carrément
carrément 30秒了解
- Carrément is a versatile French adverb meaning 'totally,' 'outright,' or 'frankly,' derived from the word for 'square.'
- In casual speech, it is a very common intensifier used to mean 'completely' (e.g., carrément génial).
- It can be used as a standalone exclamation to express strong agreement, similar to 'Totally!' in English.
- Grammatically, it usually follows the verb or precedes the adjective it modifies, adding a sense of bluntness or certainty.
The French word carrément is a versatile adverb that every intermediate French learner must master to sound natural. At its core, it is derived from the adjective carré (meaning 'square'). Just as a square has straight, unambiguous lines, the adverb carrément originally described things done in a straight or square manner. However, in modern French, its usage has evolved significantly into a powerful intensifier and a marker of directness.
- The Intensifier (Totally/Completely)
- In casual conversation, carrément is frequently used to mean 'completely,' 'totally,' or 'downright.' When you find something particularly impressive or ridiculous, you might say it is carrément génial or carrément ridicule. It adds a layer of emphasis that très (very) simply cannot provide.
- The Bluntness (Outright/Frankly)
- When describing an action, it suggests that something was done without hesitation, nuance, or subtlety. If someone refuses an offer carrément, they didn't just say 'no thank you'; they rejected it outright, perhaps even bluntly. It implies a lack of 'turning around the bush' (tourner autour du pot).
- The Standalone Exclamation (Absolutely!)
- Perhaps the most common way you will hear this in the streets of Paris or Lyon is as a one-word response. If a friend asks, 'Tu veux venir au ciné avec nous ?' (Do you want to come to the movies with us?), responding with 'Carrément !' is the equivalent of saying 'Totally!' or 'For sure!'
C'est carrément impossible de finir ce projet avant demain matin sans aide.
Historically, the word appeared in the 14th century, but its modern slang usage exploded in the late 20th century. While it remains somewhat informal, it has permeated almost all levels of spoken French. However, a student should be careful not to over-rely on it in formal academic essays, where totalement or franchement might be more appropriate depending on the context.
— Tu penses qu'il va pleuvoir ? — Oh oui, carrément ! Regarde ces nuages noirs.
In summary, use carrément when you want to leave no doubt about your level of certainty or the intensity of a situation. It is the linguistic tool of choice for the bold and the certain.
Using carrément correctly involves understanding its placement relative to verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. Because it is an adverb of manner and intensity, its position follows standard French grammar rules, but its impact changes based on what it modifies.
- Modifying a Verb
- When modifying a verb in a simple tense, carrément usually follows the verb. For example, 'Il refuse carrément' (He outright refuses). In compound tenses like the passé composé, it typically sits between the auxiliary verb and the past participle: 'Il a carrément oublié mon anniversaire' (He totally forgot my birthday).
- Modifying an Adjective
- When intensifying an adjective, it precedes it. This is where it functions most like 'totally' or 'completely.' Example: 'Cette voiture est carrément chère' (This car is downright expensive). It can modify both positive and negative adjectives, though it is slightly more frequent with negative ones to express indignation.
Elle lui a carrément dit d'aller voir ailleurs.
One interesting grammatical feature of carrément is its use in negation. While you can say 'Ce n'est pas carrément fini' (It's not completely finished), it is much more common to use it in positive assertions to emphasize the 'squareness' or completeness of a fact. Using it with negation often sounds like an afterthought or a specific nuance about the degree of completion.
C'est carrément une autre histoire.
When you use it, you are effectively removing any 'grey area.' If something is carrément true, there is no room for debate. This makes it a very 'strong' word in terms of rhetorical impact. In professional settings, use it when you want to show absolute conviction, but be aware that it can come across as slightly aggressive or overly informal if the context requires diplomatic nuance.
