly points to commuting.
Context: A bill is being sent from the Senate back to the National Assembly.
In French politics, the 'navette parlementaire' is the term for a bill moving between the two houses.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, if you walk back and forth regularly between two points (like home and a nearby office), but it usually implies a longer distance involving transport.
It is almost always 'la navette' (the shuttle) because it refers to the concept/habit of commuting.
It's the process where a bill goes back and forth between the National Assembly and the Senate in France.
In casual speech, you might just say 'faire le trajet' or 'avoir du trajet'.
No, you can 'faire la navette' for a relationship, school, or even to visit a sick relative regularly.
In France, you usually say 'un usager' or 'un banlieusard'. In Belgium, you say 'un navetteur'.
Yes, both come from the Latin 'navis' (ship).
Yes, Air France has a specific service called 'La Navette' for frequent flights between major French cities.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your friends.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'télétravailler' (to telework) is the modern alternative.
Related Phrases
Faire le trajet
similarTo make the journey
Aller-retour
similarRound trip
Métro-boulot-dodo
builds onThe daily grind
Navette spatiale
specialized formSpace shuttle
Faire le va-et-vient
synonymTo go back and forth
