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A1 adjective #2,000 mais comum 10 min de leitura

chère

Expensive/Dear (feminine)

Top 2,000

At the A1 level, 'chère' is primarily taught as the opposite of 'bon marché' (cheap). Students learn to use it in simple shopping scenarios. For example, 'La robe est chère' (The dress is expensive). At this stage, the focus is on basic gender agreement—knowing that 'chère' is for feminine nouns and 'cher' is for masculine ones. Learners also learn the very basic greeting 'Chère...' for letters or emails. The goal is to be able to express a simple opinion about the price of everyday objects like clothes, food, or electronics. Understanding that the word order matters is introduced but not always mastered yet. The most common phrase learned is 'C'est trop cher/chère'.

By A2, learners begin to use 'chère' in more varied contexts, such as describing their surroundings or personal relationships. They understand the difference between 'une amie chère' and 'une chère amie', even if they occasionally make mistakes. They can participate in more complex conversations about the cost of living ('la vie est chère') and can compare prices using 'plus chère que'. They also start to recognize 'chère' in formal contexts, such as reading short news articles or advertisements. The use of adverbs like 'vraiment', 'un peu', and 'trop' with 'chère' becomes more natural. They are also introduced to the idea that 'cher' can be an adverb in 'coûter cher'.

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At the B1 level, students are expected to use 'chère' with consistent grammatical accuracy. They can discuss economic issues, such as inflation or the impact of 'la vie chère' on society, using more nuanced vocabulary. They understand the emotional weight of 'chère' in literature or heartfelt correspondence. B1 learners can use 'chère' in idiomatic expressions like 'faire bonne chère' and understand its figurative meanings. They can also distinguish between 'chère' and its more formal synonyms like 'coûteuse' or 'onéreuse', choosing the appropriate word for the register of the conversation or writing. Their ability to use the word in the 'dear' sense becomes more sophisticated in professional emails.

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B2 learners use 'chère' with a high degree of precision. They can write formal letters using 'Chère Madame' or 'Chère Monsieur' (mon cher) with perfect etiquette. They can analyze the use of the word in literary texts, identifying how the placement of the adjective affects the tone and meaning. In debates about social issues, they can use 'chère' to discuss the 'high cost' of certain political or environmental decisions (e.g., 'une transition énergétique chère'). They are comfortable with the adverbial use in 'payer cher' and can use it metaphorically (e.g., 'il a payé cher pour ses erreurs'). Their vocabulary includes many synonyms and they can explain the subtle differences between them.

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At the C1 level, the word 'chère' is used with native-like fluidity. The learner understands the historical and etymological roots of the word and how it has evolved. They can use it in complex rhetorical structures and appreciate its use in classical French poetry or prose. They are aware of regional variations in how the word is used or pronounced. In professional settings, they know exactly when 'chère' is too informal and when it is perfectly appropriate. They can use the word to convey irony or sarcasm (e.g., 'ma chère, vous exagérez !'). Their mastery of the word includes all its idiomatic, figurative, and technical applications in various fields like economics, law, and literature.

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C2 proficiency implies a total command of 'chère' in every possible context. The speaker can use the word with subtle nuances of tone, from the deeply affectionate to the coldly professional or the bitingly ironic. They can engage in deep linguistic analysis of the word's role in the French language. They are familiar with archaic uses of the word and can interpret it in texts from any century. For a C2 learner, 'chère' is not just a vocabulary word but a versatile tool for expression. They can use it to create complex puns or to evoke specific cultural references. Their use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

chère em 30 segundos

Used for feminine nouns to indicate a high price or cost.
Used before a noun to express affection, like 'dear' in English.
Must agree in gender and number (chère, chères).
Common in shopping, letters, and discussions about the economy.

The French word chère is the feminine singular form of the adjective 'cher'. It is a polysemous term, meaning its definition shifts significantly based on its placement in a sentence and the context of the conversation. Primarily, at the A1 level, learners encounter it as a descriptor for price. When you walk through a Parisian market or browse a boutique on the Champs-Élysées, you will frequently hear this word used to denote that an item has a high monetary value. However, its second, more emotive meaning is 'dear' or 'beloved'. This duality makes it one of the most essential adjectives in the French language, bridging the gap between material commerce and personal affection.

Economic Context: Used after a noun to indicate that the cost of an object is high or exceeds one's budget. For example, 'une voiture chère' (an expensive car).
Affective Context: Used before a noun to express deep affection, similar to 'dear' in English correspondence. For example, 'ma chère mère' (my dear mother).

Cette bague en or est beaucoup trop chère pour mon petit budget actuel.