If you walk through the streets of Paris, tune into a French podcast, or watch a modern French film like Intouchables, you will hear carrément everywhere. It is a staple of contemporary French social life. Its usage transcends age groups, though it is particularly prevalent among young adults and teenagers who use it as a general-purpose intensifier.
- In Pop Culture
- French YouTubers and influencers use carrément to keep their tone energetic and relatable. You will often hear it in video titles: 'C'est carrément flippant !' (This is totally creepy!). In music, particularly French Rap and Pop, it serves as a rhythmic filler that adds weight to a claim.
- In the Workplace
- While you might avoid it in a contract, you will definitely hear it in the breakroom or during brainstorming sessions. 'On va carrément changer de stratégie' (We are going to completely change strategy). It signals a desire for radical change or a blunt assessment of a failing project.
Non mais, il est carrément barjot, ce type !
In Quebec, the usage is similar but sometimes competes with English loanwords like vraiment or full (e.g., 'C'est full beau'). However, carrément remains a solid choice for any francophone context when you want to sound assertive. It is also a favorite in French dubbing for American movies; when an English character says 'That is just plain crazy,' the French translator will almost always reach for carrément.
— On se fait un resto ce soir ? — Carrément ! J'ai une faim de loup.
Whether you are at a café, in a university lecture hall, or watching the news, carrément is the word that bridges the gap between simple description and passionate expression. It is the pulse of modern, direct French communication.
Despite its popularity, carrément can be tricky for English speakers because its English equivalents (squarely, frankly, totally) don't always map 1:1 in every context. Avoiding these common pitfalls will help you sound more like a native and less like a translation dictionary.
- The 'Squarely' Trap
- In English, we say 'He looked me squarely in the eyes.' While carrément can mean this, it's more common in modern French to use droit (straight) in this specific physical context: 'Il m'a regardé droit dans les yeux.' Using carrément here might sound like you mean 'He looked at me in a very intense/total way,' which is close but slightly off.
- Overuse in Formal Writing
- Because it is so common in speech, learners often sprinkle it into formal essays. This is a mistake. In a professional report, saying 'Le profit a carrément augmenté' sounds too colloquial. Better choices would be nettement (distinctly) or considérablement (considerably).
- Confusion with 'Franchement'
- While they both mean 'frankly,' franchement is usually about the speaker's honesty ('To be honest...'), whereas carrément is about the totality or bluntness of the fact itself. 'Franchement, c'est nul' (Honestly, it sucks) vs. 'C'est carrément nul' (It totally sucks).
Incorrect: J'ai dessiné un cercle carrément.
Another mistake is misplacing it in the sentence. Remember that as an intensifier, it needs to be next to what it modifies. Don't leave it dangling at the end of a sentence unless it's a standalone response. 'C'est génial, carrément' is possible but sounds like an afterthought; 'C'est carrément génial' is the standard, powerful way to say it.
Il a carrément oublié de venir.
Finally, be careful with the 'intensity' of the word. If you use carrément for every small thing, you lose your rhetorical power. Reserve it for things that are truly 'outright' or 'totally' something.
French is rich with adverbs of intensity. Depending on the nuance you want—whether it's about truth, quantity, or emotion—you might choose a different word than carrément. Understanding these subtle differences will elevate your French from 'functional' to 'fluent.'
- Carrément vs. Tout à fait
- Tout à fait is more formal and precise. It means 'completely' or 'exactly.' If someone asks if you agree, Tout à fait sounds polite and professional, while Carrément sounds enthusiastic and informal.
- Carrément vs. Vraiment
- Vraiment (really) is the most neutral intensifier. It's safe in almost any context. Carrément is stronger and implies a sense of 'outrightness' that vraiment lacks. 'C'est vraiment beau' is a compliment; 'C'est carrément beau' is an exclamation of awe.
- Carrément vs. Franchement
- Use franchement when you want to emphasize your sincerity or your opinion. 'Franchement, je ne sais pas.' (Honestly, I don't know). Use carrément when the action itself is blunt: 'Il a carrément dit non.' (He outright said no).
