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A2 noun 12 min read

remarque

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips remarque in 30 Seconds

Explanation remarque in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should understand 'remarque' as a simple word for a 'comment.' You will mostly encounter it in the classroom when a teacher makes a note on your homework. Think of it as 'a thing someone says about something they saw.' You don't need to worry about complex nuances yet. Just remember that it is feminine ('une remarque') and that you use 'faire' to say you are making one. It's a useful word to know when you want to tell someone you noticed something they did or said. You might see it in simple instructions like 'Lisez la remarque' (Read the note). At this stage, focusing on the basic meaning of 'comment' or 'note' is sufficient for your daily interactions and basic reading comprehension.

At the A2 level, 'remarque' becomes a more active part of your vocabulary. You should be able to use it to describe simple feedback or observations in daily life. You'll start to see it paired with basic adjectives like 'bonne' (good), 'petite' (small), or 'importante' (important). You should also be comfortable with the structure 'faire une remarque sur...' to talk about something specific. This is the level where you might use it to react to a friend's new clothes or a change in the weather. You're beginning to understand that it's not just a 'note' on paper, but a spoken tool for sharing your thoughts on what's happening around you. It's a key word for participating in basic discussions and giving simple opinions.

At the B1 level, you can use 'remarque' to navigate more varied social and professional situations. You understand the difference between a neutral observation and a slightly critical one. You can use it to give constructive feedback at work or school, such as 'J'ai une remarque sur la conclusion de ton texte.' You are also becoming aware of idiomatic uses, like the transitional 'Remarque...' used at the start of a sentence to mean 'Mind you' or 'On the other hand.' Your ability to use adjectives like 'pertinente' (relevant) or 'juste' (accurate) with 'remarque' shows a higher level of precision. You can also handle the plural 'des remarques' to describe a series of comments or a more thorough critique.

At the B2 level, you should be able to appreciate the subtle tones that 'remarque' can carry. You understand that 'faire une remarque à quelqu'un' can imply a reprimand or a correction, and you can use this nuance to describe social interactions more accurately. You can participate in debates where 'remarques' are exchanged rapidly, and you can distinguish between a 'remarque désobligeante' (unkind) and a 'remarque constructive.' Your written French should now use 'remarque' as a formal heading or a way to introduce specific points in an essay or report. You are also comfortable with related verbs like 'remarquer' and 'faire remarquer,' using them correctly to point out details or bring things to people's attention without confusion.

At the C1 level, you use 'remarque' with the precision of a native speaker. You are aware of its role in the French intellectual tradition of 'l'esprit critique.' You can use the word to describe complex analytical observations in academic or professional settings. You understand the stylistic choice between 'remarque,' 'réflexion,' 'constatation,' and 'commentaire,' and you choose the one that fits the register and nuance perfectly. You can analyze the 'remarques' of a literary critic or a political commentator, picking up on irony, sarcasm, or subtle praise. Your own 'remarques' are well-structured and use sophisticated prepositions and modifiers. You also recognize the word in legal or highly technical contexts where its meaning is very specific and binding.

At the C2 level, 'remarque' is a tool you wield with total mastery. You understand its historical etymology and how its usage has evolved. You can use it in the most formal oratorical styles or in the most nuanced social maneuvering. You are sensitive to the 'remarque' as a rhetorical device, used to pivot an argument or to subtly undermine an opponent's position. You can appreciate the beauty of a 'remarque' in a classic work of French literature, understanding how it contributes to character development or theme. For you, the word is no longer just a 'comment'; it is a fundamental element of the art of French conversation and writing, representing the intersection of perception, thought, and articulation at the highest level.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

remarque in 30 Seconds

A versatile noun meaning 'remark' or 'observation' used in both casual and formal contexts.
Commonly used with the verb 'faire' (to make) and the preposition 'sur' (on/about).
Can range from a helpful suggestion to a stern reprimand or a simple statement of fact.
Essential for feedback in professional settings and for active participation in French conversation.

