What does fait in French mean?

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

The word fait in French means done, shapely, ripe, mature, fact, event, occurrence, caught, trapped, snared, what has done, fact, do, make, make, play, do, cover, turn into, do, work as, be, go, go, measure, cost, do, wear in, break in, do, look, be, have done, happen, be the done thing, make for yourself, make, have, have, be + [past participle], become, do, have, get, stretch, have done, get used to, go, be, make up, do, catch, have, have, make, do, do a, put on , put on, apart from the fact that has done , aside from the fact that has done, tackle a thorny issue, familiar with, by the way, incidentally, no sooner said than done, be a comedian, have been through the wars, have had its day, waste no time in doing, quickly do , soon do, confess to doing , confess to having done, admit that has done , confess that has done, admit does , admit that does, well done, well-done, well made, well-made, mature, well done, good-looking, serves you right!, it serves you right!, Serves you right!, It serves you right!, serves him right, it serves him right, serve damned right!, consider it done, Experience always wins the day, that's what it's meant for, that's what it's there for, it's/that's the final straw, it's been left half done, it's been left half finished, Exactly!, it clicked, it suddenly clicked, have been doing for + [duration], What a pain in the arse!, How long have you been ... ?, for months now, it's ages since, it's been ages since, it's ages, it's been ages, that is out of line, that does not look good, be like chalk and cheese, it does you good, that was just what was needed, I sure needed that, it's tempting, It sends shivers down your spine, that'll do, that'll do nicely, that was a long time ago, for a long time, it hurts, it/that makes a bad impression, that works for me, that suits me, it doesn't look good, it doesn't look great, be lacking ambition, be playing it safe, it is scary, it is frightening, it's scary, it's frightening, it's pathetic, it makes you feel good, that makes you feel good, [noun] makes you feel good, it makes you think, it's been so long, How long has it been?!, it's been ages since + [simple past or present perfect], that's a bit short notice, it's a bit short notice, it's been forever since + [simple past], it's forever since + [simple past], How long has it been?!, It's been ages since + [indicative], It's been an age since + [indicative], it's quite a hike, that does it for me, that's cool, awesome, cool, sweet, that makes me hopping mad, that warms my heart, that makes me feel sorry for him, that is a relief, that does me good, it does me good, it is hurting me, that is hurting me, it saddens me, it makes me think, that pleases me, that makes me happy, a fat lot of good that does me, No doubt about it, It's nothing., it doesn't bother me either way, I don't mind either way, It isn't done, it isn't the done thing, it's the done thing, it's only polite, That works, That does it, Don't hold back - say what you think!, It's not there just for ornament!, it does not look very professional, it is not very professional-looking, What does that make?, How much is that?, you've made your bed, now you must lie in it, the kind of ... they don't make anymore, How come?, How come...?, common-law husband, common-law wife, because of this, because of that, actually, effectively, because of , due to, leaving aside, sorry to have kept you waiting, say your piece, say your piece to, owing to, due to, as a result of. To learn more, please see the details below.

Listen to pronunciation

Meaning of the word fait

done

adjectif (accompli)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Rien n'est plus beau que le travail bien fait.
Nothing is more beautiful than a job well done.

shapely

adjectif (constitué)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
À son âge, c'est une femme bien faite.
For her age, she's a very shapely woman.

ripe, mature

adjectif (à point, mature)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Ce fromage n'est pas encore fait à cœur.
This cheese is not yet mature in the centre.

fact

nom masculin (acte)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Virginie ne nie pas le fait d'être venue hier.
Virginia doesn't deny the fact that she came yesterday.

event, occurrence

nom masculin (événement)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Les météorologues observent des faits curieux.
Meteorologists observe strange events.

caught, trapped, snared

adjectif (familier (pris au piège)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Et voilà ! Il est fait comme un rat.
There! He's trapped like a rat.

