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décidément

B2 noun 14 min read

décidément

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips décidément in 30 Seconds

Explanation décidément in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'décidément' might seem a bit long and complex, but you can think of it as a very strong way to say 'Really!' or 'Definitely!' Imagine you are learning French and you notice that every time you go to the park, it starts to rain. You could say, 'Décidément, il pleut !' This shows you are surprised and a little bit annoyed. At this stage, don't worry about all the complicated grammar. Just use it at the beginning of a sentence when you want to emphasize that something is happening 'for sure' or 'again and again.' It’s like a magic word that makes you sound more like a real French speaker because it shows you have an opinion about what is happening. Just remember to pronounce all four parts: dé-ci-dé-ment. It's a great word to use when you want to express a simple feeling like 'Wow, this always happens!' or 'Clearly, this is the case!' Even if your sentences are short, adding 'décidément' at the start makes them feel more complete and emotional. It's a very 'French' way to react to the world around you, even if you only know a few other words.

As an A2 learner, you are starting to build more complex thoughts, and 'décidément' is a perfect tool for that. You can use it to connect your observations to your feelings. For example, if you are talking about a friend who is always nice, you can say, 'Décidément, elle est très gentille.' This is better than just saying 'Elle est très gentille' because it suggests that you have seen her be nice many times and now you are certain about it. You will often hear this word in simple conversations or see it in short stories. It helps you express a sense of 'conclusion.' At the A2 level, you should practice putting it at the very beginning of your sentences. It acts like a 'label' for the rest of your sentence, telling the listener that you are making a final observation. It's also very useful for expressing small frustrations, like when you can't find your keys: 'Décidément, où sont mes clés ?' This sounds much more natural than just asking the question. It shows that you've been looking for a while and are now getting frustrated. Try to use it once or twice in your next speaking practice to see how it changes the 'flavor' of your French.

At the B1 level, you should begin to recognize the nuance of 'décidément' as a way to express a pattern or a recurring event. It’s no longer just a synonym for 'really'; it’s a way to comment on the consistency of a situation. For instance, if you are discussing a political situation or a news story, you might say, 'Décidément, les négociations n'avancent pas.' This implies that you've been following the news and have noticed a lack of progress over time. You should also start to notice the difference between 'décidément' and 'vraiment.' While 'vraiment' simply intensifies an adjective ('C'est vraiment difficile'), 'décidément' comments on the situation as a whole ('Décidément, c'est difficile'). At this level, you can also use it to express irony. If someone who is usually very quiet suddenly starts talking a lot, you might say, 'Décidément, tu es bavard aujourd'hui !' This shows you've noticed the change in their behavior. Understanding this 'observational' aspect is key to moving toward the B2 level. You should also be comfortable using it in written assignments, such as letters or short essays, to provide a more personal and reflective tone to your arguments.

At the B2 level, 'décidément' becomes a sophisticated rhetorical device. You are expected to use it to manage the flow of your arguments and to express subtle shades of meaning. In a debate, for example, you might use it to summarize a series of points: 'Décidément, tous les indicateurs montrent que nous devons agir vite.' This uses the word to create a sense of urgency and logical conclusion. You should also be aware of its less common use as a word meaning 'resolutely.' While you might not use it this way often in speech, you will encounter it in literature or formal journalism (e.g., 'Il a agi décidément pour résoudre la crise'). At B2, you should be able to distinguish between these two functions based on context and sentence structure. Furthermore, you should use 'décidément' to add 'color' to your spoken French, using intonation to signal whether you are being ironic, exasperated, or simply confirming a fact. It’s a word that helps you sound more 'native' because it shows you are engaging with the context of the conversation, not just the literal meaning of the words. You should also be able to explain to someone else why you chose 'décidément' over 'certainement' or 'évidemment' in a specific sentence.

For C1 learners, 'décidément' is a tool for stylistic precision. You should be able to use it to create specific effects in your writing and speech. For instance, in a formal essay, you might use it to introduce a 'synthesis' paragraph, signaling that the evidence presented so far leads to an inescapable conclusion. In literary analysis, you might discuss how an author uses 'décidément' to establish a narrator's voice or to highlight a character's recurring flaws. You should also be sensitive to its placement and how shifting it can change the emphasis of a sentence. For example, 'Décidément, il est trop tard' (an observation of the situation) vs. 'Il est décidément trop tard' (focusing on the degree of lateness). At this level, you can also use it to express a 'philosophical resignation,' a common trope in French intellectual discourse where one acknowledges the predictable nature of human folly or social structures. Your mastery of 'décidément' should be such that you can use it in highly formal settings without sounding colloquial, by carefully choosing the surrounding vocabulary to maintain a high register. It becomes a marker of your ability to handle the 'commentary' function of the French language with grace and authority.