The French word remarque is a versatile feminine noun that primarily translates to 'remark,' 'observation,' or 'comment' in English. At its core, it represents the act of noticing something and then articulating that observation, either orally or in writing. It is a fundamental part of communication in both casual and professional French environments. Whether you are providing feedback on a project, pointing out a detail in a painting, or making a passing comment about the weather, you are making a remarque. Understanding this word is essential because it bridges the gap between simple observation (seeing) and active communication (saying). In French culture, the ability to make a 'remarque judicieuse' (a judicious or wise remark) is highly valued as it shows a keen eye for detail and analytical thinking. However, the word can also carry a slightly more critical edge depending on the context. For instance, if a teacher makes a remarque on a student's behavior, it often implies a correction or a warning. This duality makes it a fascinating word to master, as it requires the learner to pay close attention to tone and situational cues.

Observation: The most neutral use, where one simply points out a fact or a detail that has been noticed.

Feedback: In professional contexts, it refers to comments made on a piece of work, often intended for improvement.

Reprimand: A more formal or stern use where an authority figure points out a mistake or a breach of rules.

J'ai une petite remarque à faire concernant le plan de la maison.

Sa remarque était très pertinente et a aidé l'équipe à avancer.

Ne prends pas cette remarque personnellement, c'est juste pour t'aider.

Le directeur a fait une remarque sur mon retard ce matin.

Elle a ajouté une remarque en bas de la page pour clarifier son point.

Furthermore, the word is deeply embedded in the French intellectual tradition of 'l'esprit critique'. Making a remarque isn't just about speaking; it's about demonstrating that you have processed information and found something noteworthy within it. In a conversation, saying "Je me permets une petite remarque" (I'll allow myself a small remark) is a polite way to introduce a potentially dissenting or clarifying opinion. This nuance is vital for English speakers who might find 'remark' a bit formal; in French, it is the standard, everyday way to describe any kind of specific comment. It covers a range from the 'remarque désobligeante' (an unkind or disparaging remark) to the 'remarque constructive' (constructive feedback). By mastering this word, you gain the ability to navigate social and professional critiques with more precision.

Using remarque correctly involves understanding its grammatical pairings and the prepositions that follow it. The most common verb associated with it is faire (to make). You don't 'say' a remark in French; you 'make' one: faire une remarque. This construction is used in almost every context, from casual chats to formal meetings. When you want to specify what the remark is about, you typically use the preposition sur (on/about). For example, "Il a fait une remarque sur ma nouvelle coiffure" (He made a remark about my new haircut). This 'sur' is crucial; using 'de' or 'à propos de' is possible but 'sur' is the most natural and frequent choice for direct observations. Another important verb is prendre (to take), as in "prendre une remarque mal" (to take a remark badly) or "prendre note d'une remarque" (to take note of a remark). This reflects how the recipient perceives the comment.

Faire une remarque à quelqu'un: To point something out to someone, often implying a slight criticism or a correction of their behavior.

Passer une remarque: Common in Quebec French, this means to make a comment or a snide remark, often used in a slightly more informal or negative sense.

Une remarque d'ordre général: A general observation that doesn't target a specific person or detail but addresses a broader situation.

Elle m'a fait une remarque très juste sur la gestion du temps.

Ses remarques sont toujours pertinentes lors des réunions de groupe.

Je n'apprécie pas tes remarques sarcastiques devant mes amis.

Il a glissé une petite remarque humoristique pour détendre l'atmosphère.

Veuillez noter cette remarque importante dans le procès-verbal.

In more advanced usage, you might encounter the phrase en remarque, meaning 'as a side note' or 'as a remark'. Also, pay attention to the plural form des remarques. In a professional setting, if someone says "J'ai quelques remarques," it usually signals that a detailed critique or a list of suggestions is coming. The word also appears in the context of 'remarques préliminaires' (preliminary remarks) at the start of a speech or document. It is also worth noting the difference between a remarque and a critique. While a remarque can be a critique, it can also be a simple statement of fact. A critique is usually more systematic and evaluative. Finally, in the context of academic grading, les remarques du professeur are the specific comments written in the margins of an essay, which are vital for student improvement. Understanding these varied sentence structures allows you to express your observations with clarity and appropriate tone.

