Meaning
Used to indicate position beneath something.
Cultural Background
The 'chambres de bonne' are tiny apartments located 'sous les toits' (under the roofs) of Paris. They represent a specific lifestyle of students and young workers in the capital. The slogan 'Sous les pavés, la plage !' from May 1968 is one of the most famous in French history, symbolizing the desire for freedom beneath the constraints of urban life. 'Sous vide' is a world-famous French cooking technique where food is vacuum-sealed and cooked in a water bath. It literally means 'under vacuum'. In legal contexts, 'sous seing privé' refers to a contract signed between individuals without the presence of a notary.
The 'No-De' Rule
Never put 'de' after 'sous'. It's always 'sous la table', never 'sous de la table'.
Sous vs Dessous
If you have a noun after it, use 'sous'. If you don't, use 'dessous'.
Meaning
Used to indicate position beneath something.
The 'No-De' Rule
Never put 'de' after 'sous'. It's always 'sous la table', never 'sous de la table'.
Sous vs Dessous
If you have a noun after it, use 'sous'. If you don't, use 'dessous'.
Weather Hack
Use 'sous' for rain, snow, and sun. It makes you sound much more native than using 'dans'.
Money Talk
If someone says 'Je n'ai pas de sous', they aren't talking about being under something—they're broke!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with 'sous' or 'sur' (on).
Le chat dort ____ le lit (under the bed).
The context specifies 'under', which is 'sous'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct option:
'Sous' is a preposition followed directly by the article and noun.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Où est mon sac ? B: Il est ____ ton bureau.
A bag is typically 'under' (sous) a desk.
Match the expression to the situation.
You are caught in a storm without an umbrella.
'Sous la pluie' means 'under the rain'.
Complete the idiomatic expression.
Je ne peux pas finir ce travail, je suis trop ____ pression.
'Sous pression' is the standard idiom for 'under pressure'.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Sous vs Dessous
Practice Bank
5 exercisesLe chat dort ____ le lit (under the bed).
The context specifies 'under', which is 'sous'.
Choose the correct option:
'Sous' is a preposition followed directly by the article and noun.
A: Où est mon sac ? B: Il est ____ ton bureau.
A bag is typically 'under' (sous) a desk.
You are caught in a storm without an umbrella.
'Sous la pluie' means 'under the rain'.
Je ne peux pas finir ce travail, je suis trop ____ pression.
'Sous pression' is the standard idiom for 'under pressure'.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'sous' is a preposition and remains invariable. Only the article and noun following it change.
Generally no. Use 'pendant' or 'durant'. The only exception is historical periods like 'sous le Premier Empire'.
'Sous' is for direct position (under the table). 'En dessous de' is for relative position or values (below 5 degrees).
No, the 's' in 'sous' is always silent, even before a vowel.
You usually say 'en dessous de moi' or 'sous mes pieds' (under my feet).
It means something that is implied or 'read between the lines'.
Yes, in very informal French, 'être sous' is short for being under the influence of alcohol.
Yes, you say 'Je suis sous Mac' or 'sous Linux'.
It's the second-in-command in a kitchen, literally the 'under-chef'.
You say 'sous l'eau'.
Related Phrases
en dessous de
similarbelow / underneath
sur
contraston / above
sous-entendu
builds onimplied
sous-marin
specialized formsubmarine
sous-sol
specialized formbasement
