In 15 Seconds
- Used to discuss or focus on available options.
- Commonly follows verbs like 'discuter', 'hésiter', or 'décider'.
- Essential for group planning and decision-making scenarios.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you are talking about or focusing on the specific options available to you. It is like saying 'regarding the choices' or 'about the options' when making a decision.
Key Examples
3 of 6Deciding on a restaurant with friends
On doit se mettre d'accord sur les choix de restaurants.
We need to agree on the restaurant choices.
A formal business meeting
Nous allons voter sur les choix stratégiques cet après-midi.
We are going to vote on the strategic choices this afternoon.
Texting a friend about a party
Tu en penses quoi sur les choix de musique ?
What do you think about the music choices?
Cultural Background
The French 'Menu au choix' is a cultural staple. It reflects the value of fixed-price meals where the diner still has agency over their specific dishes. In Quebec, you might hear 'sur les choix' influenced slightly by English 'on the choices', but the standard French usage remains dominant in formal settings. In many Francophone African cultures, 'les choix' are often discussed communally. The phrase 'discuter sur les choix' might involve an entire extended family. Belgian French often uses 'sur' in administrative contexts to denote specific categories of choice in official forms.
Use with 'Hésiter'
If you want to sound like a native when you can't decide, always use 'J'hésite sur les choix'.
Avoid 'About'
Don't try to say 'à propos de les choix'. It's clunky. 'Sur les choix' is much smoother.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to discuss or focus on available options.
- Commonly follows verbs like 'discuter', 'hésiter', or 'décider'.
- Essential for group planning and decision-making scenarios.
What It Means
This phrase is your go-to for discussing options. It centers the conversation on the selection process. Imagine you are looking at a menu with friends. You aren't just looking at food; you are focusing sur les choix. It implies there is more than one path to take. It is a very practical, everyday expression. It helps narrow down a wide field of possibilities. You are essentially pointing your finger at the available options. It is logical, clear, and very common in French conversation.
How To Use It
You will usually see this phrase after a verb. Verbs like discuter (to discuss) or hésiter (to hesitate) work perfectly. You can say, On discute sur les choix. It acts as a bridge between your action and the options. Always remember to use the plural les choix here. This shows you are considering multiple things at once. It is a flexible building block for your sentences. You don't need complex grammar to make it work. Just drop it in after your main thought.
When To Use It
Use this when you are planning a trip with others. It is perfect for a business meeting about strategy. Use it when you are shopping for a new outfit. It works great when debating which movie to watch tonight. If you are feeling overwhelmed by a menu, use it then. It is ideal for any situation involving a group decision. It keeps the focus on the task at hand. You will sound organized and thoughtful when you use it.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this if there is only one option. If you only have one path, use le choix instead. Avoid using it to describe your personal feelings or tastes. For example, don't say it when you just like pizza. It is for the act of choosing, not the preference. It is also not a replacement for the verb choisir. Don't use it in very emotional, poetic contexts usually. It is a bit too functional for a love poem. Keep it for practical, real-world decision-making moments.
Cultural Background
French culture places a high value on the 'art of the choice.' Whether it is wine, cheese, or philosophy, debate is expected. Choosing is not just a quick task; it is a process. There is a famous French saying: 'Choisir, c'est renoncer' (To choose is to give up). This phrase reflects that serious approach to weighing your options. In a French cafe, you might spend twenty minutes discussing the menu. This phrase is the heartbeat of those long, lovely debates. It shows you respect the variety of options available.
Common Variations
You might hear sur le choix when focusing on one specific decision. Parmi les choix means 'among the choices' and is more specific. Selon les choix means 'depending on the choices' and is very common. In professional settings, people use faire un point sur les choix. This means to summarize the current options. You might also hear revenir sur les choix if you change your mind. All these variations keep the focus on the decision-making power.
Usage Notes
This phrase is incredibly stable across all levels of French. Just be careful with the preposition 'sur'—English speakers often want to use 'about' or 'of', but 'sur' is the idiomatic choice here.
Use with 'Hésiter'
If you want to sound like a native when you can't decide, always use 'J'hésite sur les choix'.
Avoid 'About'
Don't try to say 'à propos de les choix'. It's clunky. 'Sur les choix' is much smoother.
The Art of Debate
In France, it's okay to disagree 'sur les choix'. It's seen as a healthy discussion, not an argument.
Examples
6On doit se mettre d'accord sur les choix de restaurants.
We need to agree on the restaurant choices.
Used here to focus the group on the list of places.
Nous allons voter sur les choix stratégiques cet après-midi.
We are going to vote on the strategic choices this afternoon.
Shows a formal application in a professional setting.
Tu en penses quoi sur les choix de musique ?
What do you think about the music choices?
A casual way to ask for an opinion on options.
Je panique un peu sur les choix de pâtisseries !
I'm panicking a bit over the pastry choices!
A lighthearted way to express being spoiled for choice.
Il réfléchit beaucoup sur les choix de carrière.
He is thinking a lot about the career choices.
Used for serious, life-altering decisions.
Le vendeur nous a conseillé sur les choix de modèles.
The salesman advised us on the choice of models.
Used when receiving expert advice on options.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition to say 'We are talking about the choices'.
Nous parlons ___ les choix.
While 'de' is possible (des choix), 'sur' is the specific collocation used for focused discussion.
Which sentence means 'I am here by choice'?
Choose the correct sentence:
'Par choix' is the fixed idiom for 'voluntarily'.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Quel gâteau veux-tu ? B: Je ne sais pas, j'hésite encore ___.
The verb 'hésiter' is commonly followed by 'sur' when referring to a set of options.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: A manager presenting three different marketing strategies.
'Se prononcer sur' means to give an official opinion or decision on a set of options.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Sur vs Par vs Au
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNous parlons ___ les choix.
While 'de' is possible (des choix), 'sur' is the specific collocation used for focused discussion.
Choose the correct sentence:
'Par choix' is the fixed idiom for 'voluntarily'.
A: Quel gâteau veux-tu ? B: Je ne sais pas, j'hésite encore ___.
The verb 'hésiter' is commonly followed by 'sur' when referring to a set of options.
Situation: A manager presenting three different marketing strategies.
'Se prononcer sur' means to give an official opinion or decision on a set of options.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, if the choices are indefinite. 'Je réfléchis sur des choix difficiles' (I am reflecting on some difficult choices).
It is neutral. It works in a bakery and in a boardroom.
'Concernant' is slightly more formal and often used in writing. 'Sur' is more common in speech.
You can! 'Options' is a perfect synonym for 'choix' in most contexts.
No, only with certain verbs like 'discuter', 'réfléchir', or 'hésiter'.
Rarely. You wouldn't say 'sur les choix de personnes' unless you are selecting candidates for a job.
No, it is always silent, even in the plural.
Use 'Je n'ai pas le choix'. You don't need 'sur' here.
Usually 'sur les choix' because a menu has multiple options.
Yes, 'se décider sur les choix' is very common.
Yes, many French songs about life and destiny use 'les choix' with various prepositions.
'Réfléchir' (to reflect/think) is probably the most frequent partner.
Usually 'sur les choix' if referring to specific ones discussed in the text.
Yes! 'I am reflecting on my choices' is 'Je réfléchis sur mes choix'.
Related Phrases
au choix
similaroptional / at one's discretion
par choix
contrastby choice / voluntarily
avoir le choix
builds onto have a choice
faire un choix
builds onto make a choice
