cher(chère) in 30 Seconds
- Cher/chère means expensive, referring to high cost.
- Remember gender and number agreement with the noun.
- It can also mean 'dear' in personal contexts.
- Context is key to understanding the intended meaning.
The French adjective 'cher' (masculine singular) or 'chère' (feminine singular) primarily means 'expensive' when referring to the cost of something. It indicates that an item or service has a high price, often beyond what is considered reasonable or affordable. This is its most common and direct translation when discussing financial matters. The plural forms are 'chers' (masculine plural) and 'chères' (feminine plural).
'Cher' can also carry the meaning of 'dear' or 'beloved,' particularly in personal correspondence or when addressing someone with affection. However, in the context of commercial transactions or discussions about value, 'expensive' is the dominant meaning. Understanding the context is crucial to correctly interpret the intended meaning of 'cher(chère)'. For instance, when looking at a price tag or discussing a purchase, 'cher' will almost certainly refer to cost. Conversely, in a letter to a loved one, 'ma chère amie' means 'my dear friend'.
When talking about the price of goods or services, 'cher' is used to express that something costs a significant amount of money. This can be subjective, as what one person considers expensive, another might not. However, the word itself denotes a high price point. For example, if someone comments that a particular restaurant is 'très cher', they are indicating that the meals there are costly. Similarly, if a new gadget is described as 'cher', it implies that its price is a notable factor.
The usage of 'cher(chère)' is widespread across all registers of French, from everyday conversations to more formal settings. When discussing personal finance, shopping, or the economy, you will frequently encounter this word. It is a fundamental adjective for expressing value and cost in the French language.
- Core Meaning
- Costing a lot of money; expensive.
- Secondary Meaning
- Dear; beloved (used in personal contexts).
- Gender and Number Agreement
- Adjective agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies: cher (m. sg.), chère (f. sg.), chers (m. pl.), chères (f. pl.).
This new car is very cher.
My chère mère, how are you?
Using 'cher(chère)' correctly involves placing it before or after the noun it modifies, depending on the meaning and emphasis. When 'cher(chère)' means 'expensive', it typically follows the noun, functioning as a descriptive adjective. For example, 'une voiture chère' means 'an expensive car'. However, it can also precede the noun for emphasis or a more literary tone, as in 'une chère voiture' (though this usage is less common for 'expensive' and can sound slightly dated or poetic).
The primary function of 'cher(chère)' as 'expensive' is to comment on the price. It's often used in comparative or superlative contexts. For instance, 'Ce café est trop cher pour moi' (This coffee is too expensive for me) or 'C'est le restaurant le plus cher de la ville' (It's the most expensive restaurant in town). The agreement is key: 'Ces livres sont chers' (These books are expensive - masculine plural), 'Ces robes sont chères' (These dresses are expensive - feminine plural).
When 'cher(chère)' means 'dear' or 'beloved,' it almost always precedes the noun it modifies. This is a common feature of certain adjectives in French, like 'beau', 'bon', 'grand', 'petit', 'nouveau', and 'vieux', which often take a preceding position for stylistic reasons or to convey a subjective quality. Examples include 'mon cher ami' (my dear friend), 'ma chère sœur' (my dear sister), and 'un cher souvenir' (a dear memory). In this sense, it expresses affection, fondness, or sentimental value rather than monetary cost.
It's also important to note that 'cher' can be used adverbially in some phrases, meaning 'dearly' or 'highly,' though this is less common in everyday speech. For instance, 'aimer quelqu'un cher' (to love someone dearly). However, the adjective forms are far more prevalent.
Consider the following sentence structures:
- As 'Expensive' (following the noun)
- Le billet d'avion était très cher.(The plane ticket was very expensive.)
- As 'Expensive' (plural)
- Ces chaussures sont trop chères.(These shoes are too expensive.)
- As 'Dear' (preceding the noun)
- Mon cher papa, j'espère que tu vas bien.(My dear dad, I hope you are well.)
- As 'Dear' (feminine plural)
- Mes chères amies, merci de votre visite.(My dear friends, thank you for your visit.)
This book is quite cher.
Sending my chère love to you.
You will encounter 'cher(chère)' in a multitude of everyday French settings. When you are shopping, whether in a boutique, a supermarket, or an open-air market, price discussions are common. A shopper might exclaim, 'Oh là là, c'est cher!' (Oh dear, that's expensive!) upon seeing the price of an item. Conversely, a salesperson might try to justify a price by saying, 'Oui, c'est un peu cher, mais la qualité est exceptionnelle' (Yes, it's a bit expensive, but the quality is exceptional).
In restaurants and cafes, 'cher' is frequently used. When looking at a menu, someone might point out, 'Le plat du jour est assez cher ce soir' (The dish of the day is quite expensive tonight). Or, when discussing where to eat, a friend might suggest, 'Allons dans ce restaurant, il n'est pas trop cher' (Let's go to this restaurant, it's not too expensive).