At the C2 level, you have a complete command of 'décidément' in all its historical and modern nuances. You understand its etymological roots in the Latin 'decidere' (to cut off) and how this sense of 'cutting off' other possibilities led to its modern meaning of 'definitiveness.' You can use it with extreme subtlety, perhaps using it ironically to mock someone who is being overly predictable, or using it to punctuate a complex philosophical argument. You are also aware of its rare, archaic uses in classical literature where it might function slightly differently. In your own production, 'décidément' is just one of many tools you use to weave a rich, nuanced text. You can use it to create a 'meta-commentary' on your own speech, acknowledging a pattern in your own thoughts or arguments. At this level, the word is no longer a 'vocabulary item' but a flexible element of your expressive repertoire. You can play with its rhythm in a sentence to create rhetorical impact, and you are fully aware of how it interacts with other modal adverbs to create a layered perspective on the truth. Whether you are writing a academic paper or engaging in a high-level diplomatic discussion, you use 'décidément' to signal a mastery of both the logic and the emotion of the French language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

décidément in 30 Seconds

An adverb meaning 'decidedly' or 'clearly,' used to confirm a pattern or observation.
Often expresses surprise, irony, or exasperation at the beginning of a sentence.
Bridges the gap between a factual statement and a personal, emotional reaction.
Essential for sounding natural and native-like in French social interactions.

The French word décidément is a versatile adverb that English speakers often find fascinating because it bridges the gap between a simple statement of fact and a deep expression of emotion. At its core, it translates to 'decidedly,' 'definitely,' or 'certainly.' However, its usage in modern French, especially in spoken contexts, frequently conveys a sense of observation regarding a recurring pattern, often accompanied by a touch of surprise, irony, or even exasperation. When a French person starts a sentence with décidément, they are usually reflecting on a situation that seems to confirm a trend or an inescapable reality. It is the linguistic equivalent of saying, 'It really seems that...' or 'Clearly, things are going this way.' This word is not just about the certainty of a single action, but rather the certainty of a conclusion drawn from evidence.

Semantic Core: The word functions as a modal adverb, modifying the entire sentence to show the speaker's attitude toward the truth of the statement. It suggests that after some observation, a final judgment has been reached.

Décidément, tu n'as pas de chance aujourd'hui ! décidément.

Example: You've dropped your keys, missed the bus, and now it's raining.

In a more formal or literary sense, décidément can mean 'in a resolute manner,' though this is less common in daily speech than its role as an interjection. Imagine you are trying to fix a computer, and every time you reboot, a new error appears. You might sigh and say, 'Décidément, cet ordinateur est en fin de vie.' Here, the word encapsulates your growing realization that the machine is beyond repair. It acts as a summary of the evidence presented by the repeated failures. It is this 'cumulative' aspect that distinguishes it from vraiment (really) or certainement (certainly). While those words confirm a fact, décidément confirms a pattern.

The Nuance of Exasperation: When used with a falling intonation, it often signals that the speaker is fed up. 'Décidément, on ne peut plus compter sur personne.' (Clearly, we can't count on anyone anymore.)

Décidément, ce film est bien plus long que prévu. décidément.

Culturally, the French use this word to express a philosophical resignation. It reflects a certain 'esprit' of observing the world's absurdities. It’s not just 'definitely'; it’s 'definitely (and I’m noticing a trend here)'. For learners, mastering this word is a shortcut to sounding more native because it shows you aren't just translating word-for-word, but you are adopting the French way of commenting on the flow of events. It is frequently found at the very beginning of a sentence, acting as a frame for the rest of the thought. This 'framing' function is crucial; it sets the tone for the observation that follows, letting the listener know that what comes next is a conclusion based on recent experiences.

Positive Reinforcement: While often negative, it can be positive: 'Décidément, tu es un chef en cuisine !' (Clearly, you are a master in the kitchen!) after tasting several great dishes.

Décidément, rien ne se passe comme prévu. décidément.

In summary, décidément is your go-to word for acknowledging a persistent reality, whether you're annoyed by it or pleasantly surprised.

