Meaning
To invent or exaggerate events.
Cultural Background
In France, 'raconter des histoires' is often used in political satire. Cartoonists and comedians use it to mock politicians who promise things they can't deliver. In Quebec, you might also hear 'conter des peurs', which specifically means telling scary stories or lies intended to frighten or deceive. In many West African French-speaking cultures, storytelling is a sacred oral tradition. Using 'raconter des histoires' as an insult can be seen as more significant, as it devalues the role of the 'griot' (traditional storyteller). Belgians use the phrase similarly to the French, but they might also use 'raconter des carabistouilles' (a charming local word for nonsense or small lies).
The 'Plural' Secret
Always remember the plural. If you say 'Tu racontes une histoire', people will wait for the plot. If you say 'Tu racontes des histoires', they will wait for the truth.
Don't be too aggressive
While it's softer than 'Tu mens', it's still an accusation. Use it with a smile if you're just joking with friends.
Meaning
To invent or exaggerate events.
The 'Plural' Secret
Always remember the plural. If you say 'Tu racontes une histoire', people will wait for the plot. If you say 'Tu racontes des histoires', they will wait for the truth.
Don't be too aggressive
While it's softer than 'Tu mens', it's still an accusation. Use it with a smile if you're just joking with friends.
Combine with 'encore'
Use 'Tu racontes encore des histoires !' to show that this is a habit for the person. It adds a lot of native-like flavor.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'raconter'.
Tu ______ toujours des histoires quand tu es en retard !
The subject is 'Tu', so the verb 'raconter' takes the ending '-es'.
Which sentence means 'Stop lying to me'?
Choose the correct idiom:
The idiom requires the verb 'raconter' and the plural 'des histoires'.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: J'ai vu un OVNI hier soir ! B: Mais non, tu ______ !
In this context of an unbelievable claim, 'me racontes des histoires' is the perfect response.
Match the phrase to the most likely situation.
'Il nous raconte des histoires sur son salaire.'
The plural 'des histoires' in a social context about money strongly implies exaggeration or lying.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTu ______ toujours des histoires quand tu es en retard !
The subject is 'Tu', so the verb 'raconter' takes the ending '-es'.
Choose the correct idiom:
The idiom requires the verb 'raconter' and the plural 'des histoires'.
A: J'ai vu un OVNI hier soir ! B: Mais non, tu ______ !
In this context of an unbelievable claim, 'me racontes des histoires' is the perfect response.
'Il nous raconte des histoires sur son salaire.'
The plural 'des histoires' in a social context about money strongly implies exaggeration or lying.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt depends on the tone. It's less rude than 'mentir' (to lie), but it still means you don't believe the person. Use it carefully with superiors.
Yes! It's very common for parents to say this to children who make up silly things. In this case, it's quite affectionate.
'Salades' is more informal and implies the person is talking nonsense or mixing many lies together. 'Histoires' is more standard.
You would say 'Il m'a raconté des histoires'. Note that even for one lie, the plural is often used to fit the idiom.
Related Phrases
raconter des salades
synonymTo tell lies/nonsense.
raconter sa vie
similarTo talk too much about oneself.
en faire toute une histoire
builds onTo make a big deal out of something.
dormir debout
specialized formAn unbelievable story (une histoire à dormir debout).