Understanding 'chère' requires an appreciation for French syntax. In French, the position of the adjective can change the entire meaning of the sentence. This is a concept known as 'adjectives that change meaning according to position'. While many adjectives follow the noun, 'chère' is a chameleon. When it precedes the noun, it taps into the heart; when it follows the noun, it taps into the wallet. This distinction is vital for avoiding social awkwardness. Calling a friend 'une amie chère' (an expensive friend) might imply they cost you a lot of money, whereas 'une chère amie' (a dear friend) expresses your platonic love for them.

Ma chère grand-mère m'écrit des lettres chaque semaine avec beaucoup de tendresse.

Grammar Note: The masculine form is 'cher'. The feminine 'chère' adds a grave accent on the first 'e' and an 'e' at the end to maintain the open 'e' sound (/ʃɛʁ/).

La vie est devenue très chère dans les grandes villes comme Paris ou Lyon.

Cette leçon est chère à mon cœur car elle m'aide à progresser.

Etymology: Derived from the Latin 'carus', which also held the double meaning of 'high-priced' and 'esteemed/loved'. This linguistic heritage is shared with the English word 'charity' and 'cherish'.

Une erreur chère peut parfois coûter plus que de l'argent; elle peut coûter du temps.

Using chère correctly involves mastering two distinct domains: syntax (word order) and morphology (gender agreement). Because 'chère' is the feminine form, it must always accompany a feminine noun. If you are talking about 'un livre' (a book), you must use 'cher'. If you are talking about 'une revue' (a magazine), you must use 'chère'. This is the first hurdle for English speakers, as 'expensive' and 'dear' do not change based on the gender of the object in English.

The Post-Noun Rule (Price): When 'chère' follows the noun, it describes the cost. 'Une montre chère' = An expensive watch. This is the most common usage in daily commerce.
The Pre-Noun Rule (Affection): When 'chère' precedes the noun, it describes emotional value. 'Ma chère amie' = My dear friend. This is common in letters, greetings, and when speaking about loved ones.

Elle porte une robe très chère qu'elle a achetée à l'avenue Montaigne.

Beyond these basic rules, 'chère' can be modified by adverbs to provide nuance. You can say something is 'trop chère' (too expensive), 'assez chère' (quite expensive), or 'très chère' (very expensive). In the affective sense, it is often paired with possessive adjectives like 'ma', 'ta', or 'sa'. 'Sa chère patrie' (his/her dear homeland) invokes a sense of patriotism and emotional connection.

Mes chères sœurs, je vous écris pour vous annoncer une grande nouvelle.

The 'Être' Construction: You will often see 'chère' used with the verb 'être' (to be). 'Cette viande est chère' (This meat is expensive). In this structure, the adjective still agrees with the subject 'viande'.

La liberté est chère à tous les peuples du monde.

Une amitié chère est un trésor qu'il faut protéger avec soin.

Formal Correspondence: When writing an email to a female colleague you know well, 'Chère [Prénom]' is appropriate. If it's very formal, 'Chère Madame' is safer.

Cette solution est chère mais elle est la plus efficace pour notre entreprise.

You will encounter chère in a vast array of social and commercial settings across the Francophone world. In the retail sector, it is a constant. From the local 'boulangerie' where a customer might remark on the rising price of a 'baguette tradition', to the high-end boutiques of Bordeaux, the word 'chère' signals a judgment on value. It is also a staple of French news media, particularly in discussions about 'le pouvoir d'achat' (purchasing power) and 'la vie chère' (the high cost of living), a phrase frequently used to describe economic inflation or the high prices in overseas French territories like Martinique or Réunion.

At the Market: 'Les tomates sont chères cette semaine, n'est-ce pas ?' (The tomatoes are expensive this week, aren't they?)
In Literature: Authors often use 'ma chère' to denote intimacy between characters or to address the reader directly in a classical style.

À la radio, on parle souvent de la lutte contre la vie chère dans les îles.

In social circles, 'chère' is used in greetings. While 'Salut' or 'Bonjour' are more common, 'Ma chère' or 'Mon cher' (masculine) can be used among the bourgeoisie or in a slightly theatrical, affectionate way among friends. It's also found in the titles of films and books, such as 'Chère Inconnue'. In the professional world, 'chère' appears in the salutations of millions of emails every day. If a manager is writing to a female subordinate or colleague with whom they have a friendly rapport, they will start with 'Chère Claire'.

'C'est trop chère !' est une plainte commune que l'on entend dans les zones touristiques.

In Gastronomy: The expression 'faire bonne chère' originally meant to receive a good welcome, but now refers to eating a high-quality, abundant meal.