Using décidément correctly involves understanding its placement and the 'weight' it carries in a sentence. Most commonly, it appears at the beginning of a sentence to establish a context of observation. When placed here, it is usually followed by a comma in writing, which mimics the natural pause in speech. This pause allows the speaker to gather their thoughts before delivering the 'verdict' of the sentence. For example, 'Décidément, il pleut tous les jours ici' suggests that the speaker has been observing the weather for several days and has reached a definitive conclusion about the climate.

Sentence Initial Position: This is the 'commentary' position. Use it to introduce a thought that summarizes a situation. Example: 'Décidément, je n'y arriverai jamais.'

Décidément, cette ville a beaucoup changé. décidément.

However, décidément can also be placed after the verb to emphasize the manner of an action, though this is more formal and less frequent in conversation. In the sentence 'Il a agi décidément,' the word takes on its more literal meaning of 'resolutely' or 'with determination.' This usage is closer to the English 'decidedly.' It is important for learners to distinguish between these two roles: the sentence-modifying adverb (commentary) and the verb-modifying adverb (manner). In 90% of B2-level conversations, you will be using the commentary version at the start of your sentences.

Internal Sentence Placement: Can be used between the auxiliary and the past participle: 'Il a décidément refusé de venir.' (He definitively refused to come.)

C'est décidément la meilleure solution. décidément.

When using décidément to express surprise, it is often paired with an exclamation mark. This punctuation reflects the emotional spike in the speaker's voice. If you see a friend who is always late arriving early for once, you might say, 'Décidément ! Tu es en avance aujourd'hui !' Here, the word itself stands alone as an exclamation of disbelief. It acts as a shorthand for 'Well, I never!' or 'Look at that!' This versatility makes it a powerful tool for expressing complex social reactions with a single word. It’s also useful in negative constructions to reinforce the 'finality' of a situation, such as 'Décidément, il n'y a plus rien à faire.'

Comparison with 'Vraiment': While 'vraiment' emphasizes the intensity of an adjective, 'décidément' emphasizes the inevitability of a situation.

Tu es décidément trop gentil. décidément.

In summary, whether you are placing it at the start of a sentence to comment on a trend, or using it as a stand-alone exclamation, décidément adds a layer of 'observational certainty' that few other French adverbs can provide. It is a word that requires a bit of 'acting'—your tone of voice will tell the listener exactly which nuance (exasperation, surprise, or firm conclusion) you intend to convey.

In the real world, décidément is a staple of French social interaction. You will hear it in the 'boulangerie' when a customer realizes they've forgotten their wallet for the second time that week. You'll hear it in the office when a colleague sees another meeting being added to an already packed schedule. It is the sound of the French mind processing the world's little ironies. Unlike some academic vocabulary, décidément is vibrantly alive in everyday speech. It bridges the gap between the formal and the informal, making it appropriate for almost any social setting where a personal observation is being shared.

In French Media: Listen for it in talk shows or radio debates. Pundits use it to summarize a series of political events: 'Décidément, le gouvernement a du mal à convaincre.'

Décidément, on ne s'ennuie jamais avec toi ! décidément.

Commonly said to a friend who always has crazy stories.

In cinema, décidément is often used in dialogue to show character development. A character might start the film doubting someone and, by the middle, say, 'Décidément, j'avais tort à votre sujet.' (Clearly, I was wrong about you.) It marks a turning point in their perception. In literature, authors use it to provide a narrative voice that feels intimate and conversational. It allows the narrator to step back and comment on the story's events as if they were an observer themselves. If you read novels by modern authors like Delphine de Vigan or Amélie Nothomb, you will frequently encounter this word used to punctuate the internal monologues of their characters.

In the Workplace: 'Décidément, ce projet prend plus de temps que prévu.' Use it to acknowledge a shared reality without sounding too aggressive.

Décidément, les trains sont toujours en retard. décidément.

Another place you'll frequently encounter décidément is in sports commentary. When a player misses several shots in a row, the commentator might exclaim, 'Décidément, ce n'est pas son match !' This highlights the 'pattern' aspect of the word—it's not just one miss; it's a series of them that leads to a definitive conclusion about the player's performance that day. Similarly, in weather reports, if a heatwave persists, the presenter might say, 'Décidément, le soleil a décidé de rester.' This personification of the weather combined with décidément creates a very natural, idiomatic French expression.

Social Media: On Twitter (X) or Instagram, it's used to comment on recurring news trends or viral memes. It's the perfect 'caption' word.

Whether in a heated debate or a casual chat over coffee, décidément is the word that signals a French speaker has weighed the evidence and reached a verdict.