Travel is another area where 'cher' is prevalent. When planning a trip, people often discuss the cost of flights, accommodation, and activities. 'Les hôtels à Paris sont vraiment chers en haute saison' (Hotels in Paris are really expensive in high season) is a common sentiment. Similarly, when booking a train ticket, one might find that 'le billet de dernière minute est très cher' (the last-minute ticket is very expensive).
In personal conversations, especially when talking about gifts or allowances, 'cher' can come up. 'J'ai acheté un cadeau cher pour mon anniversaire' (I bought an expensive gift for my birthday) or 'L'éducation est devenue très chère' (Education has become very expensive). In these instances, the focus is squarely on the financial outlay.
The 'dear' meaning of 'cher(chère)' is most commonly heard in written communication, such as letters, emails, and cards. 'Ma chère tante' (My dear aunt), 'Mon cher collègue' (My dear colleague), or 'À mes chers parents' (To my dear parents) are standard greetings. In spoken language, this usage is reserved for very close relationships or sometimes in a slightly formal or old-fashioned way to express deep respect or affection.
You will also hear 'cher' used in broader economic discussions, for example, when talking about the cost of living, housing prices, or inflation. News reports and economic analyses frequently employ this term to describe rising costs.
Here are some typical scenarios:
- Shopping Scenario
- Customer: 'Ce sac à main est magnifique, mais il est cher !' (This handbag is beautiful, but it's expensive!)
- Restaurant Review
- Reviewer: 'L'ambiance est agréable, mais les prix sont un peu chers.' (The atmosphere is nice, but the prices are a bit expensive.)
- Personal Letter
- Salutation: 'Ma chère Sophie,' (My dear Sophie,)
- Travel Discussion
- Friend: 'J'aimerais aller en Suisse, mais c'est une destination très chère.' (I'd like to go to Switzerland, but it's a very expensive destination.)
The concert tickets were chers.
My chère tante sent her regards.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with 'cher(chère)' is failing to correctly apply gender and number agreement. French adjectives must agree with the noun they modify. For example, saying 'une voiture cher' instead of 'une voiture chère' (an expensive car) is incorrect. Similarly, 'les livres chers' (expensive books) is correct, while 'les livres chère' is not.
Another common pitfall is confusing the two main meanings of 'cher(chère)' – 'expensive' and 'dear'. While context usually clarifies this, sometimes a sentence can be ambiguous if not constructed carefully. For instance, if someone says 'C'est mon ami cher', it could technically mean 'He is my expensive friend' (which is an odd phrasing) or 'He is my dear friend'. The latter is more likely, but the placement and agreement are crucial. If the intended meaning is 'dear', it should almost always precede the noun: 'C'est mon cher ami'. If the intended meaning is 'expensive', it would typically follow: 'Cet ami est cher' (This friend is expensive - perhaps referring to the cost of maintaining the friendship, which is unusual, or more likely, an error).
Misplacing the adjective is another error. As a general rule, when 'cher(chère)' means 'expensive,' it follows the noun. Placing it before the noun when it means 'expensive' can sound unnatural or poetic, and might even shift the meaning towards 'dear'. For example, 'J'ai acheté une chère robe' sounds more like 'I bought a dear dress' (expressing affection for the dress) than 'I bought an expensive dress'. The latter would more naturally be 'J'ai acheté une robe chère'.
Pronunciation can also be a challenge. The 'ch' sound in French is like the 'sh' in 'shoe', not the 'ch' in 'church'. So, 'cher' is pronounced roughly like 'sher'. The final 'e' in 'chère' is typically pronounced, unlike in many English words.
Finally, learners might overuse 'cher' when a more specific or nuanced word is available. While 'cher' is a versatile word, sometimes other adjectives might be more appropriate depending on the specific context of cost or affection.
- Agreement Error
- Incorrect: 'La maison est cher.' Correct: 'La maison est chère.' (The house is expensive.)
- Meaning Confusion
- Incorrect: 'Mon cher voisin, il est très cher.' (This is ambiguous. It could mean 'my dear neighbor, he is very expensive', which is odd, or it could be a mix-up). Correct for 'dear': 'Mon cher voisin.' Correct for 'expensive': 'Le loyer de mon voisin est cher.' (My neighbor's rent is expensive.)
- Placement Error
- Less natural for 'expensive': 'J'ai acheté une chère montre.' More natural: 'J'ai acheté une montre chère.' (I bought an expensive watch.)
Mistake: 'Les vacances étaient cher.' Correction: 'Les vacances étaient chères.' (The holidays were expensive.)
Ambiguous: 'Ma cher amie.' Better for 'dear friend': 'Ma chère amie.' (My dear friend.)
When 'cher(chère)' means 'expensive,' several synonyms can be used, each with slightly different nuances or registers. The most common alternative is 'coûteux(se)'. Like 'cher', 'coûteux' must agree in gender and number with the noun. 'Une voiture coûteuse' (an expensive car) is a direct equivalent to 'une voiture chère'. 'Coûteux' often implies a significant financial burden or a high price due to quality or craftsmanship.
Another word is 'onéreux(se)'. This adjective is generally more formal than 'cher' or 'coûteux' and is often used in legal, financial, or technical contexts. For instance, 'un accord onéreux' (a costly agreement) or 'des frais onéreux' (onerous fees). It suggests something that is burdensome financially.