what has done

nom masculin (ce qui est fait, la réalité)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Il faut que tu te décides à lui dire son fait.
You're going to have to make your mind up to tell him what he's done.

fact

nom masculin (chose)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Les faits sont là, il faut les accepter.
The facts are there; you have to accept them.

do

verbe transitif (agir)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Qu'est-ce que tu fais ? Quand Pierre a pris sa retraite, il ne savait pas quoi faire toute la journée.
What are you doing? // When Peter retired, he didn't know what to do all day.

make

verbe transitif (fabriquer)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Avec des légumes, je fais un potage.
I'm making a soup with the vegetables.

make

verbe transitif (provoquer)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Le vent dans les feuilles fait du bruit. L'accident a fait 2 morts et 3 blessés.
The accident caused the deaths of two people and injuries to three others.

play

verbe transitif (pratiquer une activité) (sports: game, music: instrument)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Je fais toujours du tennis chez mes parents. Pendant mes vacances, je fais du piano et de l'escalade. Contrairement à mon fils, ma fille ne fait pas de guitare.
ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. I like to go hiking at the weekends.

do, cover

verbe transitif (parcourir)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Nous avons fait ces 200 km en 2 heures.
We did those 200 km in two hours.

turn into

verbe transitif (se transformer en [qch])

(phrasal verb, transitive, inseparable: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning, not divisible--for example,"go with" [=combine nicely]: "Those red shoes don't go with my dress." NOT [S]"Those red shoes don't go my dress with."[/S])
Ce fauteuil fait chaise longue.
This armchair turns into a chaise longue.

do

verbe transitif (suivre des études de [qch]) (informal)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Ma nièce a fait médecine.
My niece did medicine.

work as

verbe intransitif (travailler en tant que) (with job title)

Pendant les vacances, je faisais vendeur sur les marchés.
ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. She is an administrator, but she does telemarketing in the evenings to earn some extra money.

be

verbe transitif (adopter un comportement)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Ne fais pas le malin avec lui, il est plus rusé que toi !
Don't come the smart-arse with him; he's more wily than you!

go

verbe transitif (animal : produire un son) (informal)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
La vache fait « meuh » et le canard fait « coin coin ». Le chat, il fait « miaou » et le chien, il fait quoi ?
The cat says "miaow" and what does the dog say?

go

verbe transitif (familier (personne : dire) (informal: say)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Quand je lui ai fait une petite remarque sarcastique, il m'a fait « pff » et il est parti.
When I made a bit of a sarcastic comment, he went "pff" and left.

measure

verbe intransitif (mesurer)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Cette planche fait 2 mètres sur 5.
This piece of wood measures 2 m by 5 m.

cost

verbe intransitif (familier (avoir pour prix, coûter)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Cette robe fait 25 euros.
This dress costs twenty-five euros.

do

verbe transitif (vendre) (colloquial)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Allez, je vous fais ce lot de livres à 5 €.
I'll do you this set of books for €5.

wear in, break in

(habituer, adapter) (shoes, etc.)

(phrasal verb, transitive, separable: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning, divisible--for example, "call off" [=cancel], "call the game off," "call off the game.")
Il me faut toujours du temps pour faire une nouvelle paire de chaussures à mes pieds.

do

verbe intransitif (durer) (colloquial)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Cette paire de chaussures m'a fait 5 ans.
That pair of shoes has done me five years.

look

verbe intransitif (avoir l'air, paraître)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Habillée comme cela, Marie fait très jeune. // Mon collègue a quarante ans, mais il fait beaucoup moins.
Marie looks very young dressed like that. // My colleague is forty, but he looks much younger.

be

verbe impersonnel (météo : indique un état)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Il fait chaud aujourd'hui. Il est 6 h et il fait déjà 20° ! Il fait combien dans la chambre ?
It is hot today. It's 6 am and it's already 20 ˚C! What is the temperature in the bedroom?