Ce n'est pas seulement difficile, c'est carrément impossible.
Other alternatives include totalement (totally), absolument (absolutely), and nettement (clearly/distinctly). In very informal slang, you might hear grave used as an intensifier: 'C'est grave bien' (It's super good), which functions similarly to carrément in some youth contexts.
Il a radicalement changé d'avis.
In summary, while carrément is a fantastic 'multi-tool' word, knowing when to switch to nettement for clarity or tout à fait for precision will make your French sound much more sophisticated and nuanced.
How Formal Is It?
趣味小知识
The shift from 'squarely' to 'frankly' happened because a square was seen as a shape with no hidden corners—everything is visible and straight, much like an honest person's words.
发音指南
- Pronouncing the 't' at the end (it is silent).
- Not making the final syllable nasal (mɑ̃).
- Over-emphasizing the 'e' in the middle (it should be short).
- Using an English 'r' instead of the French uvular 'r'.
- Confusing the first vowel with an 'o' sound.
难度评级
Easy to recognize in text, usually clear from context.
Requires knowledge of proper placement and register.
Easy to say and very useful for sounding natural.
Very common, though can be spoken quickly.
接下来学什么
前置知识
接下来学习
高级
需要掌握的语法
Adverb placement with adjectives
L'adverbe se place avant l'adjectif : 'C'est carrément beau'.
Adverb placement in compound tenses
L'adverbe se place entre l'auxiliaire et le participe passé : 'Il a carrément oublié'.
Adverb placement with verbs
L'adverbe suit généralement le verbe : 'Il refuse carrément'.
Formation of adverbs in -ment
On ajoute -ment au féminin de l'adjectif : carré (masc/fém) -> carrément.
Invariability of adverbs
L'adverbe 'carrément' ne change jamais de forme, peu importe le sujet.
按水平分级的例句
— Tu aimes le chocolat ? — Carrément !
— Do you like chocolate? — Totally!
Used as a standalone exclamation for strong agreement.
C'est carrément super !
It's totally great!
Modifying the adjective 'super'.
Il est carrément content.
He is totally happy.
Intensifying the state of being.
— On y va ? — Carrément !
— Shall we go? — For sure!
Informal response to a proposal.
C'est carrément beau ici.
It's totally beautiful here.
Used to emphasize a positive quality of a place.
Il fait carrément chaud.
It is downright hot.
Emphasis on weather intensity.
C'est carrément facile.
It's totally easy.
Used to downplay difficulty.
— Tu viens ? — Carrément !
— Are you coming? — Definitely!
Enthusiastic confirmation.
Ce film est carrément trop long.
This movie is way too long.
Used with 'trop' to double the emphasis.
Elle est carrément en retard.
She is totally late.
Emphasizing a negative state.
C'est carrément une bonne idée.
That is a downright good idea.
Modifying a noun phrase.
Il a carrément oublié ses clés.
He totally forgot his keys.
Placed between auxiliary and past participle.
Cette pizza est carrément délicieuse.
This pizza is totally delicious.
Stronger than 'très'.
C'est carrément bizarre ce bruit.
That noise is totally weird.
Emphasizing an unusual quality.
On est carrément perdus.
We are totally lost.
Used with the state of being lost.
C'est carrément injuste !
It's downright unfair!
Expressing strong indignation.
Il a carrément refusé de me parler.
He outright refused to speak to me.
Shows a blunt, direct action.
C'est carrément une autre façon de voir les choses.
It's quite a different way of seeing things.
Suggests a total shift in perspective.
Elle a carrément démissionné sans prévenir.
She outright quit without warning.
Emphasizes the sudden and total nature of the act.
C'est carrément impossible de finir à temps.
It's downright impossible to finish on time.
Stronger than 'vraiment impossible'.
Il s'est carrément trompé de route.
He completely took the wrong road.