For a more colloquial or informal tone, you might hear 'dispendieux(se)', though this is less common and can sometimes imply extravagance or wastefulness rather than just a high price. It's often used when something is expensive because it involves a lot of spending, possibly unnecessarily.
In certain contexts, particularly when referring to luxury goods or services, 'luxueux(se)' (luxurious) can imply expense, as luxury items are typically costly. However, 'luxueux' focuses more on the quality of comfort and opulence.
When 'cher(chère)' means 'dear' or 'beloved,' the alternatives are also numerous, depending on the degree of affection. 'Aimé(e)' (loved) is a direct synonym. 'Mon aimé fils' (my loved son). 'Précieux(se)' (precious) can also be used to express deep affection, implying something highly valued: 'Mon précieux trésor' (my precious treasure). In very informal or affectionate contexts, terms like 'mon amour' (my love) or pet names are used, but these are not direct adjective replacements for 'cher'.
Here's a comparison table:
- Meaning: Expensive
- Cher(ère): General term, widely used. 'Une robe chère.' (An expensive dress.)
- Coûteux(se): Similar to 'cher', often implies a significant cost. 'Un voyage coûteux.' (An expensive trip.)
- Onéreux(se): Formal, often used for financial burdens or obligations. 'Des frais onéreux.' (Onerous fees.)
- Dispendieux(se): Implies high spending, possibly extravagant. 'Une décoration dispendieuse.' (An extravagant decoration.)
- Meaning: Dear/Beloved
- Cher(ère): Common in personal address. 'Ma chère mère.' (My dear mother.)
- Aimé(e): Directly means 'loved'. 'Mon aimé enfant.' (My loved child.)
- Précieux(se): Precious, highly valued. 'Mon précieux ami.' (My precious friend.)
Instead of 'une maison cher', consider 'une maison coûteuse' if you want to emphasize the significant cost.
For 'my dear friend', 'mon cher ami' is standard, but 'mon précieux ami' expresses even deeper value.
How Formal Is It?
"Les honoraires pour ce service sont onéreux, mais justifiés par la qualité."
"Ce livre est un peu cher, mais je vais l'acheter."
"Wesh, c'est trop cher ton t-shirt !"
"Le jouet est un peu cher, mais il est très joli !"
"C'est la douille ce truc, c'est trop cher."
Fun Fact
The dual meaning of 'cher' (expensive vs. dear) is shared with other Romance languages. For example, in Spanish, 'caro' means both 'expensive' and 'dear'. In Italian, 'caro' also carries both meanings. This linguistic commonality highlights the ancient connection between value, affection, and cost.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'ch' as in 'church'.
- Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r'.
- Not pronouncing the 'e' sound clearly.
Difficulty Rating
The adjective 'cher(chère)' is common in reading materials. Understanding its dual meaning ('expensive' vs. 'dear') is key, and context is usually sufficient to differentiate. Agreement rules are standard for French adjectives.
Writing with 'cher(chère)' requires careful attention to gender and number agreement. Confusing the 'expensive' and 'dear' meanings can lead to awkward phrasing or miscommunication.
Pronunciation is relatively straightforward, but correct usage in spoken French relies on choosing the right meaning and applying agreement rules. Native speakers will often use context to clarify.
Listening comprehension is generally good as the pronunciation is clear. The main challenge is discerning the intended meaning ('expensive' or 'dear') from the surrounding conversation.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective Agreement
French adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. 'Cher' becomes 'chère' for feminine nouns, 'chers' for masculine plural nouns, and 'chères' for feminine plural nouns. Ex: 'un livre cher' (m. sg.), 'une maison chère' (f. sg.), 'des livres chers' (m. pl.), 'des maisons chères' (f. pl.).
Adjective Placement
When 'cher(chère)' means 'expensive', it typically follows the noun. When it means 'dear' or 'beloved', it usually precedes the noun. Ex: 'une voiture chère' (an expensive car), but 'ma chère voiture' (my dear car - less common for inanimate objects, more for living things or abstract concepts).
Use of 'C'est' vs. 'Il est'/'Elle est'
For general statements about cost, 'C'est cher' is common. For specific nouns, 'Il est cher' (for masculine nouns) or 'Elle est chère' (for feminine nouns) is used. Ex: 'C'est cher.' (It's expensive.) vs. 'Ce sac est cher.' (This bag is expensive.)
Comparative and Superlative Forms
Comparatives and superlatives follow standard French rules. Ex: 'plus cher que' (more expensive than), 'moins cher que' (less expensive than), 'le plus cher' (the most expensive), 'la moins chère' (the least expensive).
Idiomatic Expressions
Phrases like 'coûter cher' or 'faire cher de sa peau' have meanings that go beyond the literal translation of the words. Understanding these idioms is crucial for fluency. Ex: 'Ces erreurs vont nous coûter cher.' (These mistakes will cost us dearly/have serious consequences.)
Examples by Level
Le livre est cher.
The book is expensive.