One of the most frequent mistakes English learners make with décidément is treating it as a direct synonym for 'decisively' in all contexts. While they share an etymological root, 'decisively' in English often refers to the *way* an action is performed (e.g., 'He acted decisively'). In French, while décidément can mean this, it is far more commonly used as a sentence-level adverb to express 'clearly' or 'really.' If you want to say someone acted with decision, you might be better off using 'de manière décisive' or 'avec fermeté' to avoid ambiguity.

Mistake #1: Misplacing the Word: Learners often bury it deep in the sentence. Remember: for the 'commentary' meaning, it belongs at the start. 'Il est décidément en retard' is okay, but 'Décidément, il est en retard' is more idiomatic.

Incorrect: J'ai fini mon travail décidément. décidément.

Correct: Décidément, j'ai fini mon travail plus tôt que prévu.

Another common error is using décidément to mean 'decidedly' in the sense of 'very' with an adjective, without the nuance of a pattern. For instance, 'C'est décidément bon' is correct, but it implies that you've had several bites and have now confirmed your opinion. If you just want to say it's very good after the first bite, 'C'est vraiment bon' or 'C'est très bon' is more appropriate. Décidément always carries a 'weight of evidence' behind it. Using it for a first-time observation can sound slightly off to a native ear, as if you're jumping to a conclusion too quickly.

Mistake #2: Over-exasperation: Don't assume it's always negative. If you only use it when you're angry, you miss out on its use for pleasant surprises or logical conclusions.

Correct: Décidément, ce petit est très intelligent. décidément.

Spelling is also a hurdle. Many students forget the acute accent on the first 'e' (décidément) or the second 'e' (décidément). Because it's a long word, it's easy to trip up. Remember the structure: décidé (the adjective) + ment (the suffix). If you can spell 'décidé,' you can spell 'décidément.' Also, avoid the English habit of using 'definitely' to agree with someone ('Yes, definitely!'). In French, you would say 'Tout à fait !' or 'Absolument !' rather than 'Décidément !' unless you are specifically agreeing with a pattern they just pointed out.

Mistake #3: Using it for Agreement: Avoid: 'Est-ce que tu viens ?' - 'Décidément !' (Incorrect). Use: 'Bien sûr !' or 'Absolument !' instead.

By avoiding these pitfalls, you'll use décidément like a true 'connaisseur' of the French language.

To truly master décidément, it helps to see where it fits in the family of French adverbs of certainty and observation. While it is unique in its 'cumulative' nuance, there are several alternatives you can use depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey. Knowing these will prevent you from overusing décidément and help you refine your expression. The most common 'neighbor' is vraiment (really), which is more general and lacks the 'I've noticed a pattern' aspect. Certainement (certainly) is more about the probability of a fact than a personal observation.

Vraiment vs. Décidément: 'Vraiment' emphasizes the truth of a single quality. 'Décidément' emphasizes a conclusion drawn from multiple instances.

Franchement, je ne sais pas quoi dire. décidément.

'Franchement' (Frankly) is a great alternative when expressing a direct opinion.

Another interesting alternative is en fin de compte (at the end of the day / ultimately). This phrase shares the 'summary' aspect of décidément but is slightly more formal and analytical. If décidément is a gut reaction to a pattern, en fin de compte is the result of a more conscious evaluation. Then there is manifestement (manifestly / clearly), which is very close to décidément but focuses more on the objective visibility of the evidence rather than the speaker's subjective reaction to it. You might use manifestement in a report, while décidément would be better in a conversation.

Nettement: Focuses on the degree of difference (distinctly/clearly). Example: 'Il est nettement plus grand que son frère.'

Visiblement, il a oublié notre rendez-vous. décidément.

For expressing exasperation specifically, pour de bon (for good / once and for all) or véritablement (truly) can sometimes be used, but they don't quite capture the 'here we go again' feeling of décidément. If you want to emphasize that something is happening *yet again*, you might use encore une fois. However, décidément is more sophisticated because it bundles the 'again' and the 'certainty' into one word. In literature, you might find résolument, which is the direct synonym for the 'resolute' meaning of décidément, often used in political or philosophical texts to describe a firm stance.

Résolument: Means 'resolutely' or 'firmly.' Use this for actions: 'Il s'est résolument engagé dans cette voie.'

By diversifying your vocabulary with these alternatives, you'll be able to express certainty with much more precision.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'cutting' root in 'decidere' is the same as in 'scissors' (ciseaux) and 'incision.' When you decide something, you are metaphorically 'cutting off' all other options.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /de.si.de.mɑ̃/

US /deɪ.si.deɪ.mɑ̃/

The primary stress in French is usually on the final syllable ('ment'), but for emphasis, a secondary stress can be placed on the first syllable ('dé').