The word remarque is omnipresent in French life, appearing in high-stakes professional environments and low-stakes social interactions alike. In the workplace, you will hear it during 'réunions' (meetings) when colleagues provide feedback on a presentation or a draft. A manager might say, "Est-ce que quelqu'un a une remarque sur ce projet ?" (Does anyone have a comment on this project?). In this setting, the word is professional and expects a constructive response. In the classroom, 'les remarques' are the lifeblood of the learning process. Teachers use them to guide students, and students might make a remarque to ask for clarification. You'll also hear it frequently in the media; journalists often make a remarque about a politician's statement or a recent social trend. On French television talk shows, pundits are constantly exchanging remarques, often with a sharp, witty, or intellectual edge that is characteristic of French public discourse.

In the Office: Used for feedback, suggestions, and pointing out errors in reports or strategies.

At School: Refers to teacher's comments on assignments or observations about a student's progress.

In Social Settings: Can be a simple observation about a friend's outfit or a comment on a shared experience.

Le client a fait plusieurs remarques sur le design du logo.

C'est une remarque très intéressante, je n'y avais pas pensé.

Attention à tes remarques, elles peuvent être mal interprétées.

Il a été puni à cause de ses remarques impertinentes en classe.

La remarque du juge a surpris toute l'assistance.

In social contexts, remarque can be used to navigate delicate situations. If someone makes a comment that is a bit too personal, you might hear the reaction, "C'est une remarque un peu déplacée, non ?" (That's a bit of an out-of-place remark, isn't it?). This shows how the word is used to enforce social boundaries. Conversely, a 'remarque flatteuse' (a flattering remark) is a common way to describe a compliment. You will also find the word in literature and theater, where a character's remarques often reveal their inner thoughts or their perception of other characters. In legal and administrative documents, 'remarques' are used to list exceptions, conditions, or specific observations about a contract or a law. Whether you're reading a newspaper, watching a movie, or chatting at a café, you'll find that remarque is a key tool for French speakers to express their engagement with the world around them. It is a word that invites dialogue and reflection.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with remarque is confusing it with its English cognate 'remark' in terms of formality. While 'remark' can sometimes feel a bit stiff or formal in English (where 'comment' is more common), remarque is the standard, everyday word in French. Don't be afraid to use it in casual conversation! Another common error is gender. Many learners mistakenly treat it as masculine because it doesn't end in the typical '-e' that they associate with feminine words (though it does end in -e, some learners get confused by the 'que' ending). It is la remarque or une remarque, never 'le' or 'un'. This affects the adjectives and articles that accompany it, so be sure to say "une petite remarque" and not "un petit remarque".

Gender Confusion: Remembering it is feminine: 'une remarque' is key for correct grammar.

Verb Choice: Using 'dire' instead of 'faire'. In French, you 'make' (faire) a remark, you don't 'say' (dire) one.

False Friend Trap: Assuming it only means a spoken comment. It is very frequently used for written notes and observations as well.

Incorrect: J'ai dit une remarque. Correct: J'ai fait une remarque.

Incorrect: C'est un bon remarque. Correct: C'est une bonne remarque.

Incorrect: Une remarque à propos de... Correct: Une remarque sur...

Incorrect: Faire des remarques à lui. Correct: Lui faire des remarques.

Incorrect: Je n'ai pas de remarques. Correct: Je n'ai pas de remarque (often singular in negative sentences).

Another nuance is the difference between faire une remarque and faire remarquer. The former means to make a comment, while the latter means 'to point out' or 'to bring to someone's attention'. For example, "Je lui ai fait une remarque" means I commented to him, but "Je lui ai fait remarquer son erreur" means I pointed out his mistake to him. Mixing these up can lead to confusion about who noticed what. Additionally, learners often overuse the word commentaire. While commentaire is perfectly fine, remarque is often more precise when you are pointing out a specific, singular observation. A commentaire can be a longer, more elaborate piece of analysis. Finally, in some regions, like Quebec, passer une remarque is common, but in France, this might sound slightly non-standard. Stick to faire une remarque for the most universally accepted usage. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your French sound much more natural and precise.