Ma chère amie, quel plaisir de vous revoir après toutes ces années !

Cette place de théâtre était chère, mais le spectacle était absolument magnifique.

One of the most frequent errors for learners is the confusion between cher (masculine) and chère (feminine). Because the pronunciation is identical in many dialects (though technically the feminine has a slightly more open 'e' sound and a more pronounced 'r'), students often forget to add the 'e' and the grave accent in writing. This is particularly problematic in formal letters. Writing 'Cher Madame' instead of 'Chère Madame' is a glaring grammatical error that immediately signals a lack of proficiency.

Gender Mismatch: Using 'chère' with a masculine noun like 'le sac'. Correct: 'Le sac est cher'. Incorrect: 'Le sac est chère'.
Positioning Errors: Saying 'une chère voiture' when you mean an expensive car. This sounds like you have a deep emotional bond with your vehicle, which might be true, but isn't what you meant to say about the price.

Attention : ne dites pas 'ma chère ordinateur', car ordinateur est un nom masculin.

Another common pitfall is the use of 'chère' as an adverb. In the phrase 'ça coûte cher' (that costs a lot), 'cher' is an adverb and does not change regardless of the subject. Beginners often try to make it agree, saying 'cette robe coûte chère'. This is incorrect. The adjective form 'chère' only appears when it is modifying the noun directly or via a linking verb like 'être'.

Une erreur chère est une faute de grammaire que l'on peut facilement éviter avec de la pratique.

The 'Chère' vs. 'Chérie' Confusion: 'Chère' is an adjective (dear/expensive). 'Chérie' is a noun or adjective meaning 'darling' or 'sweetheart'. You call your wife 'ma chérie', but you start a letter to a friend with 'ma chère amie'.

Il est incorrect de dire 'cette pomme est cher' ; il faut dire 'chère' car la pomme est féminine.

Elle a payé une chère amende pour son stationnement illégal.

To enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to look at synonyms and related terms for chère. Depending on whether you mean 'expensive' or 'dear', the alternatives vary. For 'expensive', 'coûteuse' is a direct synonym often used in more formal or technical contexts. 'Onéreuse' is even more formal, frequently found in legal or administrative documents. If something is extremely expensive, you might use 'excessive' or 'dispendieuse' (though the latter is more common in Quebec).

Coûteuse vs. Chère: 'Chère' is the everyday word. 'Coûteuse' is slightly more sophisticated. 'Une opération coûteuse' sounds more professional than 'une opération chère'.
Aimée vs. Chère: When 'chère' means 'dear', 'aimée' (loved) or 'précieuse' (precious) are good alternatives. 'Ma chère maman' vs. 'Ma maman aimée'.

Cette solution est plus onéreuse mais garantit une meilleure sécurité.

For the 'dear' meaning, 'estimée' (esteemed) is used in very formal business correspondence, such as 'Estimée cliente'. If you want to express that something is close to your heart, 'précieuse' is a beautiful alternative. In slang or very informal French, people might use 'reuch' (verlan for 'cher') to say something is expensive, though this is masculine and rarely used in the feminine 'reuche'.

C'est une précieuse alliée dans cette négociation difficile.

Hors de prix: An idiom meaning 'beyond price' or 'extremely expensive'. 'Cette villa est hors de prix'.

Une amitié sincère n'est jamais trop chère à entretenir.

Elle a trouvé une robe abordable pour le mariage de sa cousine.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Informal

Nível de dificuldade

Gramática essencial

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Exemplos por nível

Cette pomme est très chère.

This apple is very expensive.

Feminine singular agreement.

Ma chère maman, je t'aime.

My dear mom, I love you.

Pre-noun position for affection.

La robe rouge est trop chère.

The red dress is too expensive.

Post-noun position for price.

Chère Marie, comment vas-tu ?

Dear Marie, how are you?

Formal/semi-formal greeting.

Une voiture est chère.

A car is expensive.

Basic adjective use.

Cette table n'est pas chère.

This table is not expensive.

Negation with adjective.

Ma chère amie habite à Paris.

My dear friend lives in Paris.

Possessive + adjective + noun.

La viande est chère ici.

Meat is expensive here.

General statement about price.

La vie est plus chère à Paris qu'à Lyon.

Life is more expensive in Paris than in Lyon.

Comparative structure.

C'est une très chère amie d'enfance.

She is a very dear childhood friend.

Intimacy expressed through position.

Je ne peux pas acheter cette montre, elle est trop chère.

I cannot buy this watch, it is too expensive.

Reasoning with 'trop'.

Chère Madame, je vous remercie pour votre aide.