Rhymes With

clairement vraiment notamment tellement rarement seulement brusquement gentiment

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 't' (it should be silent).
Making the 'ment' sound like the English 'ment' (it should be nasal).
Merging the two middle syllables into one.
Forgetting the acute accent sound on the 'é'.
Pronouncing 'ci' as 'ki' instead of 'si'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize but requires context to understand the emotional nuance.

Writing 4/5

Spelling with accents and placement can be tricky for learners.

Speaking 5/5

Requires the right intonation to sound natural.

Listening 3/5

Commonly used, easy to hear in clear speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

décider vraiment certainement ment (suffix) déjà

Learn Next

manifestement visiblement pourtant néanmoins d'ailleurs

Advanced

résolument catégoriquement indubitablement péremptoirement irrévocablement

Grammar to Know

Adverb Formation

Adjective 'décidé' + suffix '-ment' = décidément.

Sentence Adverbs

Placed at the start to modify the whole thought: 'Décidément, il est tard.'

Placement with Compound Tenses

Can go between auxiliary and participle: 'Il a décidément gagné.'

Use of Accents

The acute accent on 'é' is maintained from 'décidé'.

Nasal Vowels

The '-ment' ending is always a nasal /ɑ̃/.

Examples by Level

Décidément, il pleut !

Definitely, it's raining!

Used at the start for emphasis.

Décidément, tu es là !

Clearly, you are here!

Expresses surprise.

Décidément, c'est bon.

It's definitely good.

Confirms an opinion.

Décidément, le chat dort.

Clearly, the cat is sleeping.

Simple observation.

Décidément, je suis fatigué.

I am definitely tired.

Personal observation.

Décidément, c'est cher !

It's definitely expensive!

Expresses a reaction to cost.

Décidément, elle est grande.

Clearly, she is tall.

Noticing a physical trait.

Décidément, on y va.

Definitely, we are going.

Expresses a firm decision.

Décidément, tu n'écoutes jamais.

Clearly, you never listen.

Expresses slight frustration.

Décidément, ce gâteau est parfait.

Decidedly, this cake is perfect.

Summary of a positive experience.

Décidément, il y a trop de monde.

Clearly, there are too many people.

Observation of a situation.

Décidément, vous avez raison.

Definitely, you are right.

Confirming someone else's point.

Décidément, le temps passe vite.

Clearly, time flies.

A common philosophical observation.

Décidément, ce film est triste.

Decidedly, this movie is sad.

Emotional conclusion.

Décidément, je préfère le café.

Clearly, I prefer coffee.

Expressing a preference.

Décidément, ils sont en retard.

Clearly, they are late.

Noticing a pattern of lateness.

Décidément, rien ne marche aujourd'hui.

Clearly, nothing is working today.

Summary of a series of bad events.

Décidément, tu as fait beaucoup d'efforts.

Decidedly, you've made a lot of effort.

Acknowledging a pattern of behavior.

Décidément, cette ville ne dort jamais.

Clearly, this city never sleeps.

Metaphorical observation.

Décidément, on ne peut pas lui faire confiance.

Clearly, we can't trust him.

A serious conclusion about character.

Décidément, la technologie nous simplifie la vie.

Decidedly, technology makes our lives easier.

General observation on a trend.

Décidément, ce quartier devient très branché.

Clearly, this neighborhood is becoming very trendy.

Observing a social change.

Décidément, tu es un véritable artiste.

Decidedly, you are a true artist.

Expressing high praise.

Décidément, l'été sera très chaud.

Clearly, the summer will be very hot.

Prediction based on evidence.

Décidément, la situation politique s'envenime.

Clearly, the political situation is worsening.

Formal observation of a trend.

Décidément, il a le don de nous surprendre.

Decidedly, he has a knack for surprising us.

Commenting on a character trait.

Décidément, ce projet nécessite plus de moyens.

Clearly, this project needs more resources.

Professional conclusion.

Décidément, l'intelligence artificielle change tout.

Decidedly, AI is changing everything.

Broad societal observation.

Décidément, cette erreur aurait pu être évitée.

Clearly, this mistake could have been avoided.

Critical reflection on a past event.

Décidément, la patience n'est pas ta vertu principale.

Clearly, patience is not your main virtue.

Ironic or critical remark.

Décidément, les traditions ont la vie dure.

Decidedly, traditions die hard.