Masculine singular adjective 'cher' agrees with 'livre'.
C'est cher.
It's expensive.
General statement about cost.
Ma chère sœur.
My dear sister.
Feminine singular adjective 'chère' agrees with 'sœur'.
Les fleurs sont chères.
The flowers are expensive.
Feminine plural adjective 'chères' agrees with 'fleurs'.
Ce jouet est cher.
This toy is expensive.
Masculine singular adjective 'cher' agrees with 'jouet'.
Ma chère maman.
My dear mom.
Feminine singular adjective 'chère' agrees with 'maman'.
Les billets sont chers.
The tickets are expensive.
Masculine plural adjective 'chers' agrees with 'billets'.
Un cher ami.
A dear friend.
Masculine singular adjective 'cher' agrees with 'ami'.
Cette voiture est trop chère pour moi.
This car is too expensive for me.
Feminine singular adjective 'chère' agrees with 'voiture'.
J'ai reçu une lettre de ma chère tante.
I received a letter from my dear aunt.
Feminine singular adjective 'chère' agrees with 'tante'.
Les vacances d'été sont souvent chères.
Summer holidays are often expensive.
Feminine plural adjective 'chères' agrees with 'vacances'.
Il a acheté un cadeau cher pour son anniversaire.
He bought an expensive gift for his birthday.
Masculine singular adjective 'cher' agrees with 'cadeau'.
C'est un quartier très cher pour vivre.
It's a very expensive neighborhood to live in.
Masculine singular adjective 'cher' agrees with 'quartier'.
Mon cher collègue m'a aidé.
My dear colleague helped me.
Masculine singular adjective 'cher' agrees with 'collègue'.
Les prix dans ce magasin sont chers.
The prices in this store are expensive.
Masculine plural adjective 'chers' agrees with 'prix'.
Elle a une chère amitié avec lui.
She has a dear friendship with him.
Feminine singular adjective 'chère' agrees with 'amitié'.
J'ai dû renoncer à ce voyage car il était trop cher.
I had to give up on this trip because it was too expensive.
Masculine singular adjective 'cher' agrees with 'voyage' (implied).
Elle lui a écrit une lettre pleine de mots chers.
She wrote him a letter full of dear words.
Feminine plural adjective 'chères' agrees with 'mots'.
Les appartements dans le centre-ville sont généralement plus chers.
Apartments in the city center are generally more expensive.
Masculine plural adjective 'chers' agrees with 'appartements'.
Il est important de se souvenir de nos chers disparus.
It is important to remember our dear departed.
Masculine plural adjective 'chers' agrees with 'disparus'.
Ce restaurant propose une cuisine délicieuse mais un peu chère.
This restaurant offers delicious but slightly expensive cuisine.
Feminine singular adjective 'chère' agrees with 'cuisine'.
Mon cher professeur m'a beaucoup appris.
My dear professor taught me a lot.
Masculine singular adjective 'cher' agrees with 'professeur'.
Les frais de scolarité sont devenus très chers ces dernières années.
Tuition fees have become very expensive in recent years.
Feminine plural adjective 'chères' agrees with 'frais' (conceptually, though grammatically masculine plural, referring to the cost).
Elle garde un souvenir cher de son enfance.
She keeps a dear memory of her childhood.
Masculine singular adjective 'cher' agrees with 'souvenir'.
Le coût de la vie dans cette métropole est notoirement cher.
The cost of living in this metropolis is notoriously expensive.
Masculine singular adjective 'cher' agrees with 'coût'.
Elle lui a offert un bijou très cher pour son anniversaire de mariage.
She gave him a very expensive piece of jewelry for their wedding anniversary.
Masculine singular adjective 'cher' agrees with 'bijou'.
Les billets pour ce concert étaient exorbitants, vraiment trop chers.
The tickets for this concert were exorbitant, really too expensive.
Masculine plural adjective 'chers' agrees with 'billets'.
Il a toujours eu un faible pour les belles choses, même si elles sont chères.
He always had a soft spot for beautiful things, even if they are expensive.
Feminine plural adjective 'chères' agrees with 'choses'.
Nous avons partagé des moments chers avec nos grands-parents.
We shared dear moments with our grandparents.
Masculine plural adjective 'chers' agrees with 'moments'.
Le matériel informatique de pointe est souvent très cher.
Cutting-edge computer hardware is often very expensive.
Masculine singular adjective 'cher' agrees with 'matériel'.
Elle lui a adressé un regard cher et plein d'affection.
She gave him a dear and affectionate look.
Feminine singular adjective 'cher' agrees with 'regard'.
La rénovation de cette vieille bâtisse s'avère être un projet très cher.
The renovation of this old building is proving to be a very expensive project.
Masculine singular adjective 'cher' agrees with 'projet'.
La spéculation immobilière a rendu les logements dans cette région prohibitively cher.
Real estate speculation has made housing in this region prohibitively expensive.
Masculine singular adjective 'cher' agrees with 'logements' (conceptually, referring to the state of being expensive).
Il chérissait les souvenirs de son enfance, des moments précieux et chers.
He cherished the memories of his childhood, precious and dear moments.