Dear Madam, I thank you for your help.

Formal address.

Les vacances en Suisse sont souvent chères.

Holidays in Switzerland are often expensive.

Plural feminine agreement.

Cette bague est chère à mon cœur.

This ring is dear to my heart.

Idiomatic expression of value.

Elle a une collection de poupées très chères.

She has a collection of very expensive dolls.

Plural adjective following noun.

Ma chère grand-mère me manque beaucoup.

I miss my dear grandmother a lot.

Emotional adjective.

La lutte contre la vie chère est une priorité.

The fight against the high cost of living is a priority.

Abstract noun phrase.

Elle a fait une erreur qui lui a coûté chère.

She made a mistake that cost her dearly.

Figurative use of cost.

Nous avons fait bonne chère lors du réveillon.

We ate very well during Christmas Eve.

Idiomatic expression 'faire bonne chère'.

C'est une solution efficace, bien qu'un peu chère.

It's an effective solution, although a bit expensive.

Concession with 'bien que'.

Ma chère patrie, je reviendrai bientôt.

My dear homeland, I will return soon.

Poetic/Patriotic use.

L'essence est devenue extrêmement chère ces derniers mois.

Gasoline has become extremely expensive these last months.

Adverbial modification.

Elle garde un souvenir cher de son voyage.

She keeps a dear memory of her trip.

Note: 'cher' is masculine here for 'souvenir', but used in the 'dear' sense.

Chères collègues, la réunion est déplacée à demain.

Dear colleagues (female), the meeting is moved to tomorrow.

Feminine plural address.

L'inflation rend la vie quotidienne de plus en plus chère.

Inflation makes daily life more and more expensive.

Economic context.

Cette liberté nous est chère et nous devons la défendre.

This freedom is dear to us and we must defend it.

Abstract value.

Elle a payé une chère amende pour cet excès de vitesse.

She paid a heavy fine for that speeding offense.

Adjective modifying 'amende'.

Ma chère, vous ne devriez pas vous inquiéter autant.

My dear, you shouldn't worry so much.

Direct address as a noun phrase.

L'immobilier est une denrée chère dans cette région.

Real estate is an expensive commodity in this region.

Formal vocabulary 'denrée'.

Elle a une voix qui m'est chère depuis mon enfance.

She has a voice that has been dear to me since childhood.

Relative clause with 'être cher à'.

Les conséquences de cette décision seront chères.

The consequences of this decision will be costly.

Metaphorical cost.

Chère abonnée, votre contrat arrive à échéance.

Dear subscriber, your contract is coming to an end.

Business feminine address.

Il s'agit d'une œuvre qui lui est particulièrement chère.

It is a work that is particularly dear to him/her.

Nuanced emotional value.

La vie chère en Outre-mer provoque des tensions sociales.

The high cost of living in overseas territories causes social tensions.

Sociopolitical terminology.

Elle a su cultiver cette chère solitude nécessaire à l'écriture.

She knew how to cultivate that dear solitude necessary for writing.

Literary/Philosophical use.

L'addition fut particulièrement chère ce soir-là.

The bill was particularly expensive that night.

Passé Simple (formal narrative).

Une amitié si chère ne saurait être brisée par un simple malentendu.

Such a dear friendship could not be broken by a simple misunderstanding.

Soutenu (formal) register.

Cette réforme, bien que chère au gouvernement, est contestée.

This reform, although dear to the government, is contested.

Political nuance.

Elle a hérité d'une montre chère à son grand-père.

She inherited a watch dear to her grandfather.

Possessive relationship.

Chères toutes, j'espère que ce message vous trouvera en forme.

Dear all (feminine), I hope this message finds you well.

Inclusive feminine plural.

L'âpre réalité de la vie chère fauche les espoirs des plus démunis.

The harsh reality of high prices mows down the hopes of the most destitute.

High literary style.

Elle s'accrochait à cette chère illusion comme à une bouée de sauvetage.

She clung to that dear illusion like a lifebuoy.

Metaphorical/Psychological use.

La cherté de la main-d'œuvre freine l'expansion industrielle.

The high cost of labor slows down industrial expansion.

Use of the noun 'cherté'.

Ô ma chère France, que tes paysages sont beaux !

O my dear France, how beautiful your landscapes are!

Apostrophe/Exclamatory style.

Elle a payé de sa chère personne pour sauver l'entreprise.

She paid with her own self/effort to save the company.

Idiom 'payer de sa personne'.

Une telle audace lui coûtera chère, j'en ai la certitude.

Such audacity will cost her dearly, I am certain of it.

Predictive/Dramatic tone.