Philosophical comment on culture.

Décidément, ce vin est une merveille.

Clearly, this wine is a marvel.

Sophisticated praise.

Décidément, la complexité de ce dossier m'échappe.

Clearly, the complexity of this file escapes me.

Expressing intellectual humility or frustration.

Décidément, l'œuvre de Proust reste inégalée.

Decidedly, Proust's work remains unmatched.

Literary judgment.

Décidément, le cynisme semble être la norme.

Clearly, cynicism seems to be the norm.

Social critique.

Décidément, l'évolution des mœurs est fascinante.

Decidedly, the evolution of customs is fascinating.

Academic observation.

Décidément, la résilience humaine est sans limites.

Clearly, human resilience is boundless.

Philosophical reflection.

Décidément, ce débat manque cruellement de clarté.

Decidedly, this debate cruelly lacks clarity.

Sharp criticism of a discussion.

Décidément, on ne peut ignorer l'impact du climat.

Clearly, one cannot ignore the impact of climate.

Weighty scientific/social conclusion.

Décidément, cette mélodie me hante.

Decidedly, this melody haunts me.

Poetic expression of feeling.

Décidément, la condition humaine est faite de contradictions.

Clearly, the human condition is made of contradictions.

High-level philosophical statement.

Décidément, l'esthétique de ce bâtiment est discutable.

Decidedly, the aesthetics of this building are debatable.

Refined architectural critique.

Décidément, l'histoire se répète, mais sous d'autres formes.

Clearly, history repeats itself, but in other forms.

Sophisticated historical analysis.

Décidément, la finesse de son analyse m'impressionne.

Decidedly, the finesse of his analysis impresses me.

Formal intellectual praise.

Décidément, la langue est un organisme vivant.

Clearly, language is a living organism.

Linguistic observation.

Décidément, le hasard fait bien les choses.

Decidedly, chance does things well.

Idiomatic philosophical remark.

Décidément, l'ambiguïté est le propre de son style.

Clearly, ambiguity is characteristic of his style.

Deep literary/artistic critique.

Décidément, nul n'est prophète en son pays.

Decidedly, no one is a prophet in their own country.

Using a proverb with the adverb.

Synonyms

vraiment certainement assurément manifestement nettement franchement visiblement résolument

Antonyms

incertainement vaguement peu peut-être

Common Collocations

Décidément pas

Décidément trop

Décidément très

Décidément rien

Agir décidément

Décidément bien

Décidément jamais

Décidément toujours

Un ton décidément

Décidément encore

Common Phrases

Décidément !

— Used as a standalone exclamation of surprise or annoyance.

Décidément ! Tu as encore oublié tes clés ?

Décidément, on ne s'ennuie pas.

— A common way to say that a situation is exciting or chaotic.

Avec trois enfants, décidément, on ne s'ennuie pas.

Décidément, c'est la fin.

— Expresses a final, often sad, conclusion.

Décidément, c'est la fin de notre aventure.

Décidément, il n'y a rien à faire.

— Expresses total resignation.

J'ai tout essayé, mais décidément, il n'y a rien à faire.

C'est décidément une réussite.

— Confirms that something was a great success.

Le festival était décidément une réussite.

Décidément, tout arrive.

— Used when something unexpected finally happens.

Tu as enfin ton permis ! Décidément, tout arrive.

Décidément, tu es incorrigible.

— Said to someone who never changes their bad habits.

Encore en retard ? Décidément, tu es incorrigible.

Décidément, le monde est petit.

— Used when meeting someone unexpectedly.

On se croise ici ? Décidément, le monde est petit.

Décidément, je n'ai pas de chance.

— A classic expression of self-pity or bad luck.

Encore une amende ! Décidément, je n'ai pas de chance.

Décidément, c'est trop beau pour être vrai.

— Expresses skepticism about a situation.

Une offre pareille ? Décidément, c'est trop beau pour être vrai.

Often Confused With

décidément vs décisivement

Learners think this is the standard word for 'decisively', but it is very rare. Use 'de façon décisive' instead.

décidément vs certainement

Learners use this for patterns, but 'certainement' is about probability, not observation.

décidément vs évidemment

Used for things that are obvious to everyone, while 'décidément' is more about a personal realization.

Idioms & Expressions

"Décidément, la coupe est pleine."

— Used when someone has reached their limit of patience.

Encore un reproche ? Décidément, la coupe est pleine !

informal

"Décidément, c'est le bouquet !"

— The 'cherry on top' of a bad situation.