have done

verbe transitif (avoir [qqn] faire [qch] pour soi)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
J'ai fait réparer ma voiture au garage à côté de chez moi. Non, nous n'achetons pas une maison ancienne, nous faisons construire.
No, we are not buying an old house; we are getting a new one built.

happen

verbe pronominal (être possible, avoir lieu)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Mon comité d'entreprise parle d'organiser un voyage en Espagne pour seulement 100 € par personne : ça serait super si ça se faisait.
My works council is talking about organising a trip to Spain for just 100 euros a head; it would be great if that happened.

be the done thing

verbe pronominal (être courant, admis)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Passer devant les autres dans une queue, ça ne se fait pas. Chez moi, ça se faisait de jeûner pour donner à manger aux enfants.
Jumping the queue isn't the done thing.

make for yourself

verbe pronominal (confectionner pour soi)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Cette couturière s'est fait une magnifique robe.
The seamstress made herself a magnificent dress.

make

verbe pronominal (gagner : de l'argent)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Je me suis fait 50 € en revendant mes vieux jeux vidéo. Ce grand patron se fait 1 million d'euros par an !
I've made 50 euros by selling on my old video games. The big boss makes one million euros a year!

have

verbe pronominal (un peu familier (accomplir, faire avec plaisir)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Ce matin, je me suis fait un petit jogging avant d'aller au travail. Hier soir, je me suis fait une petite soirée télé tranquille.
Last night, I had myself a quiet evening in front of the TV.

have

verbe pronominal (un peu familier (consommer)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
À la plage, je me suis fait une petite glace vanille-fraise délicieuse.
At the beach, I had a delicious strawberry vanilla ice cream.

be + [past participle]

verbe pronominal (être, sens passif)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Sur l'autoroute, je me suis fait doubler par une voiture qui devait rouler à 200 km/h. Ma sœur s'est fait piquer son sac en pleine rue.
On the motorway, I got overtaken by a car that must have been going 130 miles an hour. My sister got her bag stolen in the middle of the street.

become

verbe pronominal (devenir)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Mon cousin s'est fait moine.

do, have

verbe pronominal (familier (avoir une relation sexuelle avec [qqn]) (informal)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Crois-tu que Pierre s'est fait la nouvelle secrétaire ?
Do you think Peter has done the new secretary?

get

verbe pronominal (familier (frapper [qqn]) (informal)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
S'il continue comme ça, je crois que je vais me le faire !
If he carries on like that, I'm going to get him!

stretch

verbe pronominal (chaussures : s'adapter)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Mes chaussures me serrent un peu mais je suis sûre qu'elles vont se faire.
My shoes are a bit tight, but I'm sure they'll give.

have done

verbe pronominal (avoir [qqn] faire [qch] pour soi)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Je me suis fait couper les cheveux par ma petite-fille qui est en CAP Coiffure. Je me suis fait faire cette robe par un grand couturier.
I had this dress made by a top fashion designer.

get used to

(s'habituer à)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ça fait 10 ans que j'habite en Angleterre, mais je ne me fais toujours pas au climat. // J'ai du mal à me faire à l'idée que ma petite fille va avoir 20 ans.
I'm having trouble getting my head around the idea that my little girl is about to turn 20.

go

verbe intransitif (déféquer) (informal, defecate)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Le petit garçon a encore fait dans sa culotte.
The little boy has gone in his pants again.

be

verbe transitif (être à l'origine de)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Ce garçon fera ton bonheur.
That boy will do you well.

make up

verbe transitif (avoir pour résultat) (several things)

(phrasal verb, transitive, inseparable: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning, not divisible--for example,"go with" [=combine nicely]: "Those red shoes don't go with my dress." NOT [S]"Those red shoes don't go my dress with."[/S])
Toutes ces rues font le centre-ville. Trois et trois font six.
Three and three make six.

do

verbe transitif (rendre propre, nettoyer) (informal)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Ma grand-mère fait ses cuivres le samedi matin.
My grandmother does the brass every Saturday morning.