To truly master the concept of remarque, it is helpful to look at its synonyms and related terms, each of which carries a slightly different flavor. The most obvious alternative is commentaire (comment). While often interchangeable, a commentaire often implies a more detailed or explanatory response, whereas a remarque is often a single, pointed observation. Another close relative is observation (observation). This is more formal and often used in scientific, medical, or highly structured professional contexts. If you are 'observing' a phenomenon, you make an observation. If you are 'noticing' a detail in a conversation, you make a remarque. Then there is note (note). A note is typically written and is used to record a remarque for later reference. In a book, a note de bas de page (footnote) is a type of written remarque.

Remarque vs. Commentaire: A remarque is often a quick observation; a commentaire is usually a more developed explanation or reaction.

Remarque vs. Observation: Observation is more formal and scientific; remarque is more common in daily speech and general feedback.

Remarque vs. Critique: A critique is an evaluation (positive or negative); a remarque is simply noticing and stating a fact or detail.

Son commentaire sur le film était très long et détaillé.

Le scientifique a consigné ses observations dans son carnet.

C'est une réflexion intéressante que tu partages là.

Il a fait une critique constructive de mon travail.

Ajoutez une mention spéciale pour son courage.

For a more informal setting, you might use mot (word) or petit mot. For example, "Il a dit un petit mot sur mon gâteau" (He said a little word/comment about my cake). Another interesting synonym is réflexion (reflection). While it often means 'thought', in conversation, it is used to describe a comment that stems from thinking. If someone says, "Je me faisais la réflexion que...", they are about to make a remarque based on something they've been pondering. Lastly, if the remark is particularly sharp or witty, it might be called a boutade (a quip) or a saillie (a flash of wit). Understanding these alternatives allows you to vary your vocabulary and choose the word that perfectly matches the intensity and formality of your observation. By contrasting remarque with these other terms, you develop a more nuanced understanding of French communicative styles.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word originally had a more physical meaning of literally marking something a second time to ensure it was noticed. It evolved into the intellectual concept of 'noticing' in the 16th century.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʁə.maʁk/

US /ʁə.maʁk/

In French, stress is generally on the last syllable of a word or phrase, so the 'marque' part receives slightly more weight.

Rhymes With

parc arc barque monarque débarque embarque marque patriarche (near rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'e' as a separate syllable (it's silent).
Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' (it should be in the throat).
Stress on the first syllable.
Making the 'a' sound too much like 'o'.
Softening the final 'k' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to spot in texts as it often introduces notes or sections.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct gender agreement and preposition usage.

Speaking 3/5

Common in conversation but requires correct verb pairing (faire).

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound, though can be confused with the verb form.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

dire faire regarder écrire chose

Learn Next

commentaire observation critique pertinent juste

Advanced

exégèse sibyllin acerbe incidente nonobstant

Grammar to Know

Gender agreement with 'remarque'

Une remarque pertinente (not pertinent).

Verb 'faire' vs 'dire'

On fait une remarque (on ne la dit pas).

Preposition 'sur' for topics

Une remarque sur le film (not de le film).

Plural formation

Des remarques (add an 's').

Subjunctive after 'il est rare que'

Il est rare qu'il fasse une remarque.

Examples by Level

Le professeur écrit une remarque sur mon cahier.

The teacher writes a remark in my notebook.

'une remarque' is a feminine noun.

J'ai une petite remarque.

I have a small remark.

'petite' agrees with the feminine 'remarque'.

Regarde la remarque en bas de la page.

Look at the remark at the bottom of the page.

'la' is the definite article for feminine singular.

C'est une bonne remarque.

It's a good remark.

'bonne' is the feminine form of 'bon'.

Il fait une remarque sur le temps.

He makes a remark about the weather.

Use 'faire' for making a remark.

Elle ne comprend pas la remarque.

She doesn't understand the remark.

Negative structure 'ne... pas'.

Merci pour ta remarque.

Thank you for your remark.

'ta' is the possessive adjective for feminine singular 'tu'.

Voici une remarque importante.

Here is an important remark.

'importante' agrees with 'remarque'.

Il a fait une remarque sur mon nouveau chapeau.

He made a remark about my new hat.

'sur' is the standard preposition after 'remarque'.

Ta remarque est très utile pour moi.

Your remark is very useful for me.

'utile' is an adjective that doesn't change for gender.

Je n'aime pas faire des remarques négatives.