Used with reflexive verbs for emphasis.
Tu as carrément raison sur ce point.
You are totally right on that point.
Used to validate someone's opinion strongly.
On a carrément changé d'avis au dernier moment.
We completely changed our minds at the last moment.
Describes a total reversal.
C'est carrément flippant cette histoire.
This story is totally creepy.
Informal intensifier for 'flippant' (scary/creepy).
Il faudrait carrément revoir tout le système.
The whole system would outright need to be reviewed.
Suggests a radical, complete overhaul.
C'est carrément de la provocation à ce stade.
It's outright provocation at this stage.
Identifies an action as a specific, extreme category.
Il a carrément nié avoir été présent.
He outright denied having been present.
Shows a firm, unambiguous denial.
On est carrément dans le domaine de la science-fiction.
We are squarely in the realm of science fiction.
Metaphorical use of 'squarely' as 'completely within'.
Elle a carrément mis les pieds dans le plat.
She outright put her foot in it (made a blunder).
Used with an idiom to emphasize the bluntness of the mistake.
C'est carrément indécent de demander autant d'argent.
It's downright indecent to ask for that much money.
Moral judgment emphasis.
Il a carrément sauté l'étape la plus importante.
He outright skipped the most important step.
Focus on the omission of a crucial part.
C'est carrément une insulte à notre intelligence.
It's an outright insult to our intelligence.
Strong rhetorical emphasis.
Sa réaction était carrément disproportionnée par rapport aux faits.
His reaction was outright disproportionate to the facts.
Used in analytical contexts to highlight an extreme.
Le candidat a carrément éludé la question sur l'écologie.
The candidate outright evaded the question on ecology.
Describes a deliberate and obvious avoidance.
C'est carrément une révolution dans le monde de la tech.
It's an outright revolution in the tech world.
Used to categorize a significant event.
Il a carrément balayé nos arguments d'un revers de main.
He outright swept our arguments aside with a wave of his hand.
Vividly describes a dismissive, blunt attitude.
Cette mesure est carrément liberticide selon certains experts.
This measure is outright freedom-destroying according to some experts.
Used with high-level vocabulary for political critique.
Le projet a été carrément sabordé par la direction.
The project was outright scuttled by management.
Passive voice with a strong adverbial intensifier.
Il s'agit carrément d'un déni de justice.
It is quite simply a denial of justice.
Formal phrasing using 'Il s'agit de'.
Son style est carrément iconoclaste.
His style is outright iconoclastic.
Used with sophisticated adjectives to describe character.
L'auteur s'affranchit carrément des conventions littéraires du siècle.
The author outright breaks free from the literary conventions of the century.
Describes a total and intentional break from tradition.
Cette décision frise carrément l'absurde.
This decision outright borders on the absurd.
Used with 'friser' (to border on) for maximum rhetorical effect.
Il a carrément court-circuité la hiérarchie pour obtenir ce qu'il voulait.
He outright bypassed the hierarchy to get what he wanted.
Metaphorical use for institutional maneuvering.
Le film bascule carrément dans le fantastique en deuxième partie.
The film outright tips into the fantastic in the second half.
Describes a total generic shift in a narrative.
C'est carrément une remise en question de nos fondements éthiques.
It is an outright questioning of our ethical foundations.
Used for deep philosophical or social critique.
On ne peut pas carrément ignorer les conséquences à long terme.
One cannot outright ignore the long-term consequences.
Used in a formal negative construction to emphasize duty.
Le ton employé est carrément belliqueux.
The tone used is outright bellicose.
Precise vocabulary with a strong intensifier.
Il s'est carrément désolidarisé de son propre parti.
He outright distanced himself from his own party.
Describes a total political break.
近义词
反义词
常见搭配
常用短语
— A standalone exclamation meaning 'Totally!' or 'Absolutely!'
— Tu viens avec nous ? — Carrément !
— Used to agree that someone has perfectly identified a situation.