Masculine plural adjective 'chers' agrees with 'moments'.
Les assurances pour les véhicules de luxe sont naturellement plus chères.
Insurance for luxury vehicles is naturally more expensive.
Feminine plural adjective 'chères' agrees with 'assurances'.
Elle lui a offert une bague ornée de diamants, un présent fort cher.
She gave him a ring adorned with diamonds, a very dear gift.
Masculine singular adjective 'cher' agrees with 'présent'.
Le maintien d'une telle armée représente un fardeau financier très cher.
Maintaining such an army represents a very expensive financial burden.
Masculine singular adjective 'cher' agrees with 'fardeau'.
Il a toujours eu à cœur ses amis d'enfance, ses compagnons chers.
He has always held his childhood friends, his dear companions, close to his heart.
Masculine plural adjective 'chers' agrees with 'compagnons'.
L'innovation technologique, bien que bénéfique, engendre souvent des coûts initiaux très chers.
Technological innovation, although beneficial, often incurs very expensive initial costs.
Masculine plural adjective 'chers' agrees with 'coûts'.
Elle lui a dit adieu avec un regard cher et une larme à l'œil.
She bid him farewell with a dear look and a tear in her eye.
Feminine singular adjective 'cher' agrees with 'regard'.
Le coût disproportionné de la guerre a laissé le pays exsangue, rendant toute reprise économique extrêmement cher.
The disproportionate cost of the war left the country broke, making any economic recovery extremely expensive.
Masculine singular adjective 'cher' agrees with the concept of 'reprise économique'.
Elle chérissait les lettres de son défunt mari, témoignages d'un amour profond et cher.
She cherished the letters from her late husband, testaments to a deep and dear love.
Masculine singular adjective 'cher' agrees with 'amour'.
Les œuvres d'art de grands maîtres atteignent des sommes astronomiques, se révélant être des investissements fort chers.
Works of art by great masters fetch astronomical sums, proving to be very expensive investments.
Masculine plural adjective 'chers' agrees with 'investissements'.
Dans un monde où l'information est reine, l'accès à une expertise fiable devient un bien de plus en plus cher.
In a world where information is king, access to reliable expertise is becoming an increasingly expensive commodity.
Masculine singular adjective 'cher' agrees with 'bien'.
Il a toujours considéré sa famille comme son trésor le plus cher, le pilier de son existence.
He has always considered his family his dearest treasure, the pillar of his existence.
Masculine singular adjective 'cher' agrees with 'trésor'.
La transition énergétique, bien qu'indispensable, représente un défi colossal et potentiellement très cher pour les industries traditionnelles.
The energy transition, although essential, represents a colossal and potentially very expensive challenge for traditional industries.
Masculine singular adjective 'cher' agrees with 'défi'.
Elle lui a adressé un dernier regard, un regard cher et empreint de mélancolie.
She gave him a last look, a dear look filled with melancholy.
Feminine singular adjective 'cher' agrees with 'regard'.
Les avancées médicales, bien qu'elles sauvent des vies, demeurent souvent inabordables, rendant les traitements spécialisés particulièrement chers.
Medical advances, although they save lives, often remain unaffordable, making specialized treatments particularly expensive.
Masculine plural adjective 'chers' agrees with 'traitements'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— It's too expensive.
When you see a price that is beyond your budget, you can say 'C'est trop cher.'
— It's very expensive.
Used to emphasize a high price, perhaps for a luxury item or a high-end service.
— Not expensive at all.
Used when something is surprisingly inexpensive or a great deal.
— My dear mom / My dear dad.
A term of endearment used when speaking to or about one's parents.
— That costs a lot / That's expensive.
A general statement about the high price of something.
— To hold someone/something dear; to value highly.
This is a more nuanced expression indicating deep affection and value.
— That costs me a lot (financially or emotionally).
Can refer to monetary cost or the emotional toll something takes.
Often Confused With
'Chérie' is the vocative form of 'chère' used as a term of endearment, often when directly addressing a loved one. It's not typically used as a general adjective meaning 'expensive'. Ex: 'Bonjour, ma chérie !' (Hello, my darling!)
'Cherté' is a noun meaning 'expensiveness' or 'dearness'. It's not an adjective. Ex: 'La cherté de la vie' (The expensiveness of life).
'Chercher' is a verb meaning 'to look for' or 'to search'. It sounds similar but has a completely different meaning and usage. Ex: 'Je cherche mes clés.' (I am looking for my keys.)
Idioms & Expressions
— To cost an arm and a leg; to be extremely expensive.
This idiom is used to describe something that is prohibitively expensive. 'Ce yacht a dû coûter les yeux de la tête.' (This yacht must have cost an arm and a leg.)
Informal— To be inexpensive; to be cheap.
This is the opposite of costing a lot. 'Ce plat ne coûte pas cher et il est délicieux.' (This dish isn't expensive and it's delicious.)
Neutral— To have a dear price; to be priced high.
This phrase emphasizes that the price is high, perhaps even surprisingly so. 'Ce vin a un prix cher, mais il vaut la peine.' (This wine has a dear price, but it's worth it.)