I don't like to make negative remarks.

'des remarques' is the plural form.

Elle a ajouté une remarque à la fin du mail.

She added a remark at the end of the email.

'ajouter' means to add.

Ses remarques sont toujours intéressantes.

His/her remarks are always interesting.

'intéressantes' is feminine plural.

Peux-tu faire une remarque sur ce dessin ?

Can you make a remark about this drawing?

Question form with 'peux-tu'.

Il n'a fait aucune remarque pendant le film.

He didn't make any remark during the movie.

'aucune' means 'no' or 'any' in negative sentences.

C'est une remarque que j'entends souvent.

It's a remark that I hear often.

'que' is a relative pronoun.

Remarque, il n'a pas tout à fait tort dans ce qu'il dit.

Mind you, he's not entirely wrong in what he says.

'Remarque' used as a sentence starter meaning 'Mind you'.

Je me permets de faire une petite remarque sur votre méthode.

I'll allow myself to make a small remark on your method.

'se permettre' is a polite reflexive verb.

Ses remarques désobligeantes ont fini par l'énerver.

His unkind remarks ended up annoying her.

'désobligeantes' means unkind or unpleasant.

Il a pris ma remarque très personnellement.

He took my remark very personally.

'prendre mal' or 'prendre personnellement'.

La remarque du directeur était pleine de bon sens.

The director's remark was full of common sense.

'pleine de' means full of.

Veuillez noter ces quelques remarques préliminaires.

Please note these few preliminary remarks.

'quelques' means a few.

Elle a fait une remarque très pertinente lors du débat.

She made a very relevant remark during the debate.

'pertinente' is a high-frequency B1 adjective.

Je n'apprécie pas tes remarques sur ma vie privée.

I don't appreciate your remarks about my private life.

'apprécier' in the negative.

Le rapport contient plusieurs remarques d'ordre technique.

The report contains several technical remarks.

'd'ordre technique' means of a technical nature.

Sa remarque a jeté un froid dans l'assemblée.

His remark cast a chill over the assembly.

'jeter un froid' is an idiom for making things awkward.

Il est rare qu'il fasse une remarque sans fondement.

It is rare that he makes a baseless remark.

Subjunctive 'fasse' after 'il est rare que'.

Elle a glissé une remarque ironique au milieu de son discours.

She slipped an ironic remark into the middle of her speech.

'glisser' here means to insert subtly.

Les remarques du jury ont été particulièrement sévères cette année.

The jury's remarks were particularly harsh this year.

'particulièrement' is an adverb of degree.

Je voudrais revenir sur une remarque faite plus tôt.

I would like to come back to a remark made earlier.

'revenir sur' means to revisit a topic.

Sa remarque était plus une critique déguisée qu'un simple constat.

His remark was more of a disguised critique than a simple observation.

'plus... que...' comparison.

Il s'est abstenu de toute remarque devant ses supérieurs.

He refrained from any remark in front of his superiors.

's'abstenir de' means to refrain from.

L'auteur parsème son récit de remarques acerbes sur la société.

The author litters his narrative with sharp remarks about society.

'parsemer' means to scatter or litter.

Une remarque incidente a permis de résoudre l'énigme.

An incidental remark allowed the puzzle to be solved.

'incidente' means secondary or minor but relevant.

Le philosophe propose une série de remarques sur la condition humaine.

The philosopher proposes a series of remarks on the human condition.

'condition humaine' is a common C1/C2 theme.

Sa remarque, bien que brève, n'en était pas moins percutante.

His remark, although brief, was nonetheless powerful.

'n'en était pas moins' is a sophisticated way to say 'was nonetheless'.

On ne saurait ignorer la pertinence de cette remarque.

One cannot ignore the relevance of this remark.

'on ne saurait' is a formal 'one cannot'.

Il a fait l'objet d'une remarque officielle de la part du comité.

He was the subject of an official remark from the committee.

'faire l'objet de' means to be the subject of.

Cette remarque soulève un point crucial de notre argumentation.

This remark raises a crucial point in our argument.

'soulever un point' means to raise a point.

Il a ponctué son intervention de remarques pleines d'esprit.

He punctuated his speech with witty remarks.

'pleines d'esprit' means witty.

