What does c'est in French mean?

What is the meaning of the word c'est in French? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use c'est in French.

The word c'est in French means it is, this is, that is, Whoever shouts the loudest wins., It makes no sense!, I can hardly believe it! I can scarcely believe it!, hardly, barely, take it or leave it, Under whose name? Under which name?, what's it about?, Whose is it?, Whose turn is it?, it's your turn, it's your call, can't make head or tail of it, that's how it is, that's just how it is, That is how, is a bit hasty, is a bit premature, then, and then, it's/that's beyond me, It's as simple as that!, it's all very well, it's all well and good, it's all very well doing , it's all very well to do, Serves you right!, It serves you right!, serves him right, it serves him right, serve damned right!, that's all well and good but ..., that's all very well but ..., Great timing!, Just my luck!, That's just my luck!, Just my luck!, As it's you!, it's really true, it's a good sign, that's a good sign, six of one and half a dozen of the other, it's the lap of luxury!, this is the lap of luxury!, Yeah, right! Yeah, sure!, that's right, That's what I heard., We'll see about that!, That's it, Yeah, right, Sure; Yeah, sure, that's how it is, consider it done, it's up to you, it's/that's a foregone conclusion, It's ready!, It's stuffed!, That's stuffed!, It's like taking candy from a baby, that's the way it goes, that's just how it is, that's just the way things are, It's in the bag, Got it, It's in the can, it's in the bag!, it's when you fall on hard times that you find out who your friends are, Experience always wins the day, that's something I can do, It is fair game, That is fair game, It runs in the family!, it's daylight robbery, it's ancient history, it's pure madness, it's sheer madness, it's utter madness, it's nonsense, it's garbage, it's a breeze, small beer, that's cheating, everyone knows it, everybody knows it, it's settled, that's settled, that's something, that's a start, that's not bad, that's not bad going, that's something, that's a good start, it's hard to put a price on it, that is to say, Which goes to show, Which just goes to show, this just shows, this just goes to show, this just goes to prove, it's a bargain, it's a done deal, that's nice, that's great, it's a piece of cake, that's a piece of cake, Good job, good work, good job, This is double Dutch., It's all show!, It's all for show!, it's solid, it's sturdy, It's all show!, What a waste!, Nicely done! Beautifully handled!, It's unreal, thanks for that, That's heavy duty! That's hardcore!, It's awesome, same difference, it's the same difference, It's all in the past, that's a load of crap, Well, that's nice!, This is hard work!, it's all done, be smooth, be silky smooth, be velvety smooth, it's just hot air, That's daylight robbery!, it is hard to swallow, that is hard to swallow. To learn more, please see the details below.

Listen to pronunciation

Meaning of the word c'est

it is, this is, that is

locution verbale (cela est)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
C'est une phrase d'exemple.
This is an example sentence.

Whoever shouts the loudest wins.

(situation où tous parlent en même temps)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

It makes no sense!

(situation incompréhensible)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

I can hardly believe it! I can scarcely believe it!

(C'est insensé !) (amazement)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Cet apnéiste vient de battre le record de profondeur, c'est à peine croyable !

hardly, barely

(c'est tout juste si)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Je ne comprends pas comment il peut dire cela, c'est à peine si nous nous sommes parlés.
I don't understand how he can say that; we hardly spoke to each other.

take it or leave it

(Ce n'est pas négociable)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
C'est à prendre ou à laisser, je ne marchanderai pas.

Under whose name? Under which name?

(familier (À quel nom est la réservation ?)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

what's it about?

(À propos de quoi est-ce ?)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Vous voulez me voir ? C'est à quel sujet ?

Whose is it?

(ça appartient à qui ?)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Oh, regardez, un ballon : c'est à qui ?

Whose turn is it?

(à qui le tour ?)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it's your turn

(c'est ton tour)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Nous t'attendons depuis trois minutes, choisis ta carte, c'est à toi de jouer.

it's your call

(familier (la balle est dans ton camp) (informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Nous ne pouvons pas décider pour toi, c'est à toi de jouer.

can't make head or tail of it

(situation incompréhensible)

that's how it is, that's just how it is

(on n'y peut rien)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Le prêt est refusé. C'est ainsi.
The loan has been turned down. That's just how it is.

That is how

locution conjonction (c'est comme ça que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

is a bit hasty, is a bit premature

(familier (c'est se précipiter)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Enterrer ce projet, c'est aller un peu vite en besogne, il est seulement reporté.

then, and then

locution conjonction (alors)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")

it's/that's beyond me

(c'est trop dur ou compliqué)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Continuer jusqu'au prochain lac ? Non, c'est au-dessus de mes forces.

It's as simple as that!

(il n'y a rien comprendre, c'est comme ça)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Arrête de te tracasser, c'est sa faute et c'est aussi simple que cela.

it's all very well, it's all well and good

(familier, ironique (marque une sorte de désaccord) (informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
C'est bien beau tous ces discours sur l'égalité, mais maintenant, il faut agir ! C'est bien beau, cette grève des cheminots, mais comment est-ce que je rentre chez moi maintenant ?

it's all very well doing , it's all very well to do

(familier, ironique (marque une sorte de désaccord) (informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
C'est bien beau de vouloir augmenter les prestations sociales, mais avec quel argent ça va être financé ?