— Tu penses qu'il est jaloux ? — C'est carrément ça.
— Used to say something is excessive or 'too much'.
Trois gâteaux ? C'est carrément trop !
— Used to say someone is completely confused or out of touch.
Ne l'écoute pas, il est carrément à l'ouest aujourd'hui.
— Used when something is so ridiculous it must be a joke.
Il veut que je travaille dimanche ? C'est carrément une blague !
— Slang (verlan for 'fou') meaning 'It's totally crazy/amazing.'
Le concert était carrément ouf !
— Used to say someone has completely lost their mind or lost control.
Il a crié sur tout le monde, il a carrément craqué.
— Used to describe a place or situation that is vastly different.
Vivre à la campagne, c'est carrément un autre monde.
— A common way to say something is 'really good' or 'totally fine'.
Ce nouvel appart est carrément bien.
容易混淆的词
The adjective meaning 'square.' Don't use 'carrément' when you just want to describe a shape.
Means 'correctly' or 'properly.' It sounds slightly similar but has a completely different meaning.
Means 'clearly.' While 'carrément' implies clarity through bluntness, 'clairement' is about being easy to see or understand.
习语与表达
— To speak bluntly about a sensitive topic, often causing embarrassment.
Il a carrément mis les pieds dans le plat en parlant de leur divorce.
informal— To be completely wrong or off-base about something.
Ton analyse est carrément à côté de la plaque.
informal— To be outright mocking someone or not taking them seriously at all.
Il se fout carrément de ma gueule avec ses excuses.
slang/vulgar— To not care at all about something.
Il s'en tape carrément de ce que pensent les voisins.
slang— To outright thwart someone's plans by acting first.
Il m'a carrément coupé l'herbe sous le pied en vendant l'idée avant moi.
informal— To go completely out of control (like a spinning plane).
La soirée a carrément parti en vrille après minuit.
informal— It's a completely different (and usually harder) matter.
Apprendre le piano, c'est facile, mais le violon, c'est carrément une autre paire de manches.
informal— To outright dismiss or reject someone rudely.
Elle l'a carrément envoyé balader quand il a demandé un rendez-vous.
informal— To be totally stunned or amazed (like being taped to the spot).
Je suis carrément scotché par sa performance.
informal容易混淆
Both can mean 'frankly.'
'Franchement' is about the honesty of the speaker. 'Carrément' is about the bluntness or totality of the action/fact.
Franchement, je ne l'aime pas. vs. Il a carrément dit qu'il ne l'aimait pas.
Both are intensifiers.
'Vraiment' is neutral and means 'really.' 'Carrément' is stronger and means 'totally' or 'outright.'
C'est vraiment bien. vs. C'est carrément génial.
Both mean 'totally.'
'Totalement' is more formal and clinical. 'Carrément' is more emotional and informal.
Le réservoir est totalement vide. vs. Je suis carrément crevé !
Both express total agreement.
'Absolument' sounds more polite and definitive. 'Carrément' sounds more enthusiastic and casual.
— Est-ce vrai ? — Absolument. vs. — Tu viens ? — Carrément !
Both imply a 'straight' path.
'Directement' is about the physical path or lack of intermediate steps. 'Carrément' is about the manner or intensity.
Va directement là-bas. vs. Il a carrément refusé d'y aller.
句型
C'est carrément + [adjective]
C'est carrément bon.
Il est carrément + [adjective]
Il est carrément en retard.
[Subject] a carrément + [past participle]
Elle a carrément refusé.
Carrément + [adverb]
C'est carrément trop.
C'est carrément une + [noun]
C'est carrément une insulte.
Il s'agit carrément de + [noun phrase]
Il s'agit carrément d'un scandale.
[Subject] se [reflexive verb] carrément
Il s'est carrément désolidarisé.
[Subject] [verb] carrément [object]
L'auteur s'affranchit carrément des codes.