L'exégèse de ce texte nécessite une attention particulière aux remarques marginales.

The exegesis of this text requires particular attention to the marginal remarks.

'exégèse' is a highly academic term for critical explanation.

Sa remarque sibylline a laissé ses interlocuteurs dans une profonde perplexité.

His cryptic remark left his interlocutors in deep perplexity.

'sibylline' means mysterious or cryptic.

Il convient de nuancer cette remarque par une analyse plus approfondie.

It is appropriate to nuance this remark with a more in-depth analysis.

'il convient de' is a formal way to say 'it is appropriate to'.

La remarque s'inscrit dans une tradition de critique sociale bien établie.

The remark fits into a well-established tradition of social criticism.

's'inscrire dans' means to fit into or be part of.

Nonobstant sa virulence, la remarque contenait un fond de vérité.

Notwithstanding its virulence, the remark contained a kernel of truth.

'nonobstant' is an archaic/formal word for 'despite'.

Il a balayé d'un revers de main toutes les remarques de l'opposition.

He dismissed all the opposition's remarks with a wave of his hand.

'balayer d'un revers de main' is an idiom for quick dismissal.

La remarque est d'autant plus frappante qu'elle émane d'un expert.

The remark is all the more striking as it comes from an expert.

'd'autant plus... que' means all the more... because.

L'usage de cette remarque témoigne d'une grande finesse psychologique.

The use of this remark testifies to great psychological finesse.

'témoigner de' means to testify to or show.

Common Collocations

faire une remarque

remarque pertinente

remarque désobligeante

remarque constructive

prendre une remarque

remarque préliminaire

glisser une remarque

remarque d'ordre général

sans aucune remarque

faire l'objet d'une remarque

Common Phrases

Remarque...

— Used at the start of a sentence to mean 'Mind you' or 'Actually'. It introduces a nuance.

Remarque, il n'a peut-être pas tort.

Faire une remarque à quelqu'un

— To scold or correct someone for something they did.

Le patron lui a fait une remarque sur son retard.

Une remarque en passant

— A casual or incidental comment made while talking about something else.

C'est juste une remarque en passant.

Prendre note d'une remarque

— To officially record or acknowledge a comment.

Nous avons pris note de vos remarques.

C'est une simple remarque

— A way to downplay the importance or critical nature of a comment.

Ne te fâche pas, c'est une simple remarque.

Une remarque de bon sens

— A comment that is obvious or based on practical wisdom.

C'est une remarque de bon sens, tout simplement.

L'esprit de remarque

— The tendency or habit of noticing and commenting on everything, often critically.

Il a un esprit de remarque un peu fatigant.

Une remarque judicieuse

— A wise and well-timed comment.

C'était une remarque judicieuse qui a sauvé la situation.

Faire une remarque désobligeante

— To make an unkind or rude comment.

Il ne rate jamais une occasion de faire une remarque désobligeante.

Sous réserve de remarques

— A formal phrase meaning 'subject to further comments or corrections'.

Le document est validé, sous réserve de remarques ultérieures.

Often Confused With

remarque vs remarquer (verb)

Don't confuse the act of noticing (verb) with the comment itself (noun).

remarque vs commentaire

A comment is often longer and more explanatory than a remark.

remarque vs critique

A remark can be neutral, while a critique is an evaluation.

Idioms & Expressions

"Faire une remarque à quelqu'un"

— Often implies giving someone a 'talking to' or a mild reprimand.

La maîtresse a fait une remarque à l'élève bruyant.

neutral

"Remarque bien que..."

— An emphatic way to say 'Note well that...' or 'Pay close attention to the fact that...'.

Remarque bien que je t'avais prévenu !

neutral

"S'attirer des remarques"

— To act in a way that causes people to comment (usually negatively) on your behavior.

Il s'attire des remarques avec ses vêtements sales.

neutral

"Passer une remarque"

— Mainly used in Quebec to mean making a comment, often a snide one.

Elle m'a passé une remarque sur mon poids.

informal/regional

"Tomber sous la remarque"

— To be noticeable or to be the subject of observation.

Son talent tombe sous la remarque de tous.

formal/literary

"Faire une remarque de trop"

— To make one comment too many, usually leading to an argument.