catch, have

verbe transitif (familier (subir une infection)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Mon fils fait une grippe par hiver.
My son has the flu once every winter.

have

verbe transitif indirect (avoir un symptôme) (ongoing)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Mes parents font tous deux de la tension. Je fais souvent de l'eczéma quand je suis stressée.
I often get eczema when I'm stressed.

make

locution verbale (transformer [qch] en [qch])

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Ils ont décidé de faire de ce repas une occasion de se réconcilier.
They decided to make this meal an opportunity to make up.

do

verbe transitif (imiter) (informal)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Vas-y, fais-moi Michael Jackson ! Jean Dujardin fait très bien le chameau.
Jean Dujardin is very good at imitating a camel.

do a

verbe transitif (faire comme le ferait [qqn] d'autre)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Arrête de faire du Degas et trouve ton propre style !

put on , put on

locution verbale (familier (agir comme)

(phrasal verb, transitive, separable: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning, divisible--for example, "call off" [=cancel], "call the game off," "call off the game.")
Arrête de faire ton petit malheureux pour que je te donne du gâteau.
Stop pretending to be sad so that I'll give you cake.

apart from the fact that has done , aside from the fact that has done

(excepté)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À part que ma machine à laver m'a lâché, tout va bien chez moi.

tackle a thorny issue

locution verbale (figuré (insister sur un point faible) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

familiar with

(au courant)

Alain n'est pas au fait de ce dossier, demande plutôt à Valérie.
Alan is not familiar with this case; ask Valerie instead.

by the way, incidentally

interjection (à propos)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
Qu'il fait beau ! C'est un temps idéal pour se baigner. Au fait, est-ce que tu vas à la piscine vendredi ?
What a nice day it is! Perfect weather to go for a swim. By the way, are you going swimming on Friday?

no sooner said than done

(fait immédiatement)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Aussitôt dit, aussitôt fait, il me signa le chèque.

be a comedian

locution verbale (familier, ironique (personne : ne pas être drôle) (ironic, informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Se moquer de mes oreilles décollées, hilarant ! Tu as fait l'école du rire, toi, non ?

have been through the wars

locution verbale (figuré, familier (objet : être en mauvais état) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Mais c'est quoi, ce canapé ? Il a fait la guerre ou quoi ?

have had its day

locution verbale (devoir être remplacé)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

waste no time in doing

locution verbale (ne pas mettre longtemps à faire)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Il eut tôt fait de faire sa valise pour partir en vacances.
He wasted no time in packing his suitcase to go on holiday.

quickly do , soon do

locution verbale (mettre peu de temps pour faire [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
La mairie aura eu vite fait de reloger les habitants victimes d'un incendie domestique.

confess to doing , confess to having done

verbe transitif indirect (reconnaître un acte répréhensible)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Le suspect a finalement avoué avoir volé les bijoux de la cantatrice.

admit that has done , confess that has done

locution verbale (reconnaître un acte répréhensible)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
L'homme a avoué que ses compères et lui avaient cambriolé la banque.

admit does , admit that does

locution verbale (admettre)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Le jeune homme dut finalement avouer qu'il ne savait pas du tout de quoi ses collègues parlaient.

well done, well-done, well made, well-made

locution adjectivale (bien exécuté)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Nous sommes contents de ce travail vraiment bien fait.
We are pleased with this really well-done work.

mature

locution adjectivale (fromage : à point) (cheese)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Certains aiment le camembert frais et d'autres l'aiment bien fait.
Some people like unripened camembert and others prefer it to be mature.

well done

interjection (tu mérites ta punition) (ironic)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
Tu t'es brûlé ? Bien fait ! Je t'avais dit de ne pas y toucher.
You burnt yourself? Well done! I told you not to touch that.

good-looking

locution adjectivale (beau)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
C'est un beau jeune homme, bien fait de sa personne.

serves you right!, it serves you right!

interjection (enfantin (Tu n'as que ce que tu mérites !)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
Pierre a trébuché en voulant se sauver après avoir tapé ses camarades. « Bien fait pour toi » lui ont-ils crié.