词族
名词
动词
形容词
相关
如何使用
Very high in spoken French, moderate in literature, low in formal academic writing.
-
Using 'carrément' to describe a physical square shape.
→
Use 'en forme de carré' or 'carré'.
'Carrément' is almost always figurative now. You wouldn't say 'J'ai coupé le gâteau carrément' unless you meant you cut it in a very blunt or extreme way.
-
Pronouncing the 't' at the end.
→
Keep the 't' silent and nasalize the 'en'.
Like most French adverbs ending in -ment, the final 't' is never pronounced.
-
Using 'carrément' in a formal cover letter.
→
Use 'totalement' or 'pleinement'.
It's too colloquial for formal professional correspondence.
-
Placing it before the verb in simple tenses.
→
Place it after the verb (e.g., 'Il refuse carrément').
French adverbs generally follow the verb they modify in simple tenses.
-
Confusing it with 'clairement'.
→
Use 'clairement' for clarity and 'carrément' for intensity/bluntness.
While they overlap, 'carrément' is much more about the 'extremeness' of the situation.
小贴士
Use it as an exclamation
Next time someone asks you a question you strongly agree with, don't just say 'Oui.' Say 'Carrément !' It will immediately make you sound more like a native speaker and show your enthusiasm.
Placement with verbs
Remember that in the past tense (passé composé), 'carrément' goes in the middle: 'J'ai carrément oublié.' Placing it at the end sounds awkward and less natural.
Intensity level
Think of 'carrément' as a 9/10 on the intensity scale. Use it when you really mean it. If you use it for everything, you won't have any words left for when something is truly extreme!
Pair it with 'trop'
You can use 'carrément trop' to say something is 'way too much.' It's a very common double-intensifier in spoken French (e.g., 'C'est carrément trop cher').
Avoid in formal writing
Even though you hear it everywhere, 'carrément' is still considered informal. Keep it out of your university essays or official government forms to maintain a professional tone.
Listen for the 'R'
The double 'r' in 'carrément' is often emphasized by French speakers to show just how 'totally' they mean what they are saying. It's a great way to practice your uvular 'r'.
Universal French
Unlike some slang that is specific to Paris, 'carrément' is understood and used throughout the entire French-speaking world, making it a very safe and useful word to learn.
The Square Rule
A square has straight lines. 'Carrément' is the 'straight' way of saying something. No curves, no lies, just the plain truth.
Building Rapport
Using 'carrément' during a casual conversation shows that you are engaged and share the speaker's intensity, which can help in building social connections with French speakers.
Try alternatives
To sound even more advanced, try using 'nettement' when comparing two things (e.g., 'C'est nettement mieux') and save 'carrément' for absolute statements.
记住它
记忆技巧
Think of a 'Square Deal.' A square is direct, honest, and has no curves. 'Carrément' is the adverb for someone who is 'square' (direct) with you.
视觉联想
Imagine a person drawing a perfect square around a problem. They are dealing with it 'carrément'—no loose ends, no ambiguity.
Word Web
挑战
Try to use 'carrément' three times today: once to agree with someone, once to describe something you really like, and once to describe a task that is 'totally' impossible.
词源
Derived from the Old French 'quarré' (square), which comes from the Latin 'quadratus,' the past participle of 'quadrare' (to make square).
原始含义: The original meaning was literally 'in a square shape' or 'at right angles.'
Romance (Indo-European).文化背景
While not offensive, it is informal. Avoid using it repeatedly in a job interview or with people of much higher social status unless the atmosphere is relaxed.
English speakers often use 'totally' or 'downright' in the same way, but 'carrément' can also mean 'outright,' which 'totally' doesn't always cover.
在生活中练习
真实语境
Expressing Agreement
- Carrément !
- Je suis carrément d'accord.
- C'est carrément ça.
- Ah ouais, carrément.
Reacting to Surprising News
- C'est carrément fou !