Elle a retrouvé cette chère vieille habitude de lire au crépuscule.

She found again that dear old habit of reading at twilight.

Nostalgic tone.

Chères consœurs, nous devons nous unir pour cette cause.

Dear colleagues/sisters (professional), we must unite for this cause.

Highly formal professional address.

Colocações comuns

la vie chère

une robe chère

ma chère amie

trop chère

assez chère

extrêmement chère

chère Madame

rendre chère

devenir chère

être chère à

Frases Comuns

C'est trop chère.

Ma chère !

La vie est chère.

Chère Madame,

Une erreur chère.

Faire bonne chère.

Ma chère patrie.

Une amie chère.

Une place chère.

Une montre chère.

Frequentemente confundido com

chère vs cher (masculine)

chère vs chérie (darling)

chère vs chair (flesh)

Expressões idiomáticas

Fácil de confundir

chère vs chérie

A noun/adjective for a romantic partner or child.

chère vs chair

Means 'flesh' or 'meat' (pronounced the same).

chère vs chaire

A professor's chair or a pulpit.

chère vs cher

The masculine version of the same adjective.

chère vs cheer

English word, sounds different but looks slightly similar.

Padrões de frases

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Como usar

plural

Becomes 'chères' for feminine plural nouns.

agreement exception

Does not agree when used as an adverb with verbs like 'coûter' or 'payer'.

Erros comuns

Writing 'Cher Madame' instead of 'Chère Madame'.
Using 'chère' for masculine nouns like 'le livre'.
Saying 'ma chère voiture' when you mean it was expensive.
Adding an 'e' to 'cher' when it's an adverb (coûte chère).
Confusing 'chère' with 'chérie' in romantic contexts.

Dicas

Agreement is Key

Always look at the noun. If it has 'la' or 'une', use 'chère' with an 'e' and an accent.

Position Matters

Before the noun = Love. After the noun = Money. This simple rule will save you from many misunderstandings.

The French R

The 'r' in 'chère' is produced in the back of the throat. Practice by gargling water to get the feel.

Email Etiquette

When writing to a woman you don't know well, 'Chère Madame' followed by her last name is the gold standard.

Market Talk

In French markets, it's common to complain about prices. Saying 'C'est un peu cher, non ?' is a standard part of the experience.

Bonne Chère

If someone invites you to 'faire bonne chère', expect a lot of delicious food and a warm welcome.

Avoid Adverb Agreement

Remember: 'Elle coûte cher' (no E). The verb 'coûter' takes the adverbial form.

The 'Dear' Connection

Think of the English word 'cherish'. It comes from the same root as 'chère'. You cherish what is dear to you.

Ma Chère

Using 'Ma chère' at the start of a sentence can sound a bit posh or dramatic. Use it sparingly with close friends.

Context Clues

If you hear 'chère' in a store, it's about money. If you hear it in a hug, it's about love.

Memorize

Origem da palavra

Latin

Contexto cultural

The 'Loi Lurel' in France was created to fight 'la vie chère' in overseas territories.

Use 'Chère Madame' in formal letters to women.

Classical French literature uses 'chère' frequently to address the 'cher lecteur' (dear reader).

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Iniciadores de conversa

"Est-ce que la vie est chère dans ta ville ?"

"Quelle est la chose la plus chère que tu as achetée ?"

"As-tu une amie très chère ?"

"Est-ce que les fruits sont chers au marché ?"

"Pourquoi la France est-elle considérée comme chère ?"

Temas para diário

Décris une personne qui t'est très chère.

Est-ce que tu préfères acheter des choses chères ou bon marché ?

Imagine une lettre à une chère amie.

Parle d'une expérience où tu as payé trop cher pour quelque chose.

Que signifie 'faire bonne chère' pour toi ?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, 'chère' can be used for people (dear) and objects (expensive). It depends on the noun it describes and its position.

The accent is added in the feminine form to indicate the open 'e' sound caused by the following 're' syllable. This is a common rule in French spelling.

No, you must say 'mon cher' for a man. 'Ma chère' is strictly feminine.

In 99% of cases, yes. It is the standard way to denote high cost.

It is a common French expression referring to the high cost of living, often used in economic or political discussions.

It can be both. 'Chère Madame' is formal, while 'ma chère' to a friend is informal and affectionate.

You say 'moins chère' or 'meilleur marché'.

Yes, it becomes 'chères'. For example, 'des robes chères'.

Not necessarily. 'Coûteuse' is just more formal. In daily conversation, 'chère' is much more common.

Yes, if the pet is feminine (e.g., 'ma chère chatte'), though 'ma petite' or 'ma chérie' is more common.

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