Serves you right!, It serves you right!

interjection (enfantin (C'est mérité !)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
La maîtresse t'a puni ? C'est bien fait !

serves him right, it serves him right

(cela est mérité)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Paul s'est fait punir et sa sœur a pensé : « C'est bien fait pour lui ! Il n'avait qu'à pas me taper ! »

serve damned right!

interjection (familier (C'est bien fait pour lui !) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Aujourd'hui c'est Paul qui est rappelé à l'ordre par le chef, c'est bien fait pour sa gueule !

that's all well and good but ..., that's all very well but ...

(familier (certes, néanmoins)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Great timing!

(familier (Cela tombe mal.) (ironic)

Just my luck!, That's just my luck!

(ironique (je n'ai pas de chance)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

Just my luck!

(familier (je n'ai vraiment pas de chance)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

As it's you!

(expression de concession)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it's really true

(exactement, tout à fait) (colloquial)

it's a good sign, that's a good sign

(tout se présente bien)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Le soleil brille, le ciel est bleu, c'est bon signe pour une belle journée.

six of one and half a dozen of the other

(c'est la même chose) (colloquial)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it's the lap of luxury!, this is the lap of luxury!

(C'est luxueux !)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
Tout cet espace, ce luxe, c'est Byzance !

Yeah, right! Yeah, sure!

(ironique (je ne te crois pas) (ironic)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
Tu es venu et tu n'as vu personne ; c'est ça !
You came but you didn't see anyone? Yeah, right!

that's right

(c'est exact) (confirming)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
- Tu arriveras samedi, par le train de 15 h 08 ? - Oui, oui, c'est ça.
"You're arriving on Saturday on the 15:08 train?" "Yes, that's right."

That's what I heard.

(familier (c'est ce que dit la croyance populaire) (rumor)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

We'll see about that!

(Cela ne se passera pas comme cela)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

That's it

(oui, exactement)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
Oui, demain à trois heures devant la mairie, c'est cela.

Yeah, right

(familier (Cela ne se passera pas comme cela.) (ironic, informal)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
Que je dise oui à cette demande ? C'est cela oui !

Sure; Yeah, sure

(familier (Je n'y crois pas.) (ironic, informal)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
Julien serait rentré dans le rang ? C'est cela oui !

that's how it is

(on ne peut rien y faire)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
On ne peut pas changer cette clause, c'est comme ça. C'est dommage que Deborah ne puisse pas venir avec nous, mais c'est comme ça.

consider it done

(je le fais tout de suite)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Tu veux un gâteau au chocolat pour le goûter ? C'est comme si c'était fait !

it's up to you

(c'est à vous de choisir)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it's/that's a foregone conclusion

(la réponse est déjà connue)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Mon père ne me donnera pas l'autorisation de sortir, c'est couru d'avance.

It's ready!

(c'est prêt à être mangé)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

It's stuffed!, That's stuffed!

(familier, figuré (C'est fichu.) (informal, figurative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

It's like taking candy from a baby

(familier (c'est très facile)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

that's the way it goes, that's just how it is, that's just the way things are

(c'est normal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

It's in the bag

(familier (C'est réussi.) (colloquial)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Got it

(familier (La photo est prise.) (photography)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

It's in the can

(familier (Cinéma : la scène est bonne) (filmmaking, dated)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it's in the bag!

(familier (c'est réussi) (colloquial)

it's when you fall on hard times that you find out who your friends are

(les amis répondent quand il faut)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
L'épreuve est difficile mais Pierre sait que c'est dans le besoin que l'on reconnaît ses amis ; il sait qu'il aura de l'aide.

Experience always wins the day

(les vieilles méthodes sont mieux)

that's something I can do

(figuré (c'est dans mon domaine de compétences)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

It is fair game, That is fair game

(bonne riposte, repartie.)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

It runs in the family!

(Toute la famille fait comme cela.)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it's daylight robbery

(c'est du vol) (informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Non, mais tu as vu, des places à ce prix-là, c'est de l'arnaque.

it's ancient history

(c'est oublié, c'est passé) (figurative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Cette erreur de jeunesse, c'est de l'histoire ancienne !

it's pure madness, it's sheer madness, it's utter madness

(c'est insensé)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Partir en caravane jusqu'en Inde, c'est de la folie pure.

it's nonsense

(familier (C'est n'importe quoi !)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Cette histoire qu'il va tout laisser et partir en Afrique, c'est de la foutaise !

it's garbage

(familier (chose sans valeur) (US, figurative, pejorative, informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ce tournevis fabriqué en Chine, c'est de la gnognote.

it's a breeze

(familier (chose facile) (figurative, informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ce type de graphique, avec un tableur, c'est de la gnognote. Nous avons fait le plus dur, ce qui reste, c'est de la gnognotte.