Slightly formal/literary— To value one's own skin; to take care of oneself; to be cautious.
This idiom means to be careful and to protect oneself, often implying avoiding danger. 'Il sait qu'il est en danger, alors il fait cher de sa peau.' (He knows he is in danger, so he takes care of himself.)
Idiomatic/Figurative— A dear object; a cherished possession.
Refers to an item that holds sentimental value. 'Cette vieille montre est un cher objet pour lui.' (This old watch is a dear object to him.)
Literary/Sentimental— At any dear price (literal, but implies 'at all costs' or 'very dearly').
This phrase is not common in modern French. It's more archaic. A more modern equivalent for 'at all costs' would be 'à tout prix'.
Archaic/Rare— Dear and tender loves.
A poetic or literary expression used to refer to beloved romantic partners. 'Il se remémore ses chers et tendres amours de jeunesse.' (He reminisces about his dear and tender loves of youth.)
Literary/Poetic— To be stingy with something; to be reluctant to spend on something.
This idiom implies a reluctance to spend money or resources. 'Il fait cher de ses mots.' (He is stingy with his words.)
Figurative/Slightly negative— The dear price of freedom.
A metaphorical phrase suggesting that freedom comes at a significant cost, often involving sacrifice. 'Le prix cher de la liberté se mesure en sacrifices.' (The dear price of freedom is measured in sacrifices.)
Figurative/Philosophical— My dear body.
Often used humorously or with mock self-pity when experiencing physical discomfort. 'Mon cher corps, tu as bien travaillé aujourd'hui.' (My dear body, you've worked hard today.)
Humorous/Self-deprecatingEasily Confused
Both 'cher' and 'coûteux' mean 'expensive'.
'Cher' is the most common and general term for 'expensive'. 'Coûteux' often implies a greater financial burden or a cost that is significant due to quality, craftsmanship, or scale. For example, a simple coffee might be 'cher', but a large construction project would be 'coûteux'.
'Cette montre est chère.' vs. 'Ce projet de construction est coûteux.'
It's the antonym of 'cher' (expensive).
'Cher' means expensive, while 'bon marché' means cheap or inexpensive. They represent opposite ends of the price spectrum. 'Bon marché' can sometimes imply lower quality, whereas 'cher' does not inherently do so.
'Une voiture chère' (an expensive car) vs. 'Une voiture bon marché' (a cheap car).
Both 'cher(chère)' and 'aimé(e)' can convey affection.
'Cher(chère)' when meaning 'dear' expresses affection, fondness, or high regard. 'Aimé(e)' directly translates to 'loved' and signifies a deeper emotional connection. While 'cher' can be used in personal greetings, 'aimé' is more about the state of being loved. Ex: 'Mon cher ami' (My dear friend) vs. 'Mon fils aimé' (My beloved son).
Sounds very similar and relates to affection.
'Chéri(e)' is primarily a vocative term of endearment, used when directly addressing someone you love (like 'darling' or 'honey'). 'Cher(chère)' is an adjective that can precede or follow a noun and means 'dear' (in a less intense way than 'chéri') or 'expensive'. Ex: 'Viens ici, mon chéri !' (Come here, my darling!) vs. 'C'est mon cher ami.' (He is my dear friend.)
'Ma chérie' is used to address someone directly, while 'ma chère amie' describes a friend.
Related root word.
'Cher(chère)' is an adjective meaning 'expensive' or 'dear'. 'Cherté' is a noun meaning 'expensiveness' or 'dearness'. You use the adjective to describe something, and the noun to talk about the quality of being expensive. Ex: 'Le pain est cher.' (Bread is expensive.) vs. 'La cherté du pain inquiète les consommateurs.' (The expensiveness of bread worries consumers.)
'Cher' describes a noun, 'cherté' is the noun itself.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + être + cher/chère.
La pomme est chère.
C'est + cher.
C'est cher.
Mon/Ma + cher/chère + Noun.
Mon cher ami.
Noun + est + trop/très + cher/chère.
Cette voiture est trop chère.
Il/Elle + est + plus/moins + cher/chère + que + Noun.
Ce livre est plus cher que celui-là.
Le/La/Les + plus/moins + cher/chère.
C'est le café le plus cher du quartier.
Ça + coûte + cher.
Ça coûte cher de voyager.
Être + cher/chère + à + quelqu'un.
Ce projet m'est très cher.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very High
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Incorrect agreement: 'une voiture cher'.
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'une voiture chère'.
The adjective 'cher' must agree in gender with the noun 'voiture' (car), which is feminine. Therefore, it becomes 'chère'.
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Confusing meaning: 'Mon cher voisin, il est cher.'
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'Mon cher voisin' (My dear neighbor) OR 'Le loyer de mon voisin est cher.' (My neighbor's rent is expensive).
The sentence 'il est cher' after addressing someone as 'mon cher voisin' is ambiguous. If referring to the neighbor's personality, it's odd. If referring to cost, the noun should be specified (e.g., rent, services). The adjective 'cher' should agree with the noun it describes.