- C'est carrément incroyable.
- Tu blagues ? Carrément ?
- C'est carrément ouf.
Describing a Strong Rejection
- Il a carrément dit non.
- Elle a carrément refusé.
- Ils ont carrément annulé.
- Je vais carrément l'envoyer balader.
Emphasizing a Difficulty
- C'est carrément dur.
- C'est carrément impossible.
- Je suis carrément perdu.
- C'est carrément trop de travail.
Daily Mistakes/Forgetfulness
- J'ai carrément oublié.
- Je me suis carrément trompé.
- Il a carrément zappé le truc.
- On a carrément raté le train.
对话开场白
"Tu trouves pas que ce film est carrément trop long ?"
"C'est carrément génial de te voir ici, qu'est-ce que tu fais là ?"
"Tu penses qu'on peut carrément changer de projet maintenant ?"
"C'est carrément bizarre ce qui se passe en ce moment, non ?"
"Est-ce que tu es carrément prêt pour l'examen de demain ?"
日记主题
Décris un moment où tu as carrément changé d'avis sur un sujet important.
Quel est un projet qui te semble carrément impossible à réaliser seul ?
Y a-t-il une situation où tu as dû être carrément franc avec un ami ?
Qu'est-ce qui est carrément génial dans ta vie en ce moment ?
Raconte une fois où tu as carrément oublié quelque chose d'essentiel.
常见问题
10 个问题Not necessarily, but it is blunt. If you say 'Tu as carrément tort' (You are outright wrong), it is much more aggressive than saying 'Je ne suis pas d'accord.' It's best used among friends or when you want to be very firm. In casual contexts, it's just seen as enthusiastic.
It's better to avoid it unless you have a very close, informal relationship with the recipient. Words like 'totalement,' 'pleinement,' or 'nettement' are safer and more professional alternatives that convey a similar degree of intensity without the informal baggage.
'Tout à fait' is the standard, polite way to say 'completely' or 'exactly.' 'Carrément' is much more informal and carries a sense of 'outrightness' or 'frankness.' You'd use 'tout à fait' with your boss and 'carrément' with your best friend.
No, it can also mean 'frankly' or 'outright.' For example, 'Il a carrément refusé' means 'He outright refused.' The context tells you if it's intensifying an adjective (totally) or describing the manner of a verb (outright/frankly).
Open your mouth slightly, keep your tongue flat, and let the air escape through both your nose and mouth. It's the same sound as in 'maman' or 'enfant.' Don't pronounce the 'n' or the 't' at the end; those letters are just there to signal the nasalization.
Yes, it is used in Quebec, though Quebec French has its own set of intensifiers like 'vraiment,' 'full,' or 'pas mal.' However, 'carrément' is perfectly understood and used in similar contexts as in France.
Originally yes, but today it is almost exclusively used figuratively. If you want to say something is shaped like a square, you would say 'en forme de carré' or use the adjective 'carré' (e.g., une boîte carrée).
In many languages, 'squareness' represents honesty, directness, and lack of deception (e.g., 'a square deal' in English). 'Carrément' literally means 'square-ly,' implying a direct and unambiguous approach.
Yes, it's a very common, emphatic way to say 'Definitely not!' or 'No way!' It's the equivalent of 'Hell no!' in some contexts, though slightly less vulgar.
The most common slang alternative is 'grave.' For example, 'C'est grave bien' instead of 'C'est carrément bien.' 'Grave' is very common among younger generations in France.
自我测试 200 个问题
Translate to French: 'It is totally impossible.'
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Translate to French: 'He outright refused to speak.'
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Translate to French: 'You are totally right!'
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Translate to French: 'I totally forgot my keys.'
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Translate to French: 'This is downright weird.'
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Translate to French: 'That is quite another story.'
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Translate to French: 'We are totally lost.'
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Translate to French: 'It's way too expensive.'
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Translate to French: 'He bluntly told me no.'