small beer

(familier, vieilli (bagatelle, quantité négligeable)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

that's cheating

(c'est malhonnête)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

everyone knows it, everybody knows it

(c'est bien connu)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
C'est un homme qui boit trop, c'est de notoriété publique !

it's settled, that's settled

(la décision est prise)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Yves partira demain soir, c'est décidé.

that's something, that's a start

(c'est un début)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Le style du texte laisse à désirer mais il n'y a plus de fautes d'orthographe, c'est déjà ça !

that's not bad, that's not bad going

(familier (c'est un bon début)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
En une semaine, il a trouvé un travail et un logement, c'est déjà pas mal.

that's something, that's a good start

(familier (c'est un bon début)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Lise a obtenu son baccalauréat, c'est déjà quelque chose.

it's hard to put a price on it

(c'est dur à estimer)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Le mobilier ancien est très beau mais actuellement c'est difficilement chiffrable.

that is to say

locution adverbiale (Cela explique, cela démontre)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Which goes to show, Which just goes to show

interjection (soutenu (On peut en être sûr.)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

this just shows, this just goes to show, this just goes to prove

locution conjonction (cela prouve combien)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it's a bargain

(familier (ce n'est pas cher)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Regarde ce pull, 20 € seulement : c'est donné !

it's a done deal

(familier (c'est acquis d'avance)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
C'est donné, c'est donné, c'est toi qui le dis, nous allons voir !

that's nice, that's great

(ironique, familier (critique moqueuse) (ironic)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Faire encore pipi dans sa culotte à ton âge ? C'est du beau !

it's a piece of cake, that's a piece of cake

(familier (c'est sans souci) (figurative, informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Convaincre ma mère pour pouvoir sortir samedi, c'est du billard.

Good job

(familier (félicitations)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

good work, good job

(félicitations)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

This is double Dutch.

(figuré (c'est incompréhensible) (figurative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Je ne comprends rien, pour moi c'est du chinois.

It's all show!

(Que de sensiblerie !)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

It's all for show!

(péjoratif (C'est de la simulation !)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it's solid, it's sturdy

(familier (C'est bien solide.)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

It's all show!

(C'est juste un mensonge.) (colloquial)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

What a waste!

(péjoratif (C'est perdu inutilement)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Nicely done! Beautifully handled!

(souvent ironique (Bravo !)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

It's unreal

(c'est exceptionnel) (informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
xx

thanks for that

(ironique, familier (critique moqueuse) (ironic)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Tu as 2 heures de retard ! C'est du joli !

That's heavy duty! That's hardcore!

(familier (C'est un scoop ! C'est très inattendu !) (colloquial)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
- J'ai vu le directeur habillé en femme dans un bar ce week-end ! - Ouah, c'est du lourd !

It's awesome

(familier (C'est puissant !) (slang)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Le dernier clip de Rihanna, c'est du lourd !

same difference, it's the same difference

locution verbale (c'est la même chose) (informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Bonnet blanc et blanc bonnet, c'est du pareil au même !

It's all in the past

(L'histoire est réglée, n'en parlons plus)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

that's a load of crap

(familier (c'est juste un mensonge) (potentially offensive, slang)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Well, that's nice!

(familier, ironique (désapprobation) (ironic)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Tu as embrassé le copain de ta meilleure amie pendant qu'elle était en vacances : c'est du propre ! Comme ça, Julien, le proviseur t'a surpris en train de regarder dans les douches des filles : c'est du propre !

This is hard work!

(figuré, familier (C'est intense, intensif !)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it's all done

(familier, figuré (c'est comme si c'était réglé) (colloquial)

be smooth, be silky smooth, be velvety smooth

(figuré (c'est agréable, un plaisir)

Ce château-chalon 1989, c'est du velours !

it's just hot air

(paroles sans valeur)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Tous ces racontars, ne fais pas attention, c'est du vent.

That's daylight robbery!

(c'est beaucoup trop cher)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ce prix-là pour un kilo de carottes ? C'est du vol !

it is hard to swallow, that is hard to swallow

(figuré, familier (c'est difficile à admettre)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

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So now that you know more about the meaning of c'est in French, you can learn how to use them through selected examples and how to read them. And remember to learn the related words that we suggest. Our website is constantly updating with new words and new examples so you can look up the meanings of other words you don't know in French.

Do you know about French

French (le français) is a Romance language. Like Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, it comes from popular Latin, once used in the Roman Empire. A French-speaking person or country can be called a "Francophone". French is the official language in 29 countries. French is the fourth most spoken native language in the European Union. French ranks third in the EU, after English and German, and is the second most widely taught language after English. The majority of the world's French-speaking population lives in Africa, with about 141 million Africans from 34 countries and territories who can speak French as a first or second language. French is the second most widely spoken language in Canada, after English, and both are official languages at the federal level. It is the first language of 9.5 million people or 29% and the second language of 2.07 million people or 6% of the entire population of Canada. In contrast to other continents, French has no popularity in Asia. Currently, no country in Asia recognizes French as an official language.