Il a fait la remarque de trop et elle est partie.

neutral

"Une remarque qui tue"

— A devastatingly accurate or witty comment that leaves someone speechless.

Elle a lancé une remarque qui tue.

informal

"Glisser une remarque"

— To subtly insert a comment into a conversation without drawing too much attention.

Il a glissé une remarque sur le prix.

neutral

"Faire une remarque à la volée"

— To make a quick comment 'on the fly' or without much preparation.

J'ai fait cette remarque à la volée pendant la réunion.

neutral

"Être la cible de remarques"

— To be the person everyone is making comments about.

Depuis son erreur, il est la cible de remarques incessantes.

neutral

Easily Confused

remarque vs Note

Both can mean a written comment.

A 'note' is usually just for record-keeping, while a 'remarque' is an observation shared or highlighted.

J'ai pris une note (I wrote it down). J'ai fait une remarque (I shared an observation).

remarque vs Observation

Both mean seeing and noting something.

Observation is more formal/scientific. Remarque is more conversational.

L'observation des étoiles. Une remarque sur ton pull.

remarque vs Réflexion

Both can be comments.

Réflexion implies deep thought behind the comment.

C'est une réflexion philosophique. C'est une remarque sur le prix.

remarque vs Avis

Both are types of feedback.

Avis is a general opinion. Remarque is a specific point noticed.

Donne-moi ton avis (General). Fais une remarque (Specific).

remarque vs Mention

Both are brief references.

Mention is just saying the name or existence of something. Remarque is an observation about it.

Il y a une mention légale. Il a fait une remarque sur la loi.

Sentence Patterns

C'est une [adjectif] remarque.

C'est une bonne remarque.

J'ai une remarque sur [quelque chose].

J'ai une remarque sur ton dessin.

Remarque, [phrase].

Remarque, il a raison.

Il m'a fait une remarque sur [quelque chose].

Il m'a fait une remarque sur mon travail.

Je voudrais faire une remarque concernant [sujet].

Je voudrais faire une remarque concernant la sécurité.

Une remarque [adjectif] s'impose.

Une remarque préliminaire s'impose.

Il s'est abstenu de toute remarque.

Il s'est abstenu de toute remarque déplacée.

La remarque est d'autant plus [adjectif] que...

La remarque est d'autant plus frappante qu'elle est juste.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely common in both spoken and written French.

Common Mistakes

Un remarque → Une remarque
Learners often forget that 'remarque' is feminine.
Dire une remarque → Faire une remarque
French uses 'make' (faire) for remarks, not 'say' (dire).
Une remarque à propos de... → Une remarque sur...
While 'à propos de' is okay, 'sur' is much more common and natural.
Prendre une remarque personnel → Prendre une remarque personnellement
You need the adverb 'personnellement' to describe how you take the remark.
Faire une remarque à lui → Lui faire une remarque
The indirect object pronoun 'lui' must come before the verb 'faire'.

Tips

Gender Check

Always pair 'remarque' with feminine adjectives. Say 'une remarque intéressante' and not 'un remarque intéressant'.

Verb Choice

Use the verb 'faire' (to make) instead of 'dire' (to say). This is the most natural collocation.

Politeness

To sound polite when giving feedback, start with 'Je me permets une petite remarque...'

Conversational Pivot

Use 'Remarque...' at the start of a sentence to add a nuance or rethink a previous statement.

Academic Use

In essays, use 'remarque' to introduce a specific observation that supports your main argument.

Silent 'e'

Don't listen for a vowel at the end. The word ends on the 'k' sound.

Quebec Usage

Be aware that 'passer une remarque' is very common in Canada but less so in France.

Feedback

In meetings, 'remarque' is the standard word for any input or suggestion you have.

Mind You

Practice using 'Remarque' as a standalone transition to sound more like a native speaker.

Re-Mark

Think of 're-marking' something you've noticed to help remember the word.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 're-marking' a text. When you see something important, you mark it again (remarque) and then you talk about it.

Visual Association

Imagine a bright red 'Note' sticker on a document. That sticker represents a 'remarque'.