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Translate to French: 'That noise is totally creepy.'
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Write a sentence using 'carrément' to agree with a friend.
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Write a sentence about something you 'totally forgot'.
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Write a sentence using 'carrément' with an adjective of your choice.
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Translate: 'It's an outright insult to our intelligence.'
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Translate: 'He completely changed his mind.'
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Translate: 'It's totally crazy!'
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Write a sentence using 'carrément' in the passé composé.
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Translate: 'He is outright border-line absurd.'
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Translate: 'The project was outright scuttled.'
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Translate: 'It is a total denial of justice.'
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Say 'Carrément !' with enthusiasm.
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Say 'It is totally great' in French.
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Say 'I totally forgot' in French.
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Say 'He outright refused' in French.
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Say 'It's way too expensive' in French.
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Say 'Definitely not!' in French using 'carrément'.
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Say 'That's exactly it' in French.
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Say 'You are totally right' in French.
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Say 'This is totally weird' in French.
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Say 'We are totally lost' in French.
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Say 'He is totally crazy' in French.
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Say 'It's a total joke' in French.
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Say 'She bluntly said no' in French.
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Say 'I'm totally stunned' in French.
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Say 'It's downright unfair' in French.
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Say 'He outright lied' in French.
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Say 'That's a different story altogether' in French.
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Say 'I totally zapped it (forgot)' in French.
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Say 'It's totally ouf (crazy)' in French.
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Say 'He is totally off-base' in French.
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Listen to the phrase: 'C'est carrément impossible.' What is being said?
Listen to the phrase: 'J'ai carrément oublié.' What happened?
Listen to the phrase: 'Il a carrément refusé.' What did he do?
Listen to the phrase: 'Carrément pas !' What is the meaning?
Listen to the phrase: 'Tu as carrément raison.' Does the speaker agree?
Listen to the phrase: 'C'est carrément bizarre.' How is the situation described?
Listen to the phrase: 'Il a carrément menti.' What did he do?
Listen to the phrase: 'C'est carrément trop.' Is it enough?
Listen to the phrase: 'On est carrément perdus.' What is their status?
Listen to the phrase: 'C'est carrément génial !' What is the emotion?
Listen to the phrase: 'Elle a carrément démissionné.' What did she do?
Listen to the phrase: 'C'est carrément une blague.' Is it serious?
Listen to the phrase: 'Il est carrément fou.' What is the description?
Listen to the phrase: 'C'est carrément ça !' What is the meaning?
Listen to the phrase: 'Il a carrément zappé.' What did he do?
/ 200 correct
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Summary
The word 'carrément' is the ultimate 'no-nonsense' adverb in French. Use it to show you are 100% certain or to describe an action that was done without any hesitation. For example: 'Il a carrément refusé' (He outright refused).
- Carrément is a versatile French adverb meaning 'totally,' 'outright,' or 'frankly,' derived from the word for 'square.'
- In casual speech, it is a very common intensifier used to mean 'completely' (e.g., carrément génial).
- It can be used as a standalone exclamation to express strong agreement, similar to 'Totally!' in English.
- Grammatically, it usually follows the verb or precedes the adjective it modifies, adding a sense of bluntness or certainty.
Use it as an exclamation
Next time someone asks you a question you strongly agree with, don't just say 'Oui.' Say 'Carrément !' It will immediately make you sound more like a native speaker and show your enthusiasm.
Placement with verbs
Remember that in the past tense (passé composé), 'carrément' goes in the middle: 'J'ai carrément oublié.' Placing it at the end sounds awkward and less natural.
Intensity level
Think of 'carrément' as a 9/10 on the intensity scale. Use it when you really mean it. If you use it for everything, you won't have any words left for when something is truly extreme!
Pair it with 'trop'
You can use 'carrément trop' to say something is 'way too much.' It's a very common double-intensifier in spoken French (e.g., 'C'est carrément trop cher').
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