Il pleut et j'ai crevé un pneu. Décidément, c'est le bouquet !

informal

"Décidément, les carottes sont cuites."

— Used to say that all is lost/finished.

On a perdu le contrat. Décidément, les carottes sont cuites.

informal

"Décidément, il n'y a pas de quoi fouetter un chat."

— Used to say a situation isn't as serious as it seems, despite the pattern.

Tu t'inquiètes pour rien, décidément, il n'y a pas de quoi fouetter un chat.

informal

"Décidément, il pleut des cordes."

— Used to comment on heavy rain that won't stop.

Regarde dehors ! Décidément, il pleut des cordes.

neutral

"Décidément, c'est au bout du monde."

— Used to complain about a very long journey.

Ton nouvel appartement ? Décidément, c'est au bout du monde.

neutral

"Décidément, il a un poil dans la main."

— Used to comment on someone's persistent laziness.

Il ne nous aide jamais. Décidément, il a un poil dans la main.

informal

"Décidément, il tourne autour du pot."

— Used when someone refuses to get to the point.

Réponds à ma question ! Décidément, tu tournes autour du pot.

neutral

"Décidément, c'est simple comme bonjour."

— Used when realizing something is very easy.

Oh, il suffisait d'appuyer ici. Décidément, c'est simple comme bonjour.

neutral

"Décidément, il n'a pas inventé le fil à couper le beurre."

— Used to comment on someone's lack of intelligence.

Il s'est encore trompé de sens. Décidément, il n'a pas inventé le fil à couper le beurre.

informal

Easily Confused

décidément vs vraiment

Both mean 'really'.

Vraiment is a simple intensifier; décidément implies a pattern or conclusion.

C'est vraiment bon vs. Décidément, c'est bon (after eating several times).

décidément vs enfin

Both can express exasperation.

Enfin is 'finally'; décidément is 'clearly/definitely based on the pattern'.

Enfin, tu es là ! vs. Décidément, tu es toujours en retard.

décidément vs finalement

Both suggest a conclusion.

Finalement is the chronological end; décidément is a logical or emotional verdict.

Finalement, il est venu vs. Décidément, il est sympa.

décidément vs absolument

Both express certainty.

Absolument is 100% agreement; décidément is an observation.

Je suis absolument d'accord vs. Décidément, tu as raison.

décidément vs purement

Sounds similar in structure.

Purement means 'purely/simply'; décidément means 'definitely/clearly'.

C'est purement technique vs. C'est décidément technique.

Sentence Patterns

Décidément, [Subject] [Verb].

Décidément, il pleut.

Décidément, tu es [Adjective].

Décidément, tu es drôle.

Décidément, rien ne [Verb].

Décidément, rien ne change.

C'est décidément [Noun Phrase].

C'est décidément une bonne idée.

Décidément, que de [Noun] !

Décidément, que de problèmes !

[Subject] est décidément [Adjective] à [Verb].

Il est décidément difficile à convaincre.

Décidément, il semblerait que...

Décidément, il semblerait que j'aie tort.

Décidément, encore une fois...

Décidément, encore une fois, tu as oublié.

Word Family

Nouns

décision (decision)

décideur (decision-maker)

Verbs

décider (to decide)

se décider (to make up one's mind)

Adjectives

décisif (decisive)

décidé (decided/resolute)

déterminé

résolu

tranché

ferme

assuré

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in spoken French; moderate in formal writing.

Common Mistakes

Using 'décidément' to mean 'yes, definitely' as an answer. → Use 'Absolument !' or 'Tout à fait !'
'Décidément' is an observation, not a simple confirmation of agreement.
Spelling it 'decidement' (missing accents). → Décidément
French requires the acute accents to maintain the correct vowel sounds.
Using it for a first-time event. → Use 'vraiment' or 'c'est incroyable'.
It implies you've noticed a trend or pattern over time.
Pronouncing the final 't'. → The 't' is silent.
In French adverbs ending in -ment, the 't' is never pronounced.
Using 'décisivement' instead. → Décidément
'Décisivement' is almost never used in modern French.

Tips

Start your sentences

To sound most natural, place 'décidément' right at the beginning of your thought. It sets the stage for your observation.

Nasal 'ment'

Make sure the 'ment' at the end is a pure nasal vowel. Don't let your tongue touch the roof of your mouth for the 'n'.

Ironic use

Use it ironically to sound more native. If it's raining for the 5th day, a dry 'Décidément...' says it all.

No plural

Adverbs never change. It's always 'décidément', no matter what you are talking about.