Word Web

Observation Commentaire Note Feedback Critique Faire Sur Pertinente

Challenge

Try to use 'remarque' three times today: once for a compliment, once for a suggestion, and once using the 'Remarque...' sentence starter.

Word Origin

Derived from the verb 'remarquer', which comes from the Old French 'remarquier'.

Original meaning: Originally meant 'to mark again' or 'to mark out specifically'.

Romance (Latin roots: 're-' + 'marcare').

Cultural Context

Be careful with 'faire une remarque à quelqu'un' as it can sound like you are telling them off. Use 'J'ai une petite remarque sur...' to be more polite.

English speakers might find 'remarque' used more often than they use 'remark'. Use 'remarque' where you would usually say 'comment' or 'note'.

Les Caractères ou les Mœurs de ce siècle by La Bruyère (full of social remarques). Remarques sur la langue française by Vaugelas (a classic linguistic text). The frequent use of 'Remarque :' in French legal and administrative codes.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Professional Meeting

J'ai une remarque sur le budget.
Est-ce que vous avez des remarques ?
Je prends note de votre remarque.
C'est une remarque judicieuse.

School / University

Le prof a fait une remarque sur mon essai.
Lisez les remarques du correcteur.
Une remarque en marge.
Faire une remarque pertinente en classe.

Social Gathering

Il a fait une remarque sur ma robe.
C'était une remarque un peu déplacée.
Ne fais pas attention à sa remarque.
Une petite remarque en passant.

Reading / Literature

Une remarque de l'auteur.
Voir la remarque n°3.
L'esprit de remarque dans le texte.
Des remarques acerbes sur la société.

Daily Chores / Life

J'ai fait une remarque sur la propreté.
Elle m'a fait une remarque sur la cuisine.
Une remarque constructive pour s'améliorer.
Prendre les remarques avec le sourire.

Conversation Starters

"J'ai une petite remarque sur ce que tu viens de dire, tu as un instant ?"

"Est-ce que quelqu'un a une remarque à faire sur le plan pour ce week-end ?"

"J'ai trouvé la remarque de Pierre très intéressante, qu'en penses-tu ?"

"Je me permettais une remarque : as-tu vu que le restaurant est fermé le lundi ?"

"Quelle est la remarque la plus utile que tu aies jamais reçue ?"

Journal Prompts

Écris sur une remarque qu'on t'a faite aujourd'hui et comment tu l'as ressentie.

Quelle remarque ferais-tu sur ton propre progrès en français ce mois-ci ?

Décris une situation où une simple remarque a changé le cours d'une conversation.

Si tu devais faire une remarque constructive à ton 'moi' du passé, que dirais-tu ?

Note trois remarques positives que tu as observées dans ton environnement aujourd'hui.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is always feminine: 'la remarque' or 'une remarque'. Even if a man makes the remark, the word remains feminine. For example, 'Sa remarque était intelligente.'

While people might understand you, it's much better to say 'faire une remarque'. In French, remarks are 'made' rather than 'said'. Example: 'Il a fait une remarque pertinente.'

A 'remarque' is often a single, pointed observation. A 'commentaire' is usually longer, more detailed, or provides an explanation or reaction. Think of a remark as a 'bullet point' and a comment as a 'paragraph'.

You use it to mean 'Mind you' or 'Actually' to introduce a counter-point. Example: 'Il est difficile. Remarque, il travaille beaucoup.' (He's difficult. Mind you, he works a lot.)

It often means to scold or correct someone. If a boss does it to an employee, it's a mild reprimand. Example: 'Le patron lui a fait une remarque sur ses retards.'

It's neutral. It can be used in a very formal academic paper or in a casual chat with a friend. It's the standard word for 'remark' or 'comment'.

Usually 'sur'. For example, 'une remarque sur le projet' or 'une remarque sur ton comportement'. 'Concernant' is also used in formal writing.

Yes, 'remarquable' means 'worthy of a remark'—hence, 'remarkable' or 'extraordinary'.

It's more likely to mean 'observation' or 'note' in a legal document. 'Notice' (as in a warning period) is usually 'préavis'.

You can say 'faire une remarque désobligeante' or 'faire une remarque acerbe'. In Quebec, 'passer une remarque' often has this connotation.