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Incorrect placement for 'expensive': 'J'ai acheté une chère robe.'
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'J'ai acheté une robe chère.'
When 'cher(chère)' means 'expensive', it typically follows the noun. Placing it before can imply affection ('a dear dress') rather than cost, or sound poetic.
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Using 'cher' when 'cherté' is needed.
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'La cherté de la vie est un problème.'
'Cher(chère)' is an adjective. 'Cherté' is a noun meaning 'expensiveness'. You describe something as 'cher', but you talk about the 'cherté' of a situation.
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Pronouncing 'ch' as in 'church'.
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Pronounce 'ch' like 'sh' in 'shoe'.
The French 'ch' sound is consistently like 'sh'. The word 'cher' is pronounced roughly as /ʃɛʁ/.
Tips
Master Agreement
The most crucial aspect of using 'cher(chère)' correctly is adjective agreement. Always match the gender and number of the noun. Remember: cher (m. sg.), chère (f. sg.), chers (m. pl.), chères (f. pl.). This applies whether you mean 'expensive' or 'dear'.
Context is King
The word 'cher(chère)' has two primary meanings: 'expensive' and 'dear'. Pay close attention to the context of the sentence to determine the intended meaning. If it's about money, it's expensive. If it's about affection or personal importance, it's dear.
Placement Matters
The position of 'cher(chère)' relative to the noun often indicates its meaning. When meaning 'expensive', it usually follows the noun ('une maison chère'). When meaning 'dear', it usually precedes the noun ('mon cher ami'). This is a helpful guideline, though exceptions exist in literary contexts.
French 'R'
Practice the French 'r' sound, which is guttural and produced at the back of the throat, not rolled like in Spanish or English. 'Cher' rhymes with 'mer' (sea) and 'fer' (iron).
Sentence Building
Create sentences using 'cher(chère)' in both its 'expensive' and 'dear' meanings, ensuring correct agreement and placement. Try describing items in a shop and then writing a short affectionate note to a friend.
Expand Your Lexicon
When you need alternatives for 'expensive', consider 'coûteux(se)' (significant cost) or 'onéreux(se)' (formal, burdensome). For 'dear', 'aimé(e)' (loved) or 'précieux(se)' (precious) are good options.
Opposites Attract
To describe something that is not expensive, use 'pas cher' (not expensive), 'bon marché' (cheap), or 'abordable' (affordable). Knowing the opposites helps solidify the meaning of 'cher'.
Idiomatic Expressions
Learn expressions like 'coûter cher' (to cost dearly, to have serious consequences) and 'faire cher de sa peau' (to take care of oneself, to be cautious) to add nuance and fluency to your French.
Cultural Nuance
Understand that 'cher' as 'dear' is a warm and common form of address in French culture, reflecting the importance placed on personal relationships and respect.
Avoid Errors
Be vigilant about adjective agreement and the distinction between 'expensive' and 'dear'. Misplaced adjectives or incorrect agreement can lead to confusion or unintentional meanings.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a beautiful, rare diamond ring. It's so precious and loved ('cher' in the 'dear' sense) that it must also be very expensive ('cher' in the 'expensive' sense). The value and the cost are linked.
Visual Association
Picture a heart symbol (❤️) intertwined with a price tag ($). The heart represents 'dear' and affection, while the price tag represents 'expensive'. The intertwining shows how these two meanings are connected in the word 'cher(chère)'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe three items you own: one that is expensive, one that you hold dear, and one that is both. Use 'cher(chère)' and its related forms correctly.
Word Origin
The French word 'cher' comes from the Latin word 'carus', meaning 'dear', 'beloved', or 'highly esteemed'. Over time, 'carus' evolved in Vulgar Latin and Old French to acquire the secondary meaning of 'expensive', likely because things that are highly valued or beloved are often considered precious and therefore costly.
Original meaning: Dear, beloved, highly esteemed.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > Gallo-Romance > FrenchCultural Context
When using 'cher(chère)' to mean 'expensive', be mindful of the listener's financial situation. What one person finds moderately expensive, another might find prohibitively so. Conversely, using 'cher(chère)' to mean 'dear' is generally positive and expresses affection, but ensure the level of intimacy is appropriate for the relationship.
In English, we have 'dear' for affection and 'expensive' for cost, which are distinct words. French uses 'cher(chère)' for both, making context crucial. The phrase 'dear' in English can also sometimes imply something is expensive ('a dear price'), but this usage is less common than its primary meaning of affection.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Shopping for clothes or accessories
- C'est trop cher.
- C'est un peu cher.
- C'est abordable.
- Pas cher du tout.
- J'aime cette robe, mais elle est chère.
Dining out at restaurants
- Le menu est cher.
- C'est un restaurant cher.
- On peut trouver moins cher ailleurs.
- Le prix est cher pour ce que c'est.
- Ce plat n'est pas très cher.
Discussing travel and accommodation
- Les hôtels sont chers ici.
- C'est une destination chère.
- Le billet d'avion était cher.
- Trouver un logement pas cher.
- Les vacances peuvent être chères.