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 !

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 !

Experience always wins the day

(les vieilles méthodes sont mieux)

that's what it's meant for, that's what it's there for

(familier (C'est dédié à cela.)

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

it's/that's the final straw

(figuré (fait final qui déclenche une réaction)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Cet énième refus, c'est la goutte d'eau qui fait déborder le vase !

it's been left half done, it's been left half finished

(c'est trop bâclé)

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

Exactly!

(exactement !)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
- Ton train était en retard ? - C'est tout à fait ça !

it clicked, it suddenly clicked

(familier (j'ai enfin compris) (informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ma fille et mon gendre faisaient des allusions aux nouveau-nés et tout à coup, ça a fait tilt dans ma tête, ma fille était enceinte.

have been doing for + [duration]

(il y a)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ça fait trois ans que nous habitons dans cette maison. Ça fait une demi-heure que je t'attends : t'étais où ?
We have lived in this house for three years.

What a pain in the arse!

(vulgaire (C'est agaçant !) (UK, vulgar)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
Encore une interro surprise ! Ça fait chier !
Another surprise test! What a pain in the arse!

How long have you been ... ?

(interroge sur la durée)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ça fait combien de temps que tu étudies le mandarin ?
How long have you been studying Mandarin?

for months now

(cela fait bien longtemps)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Ça fait des mois que je n'ai pas vu ma sœur.
It's been months since I saw my sister.

it's ages since, it's been ages since

locution conjonction (familier (ce fait déjà un long moment que) (informal)

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

it's ages, it's been ages

(familier (cela fait longtemps) (informal)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

that is out of line

(ce n'est pas acceptable) (figurative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Arriver avec 30 minutes de retard, ça fait désordre.

that does not look good

(ça détonne)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Une cravate verte avec une chemise fuchsia, ça fait désordre.

be like chalk and cheese

(ne pas avoir d'atome crochu avec [qch]) (informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Les maths et moi, ça fait deux !
Maths and me don't see eye to eye.

it does you good

(expression de contentement)

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

that was just what was needed, I sure needed that

(familier (manger : expression de contentement) (colloquial)

it's tempting

(c'est tentant)

It sends shivers down your spine

(expression d'angoisse, de peur)

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

that'll do, that'll do nicely

(rare, familier (Cela fait le compte.) (informal)

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

that was a long time ago

(indication d'un événement lointain)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Quelle belle photo ! Ça fait longtemps...
What a nice photo! That was a long time ago...

for a long time

locution conjonction (il y a longtemps que + [indicatif])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ça fait longtemps que nous venons dans ce camping. Ça fait longtemps qu'on n'est pas allés à la mer.
It's been a long time since we went to the seaside.

it hurts

(c'est douloureux)

it/that makes a bad impression

(ça donne mauvaise impression)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Les cheveux longs, la casquette, les chaussures de sport et la cigarette, tout ça fait mauvais genre.

that works for me, that suits me

(cela me convient)

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

it doesn't look good, it doesn't look great

(c'est contraire aux convenances)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Un ministre avec un polo : ça (ne) fait pas très sérieux !

be lacking ambition

(familier, figuré (cela manque d'ambition)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ne viser que les quarts de finale, ça fait petit bras.

be playing it safe

(familier, figuré (cela manque de courage)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
S'abstenir à ce sujet, ça fait petit bras.

it is scary, it is frightening

(c'est terrifiant)

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

it's scary, it's frightening

(c'est inquiétant)

it's pathetic

(péjoratif (c'est minable)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Il ne sait même pas combien de pattes a une poule : ça fait pitié !

it makes you feel good, that makes you feel good, [noun] makes you feel good

(c'est agréable)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ce soleil, ça fait plaisir.
It's nice to have some sun.

it makes you think

(cela force à penser) (colloquial)

it's been so long

(il y a bien longtemps) (colloquial)

How long has it been?!