Pattern recognition

Only use it when there's a pattern. If something happens once, 'vraiment' is better. If it's the third time, 'décidément' is perfect.

Catch the sigh

In movies, characters often sigh before this word. This 'sigh + décidément' combo is a classic French expression of exasperation.

Comma usage

When starting a sentence with it, always put a comma after it in writing: 'Décidément, ...'

Ice breaker

It's a great way to start a conversation about a shared annoyance, like a late bus.

Formal synthesis

In a B2/C1 essay, use it to introduce your concluding thought on a trend you've analyzed.

The 'Verdict' Word

Label it in your mind as the 'Verdict Word'. You've seen the evidence, now you're giving the verdict.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Decide-Men'. Imagine a group of men who have finally 'decided' on a pattern they see. 'Decided-ly' it is so!

Visual Association

Imagine a judge hitting a gavel. Every time the gavel hits, he says 'Décidément!' to confirm his verdict on a situation.

Word Web

décider décision décisif décidé ment vraiment clairement assurément

Challenge

Try to use 'décidément' three times today: once for something annoying, once for something surprising, and once for a pattern you notice in your own behavior.

Word Origin

Derived from the French adjective 'décidé' (decided), which comes from the verb 'décider'. The verb itself originates from the Latin 'decidere', meaning 'to cut off' or 'to determine'.

Original meaning: Originally, it meant 'in a manner that cuts off all doubt' or 'with resolution.'

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

It is a safe word to use in all contexts, though using it with a very heavy sigh can make you sound quite negative or 'râleur' (complaining).

English speakers often use 'Really' or 'Clearly' where French speakers would use 'décidément'. The French word is more 'summary' oriented.

Found in the works of Marcel Proust to describe character habits. Used in Molière's plays to show a character's firm (often stubborn) conclusion. Commonly heard in modern French rap and pop music to emphasize a vibe or a life reality.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather

Décidément, il pleut encore.
Décidément, quel soleil !
Décidément, l'hiver est long.
Décidément, le climat change.

Friendship

Décidément, tu es génial.
Décidément, on s'entend bien.
Décidément, tu n'as pas changé.
Décidément, tu es toujours en retard.

Work

Décidément, ce dossier est complexe.
Décidément, la réunion est longue.
Décidément, on avance bien.
Décidément, c'est fatiguant.

Cooking

Décidément, c'est trop salé.
Décidément, tu cuisines bien.
Décidément, j'ai raté mon coup.
Décidément, cette recette est top.

Travel

Décidément, le train est en retard.
Décidément, c'est loin.
Décidément, quel beau paysage !
Décidément, j'ai oublié mon passeport.

Conversation Starters

"Décidément, il fait un temps magnifique aujourd'hui, n'est-ce pas ?"

"Décidément, on ne peut plus se passer de nos smartphones, vous ne trouvez pas ?"

"Décidément, cette ville change à une vitesse incroyable, vous avez remarqué ?"

"Décidément, le café de cette machine est de pire en pire, n'est-ce pas ?"

"Décidément, il y a toujours quelque chose à faire ici, vous ne trouvez pas ?"

Journal Prompts

Décidément, ma semaine a été riche en émotions. Je vais décrire pourquoi...

Décidément, j'ai remarqué que je fais souvent la même erreur. Quelle est-elle ?

Décidément, il y a une personne dans ma vie qui me surprend toujours. Qui est-ce ?

Décidément, le français est une langue pleine de surprises. Qu'ai-je appris aujourd'hui ?

Décidément, mes goûts ont beaucoup changé depuis l'année dernière. En quoi ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is very rare. Usually, it is at the start or middle. Putting it at the end sounds unnatural in 99% of cases.

No! You can say 'Décidément, tu es un génie !' to express positive surprise at a pattern of brilliant ideas.

'Certainement' is about how sure you are that something will happen. 'Décidément' is about your reaction to something that is already clear.

Think of 'décidé' + 'ment'. Don't forget the two acute accents on the 'e's.

It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your friends, or in a newspaper article.

Only if you are agreeing with a pattern they pointed out. Otherwise, use 'Tout à fait' or 'Absolument'.

Sometimes, but usually it means 'clearly' or 'really'. If you mean 'acting with decision', use 'de manière décisive'.

No, it's always 'décidément'. You can't shorten it like 'd'acc' for 'd'accord'.

Because it often marks a moment of resignation or being 'fed up' with a recurring problem.

Yes, but usually as an exclamation within the question: 'Décidément, tu ne vas jamais finir ?'