Personal correspondence (letters, emails)
- Ma chère mère,
- Mon cher ami,
- Avec mes chers sentiments,
- Un cher souvenir,
- À mes chers parents.
Talking about general costs of living or services
- L'essence est chère.
- Le coût de la vie est cher.
- Les soins de santé sont chers.
- C'est un service cher mais nécessaire.
- Ces choses ne devraient pas être si chères.
Conversation Starters
"What's the most expensive thing you've ever bought?"
"Do you prefer to buy expensive items or look for bargains?"
"What's a 'dear' memory you hold onto?"
"If you could afford anything, what would be the most expensive item you'd buy?"
"How do you feel when something you really want is too expensive?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a recent purchase that felt too expensive. Was it worth it?
Write a short letter to a loved one using 'mon cher' or 'ma chère'.
Reflect on a time when something 'cost dearly' (not just in money). What was the price?
Imagine you found a surprisingly inexpensive item you loved. How would you describe it?
Discuss a product or service that you believe is worth its high price. Why?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'cher(chère)' has two main meanings. Its most common meaning is 'expensive' when referring to cost. However, it can also mean 'dear' or 'beloved' when used in personal contexts, such as addressing friends or family. Context is key to understanding which meaning is intended. For example, 'une voiture chère' means an expensive car, while 'mon cher ami' means my dear friend.
You must make 'cher(chère)' agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. Use 'cher' for masculine singular nouns, 'chère' for feminine singular nouns, 'chers' for masculine plural nouns, and 'chères' for feminine plural nouns. For example: 'un livre cher' (masculine singular), 'une maison chère' (feminine singular), 'des livres chers' (masculine plural), 'des maisons chères' (feminine plural).
While not its primary function, 'cher' can sometimes function adverbially, meaning 'dearly' or 'highly', especially in older or more literary contexts (e.g., 'aimer quelqu'un cher' - to love someone dearly). However, in modern everyday French, it is overwhelmingly used as an adjective.
'Cher' is the most common and general word for 'expensive'. 'Coûteux' is very similar and often interchangeable, but it can sometimes imply a greater financial burden or a cost that is substantial due to quality or scale. For instance, a coffee might be 'cher', but a large renovation project would be 'coûteux'.
The opposite of 'cher' (expensive) can be expressed in several ways. The most common phrase is 'pas cher' (not expensive). You can also use 'bon marché' (cheap, inexpensive), or 'abordable' (affordable).
When 'cher(chère)' means 'expensive', it usually follows the noun (e.g., 'une voiture chère'). When it means 'dear' or 'beloved', it usually precedes the noun (e.g., 'mon cher ami'). This placement rule helps distinguish the meaning.
'Coûter cher' literally means 'to cost dearly'. It can refer to a high monetary cost, but it is often used figuratively to mean that something will have significant negative consequences or require a great sacrifice. For example, 'Ces erreurs vont nous coûter cher.' (These mistakes will cost us dearly/have serious consequences.)
Yes, 'cher' can be used for abstract concepts, typically meaning 'dear' or 'important'. For example, 'Ce projet m'est très cher' means 'This project is very dear to me' or 'This project is very important to me'.
The plural forms are 'chers' for masculine plural nouns and 'chères' for feminine plural nouns. For example, 'des livres chers' (expensive books) and 'des fleurs chères' (expensive flowers).
'Cher(chère)' can be used in both formal and informal contexts. As 'expensive', it's neutral. As 'dear', it's typically used in personal or semi-formal contexts (like letters). More formal synonyms for 'expensive' include 'onéreux(se)'.
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Summary
The French adjective 'cher' (masculine) or 'chère' (feminine) primarily signifies that something costs a lot of money, meaning 'expensive'. Always ensure it agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For example, 'un livre cher' (an expensive book) and 'une robe chère' (an expensive dress). Remember that it can also mean 'dear' or 'beloved' in personal messages, but in discussions about price, 'expensive' is the standard interpretation.
- Cher/chère means expensive, referring to high cost.
- Remember gender and number agreement with the noun.
- It can also mean 'dear' in personal contexts.
- Context is key to understanding the intended meaning.
Master Agreement
The most crucial aspect of using 'cher(chère)' correctly is adjective agreement. Always match the gender and number of the noun. Remember: cher (m. sg.), chère (f. sg.), chers (m. pl.), chères (f. pl.). This applies whether you mean 'expensive' or 'dear'.
Context is King
The word 'cher(chère)' has two primary meanings: 'expensive' and 'dear'. Pay close attention to the context of the sentence to determine the intended meaning. If it's about money, it's expensive. If it's about affection or personal importance, it's dear.
Placement Matters
The position of 'cher(chère)' relative to the noun often indicates its meaning. When meaning 'expensive', it usually follows the noun ('une maison chère'). When meaning 'dear', it usually precedes the noun ('mon cher ami'). This is a helpful guideline, though exceptions exist in literary contexts.
French 'R'
Practice the French 'r' sound, which is guttural and produced at the back of the throat, not rolled like in Spanish or English. 'Cher' rhymes with 'mer' (sea) and 'fer' (iron).
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