(familier, figuré (Cela fait bien longtemps.)

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

it's been ages since + [simple past or present perfect]

locution conjonction (cela fait longtemps que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ça fait un bail qu'on ne s'est vus ! Qu'est-ce que tu deviens ?
It's been ages since we saw each other! What have you been up to?

that's a bit short notice, it's a bit short notice

(familier (ça manque de préparation)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Le prévenir seulement la veille, ça fait un peu court !

it's been forever since + [simple past], it's forever since + [simple past]

(figuré (il y a longtemps que) (figurative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Nous sommes ravis de vous revoir, ça fait une éternité que vous n'êtes pas revenus dans la région.
We're glad to see you again; it's been forever since you last came back to the region.

How long has it been?!

(familier, figuré (Cela fait bien longtemps.)

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

It's been ages since + [indicative], It's been an age since + [indicative]

(familier, figuré (Il y a bien longtemps que)

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

it's quite a hike

(familier, figuré (c'est assez loin) (figurative, informal)

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

that does it for me, that's cool

(familier (ça convient, cela produit un bel effet) (colloquial)

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

awesome, cool, sweet

(familier (c'est super) (colloquial)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

that makes me hopping mad

(ça me choque) (colloquial)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Quand je vois des enfants obligés de mendier, ça me fait bondir.

that warms my heart

(figuré (j'en suis très content) (colloquial)

that makes me feel sorry for him

(j'en suis attristé)

that is a relief

(cela me soulage)

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

that does me good, it does me good

(cela me fait plaisir)

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

it is hurting me, that is hurting me

(cela m'est douloureux)

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

it saddens me

(figuré (cela m'attriste)

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

it makes me think

(je pense aussi à)

that pleases me, that makes me happy

(je suis content de cela)

a fat lot of good that does me

(familier (je m'en fiche) (colloquial)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
La coiffeuse vient de se marier : ça me fait une belle jambe.

No doubt about it

(c'est certain)

It's nothing.

(ce n'est pas grave)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
- Je suis désolé, je ne pourrai pas t'amener demain. - Ça ne fait rien !

it doesn't bother me either way, I don't mind either way

(cela m'indiffère)

It isn't done, it isn't the done thing

(ce n'est pas séant)

it's the done thing, it's only polite

(ça fait partie des usages)

That works, That does it

(familier (cela convient)

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

Don't hold back - say what you think!

(familier, ironique (Merci, c'est sympa !) (ironic)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Julie : Bon, on va devoir monter les meubles sans Simon parce que bon, il va avoir du mal avec ses deux mains gauches. - Vincent ou Simon lui-même : Bon, ça, c'est fait !

It's not there just for ornament!

(familier (reproche : Il faut s'en servir !)

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

it does not look very professional, it is not very professional-looking

(ça tient de l'amateurisme)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Utiliser des bouchons à vis, ça ne fait pas très sérieux pour une bouteille de vin. Aller à un entretien d'embauche en baskets, ça ne fait pas très sérieux.

What does that make?

(Quel est le résultat ?)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
2 puissance 16 divisé par 128, combien ça fait ?

How much is that?

(Quel est le prix ?)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Pour trois bananes, 12 oranges et 6 pommes, combien ça fait ?

you've made your bed, now you must lie in it

(on a que ce qu'on mérite)

the kind of ... they don't make anymore

locution adjectivale (un peu familier (exceptionnel)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Le Dr. Martin est un médecin comme on n'en fait plus !

How come?

(Que s'est-il passé ?) (informal)

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

How come...?

(comment expliquer que ?) (informal)

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

common-law husband, common-law wife

(Can (concubin, concubine)

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

because of this, because of that

locution adverbiale (par conséquent, pour cette raison)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Vous avez manqué un cours, de ce fait vous rattraperez samedi.
You missed a lesson; because of that, you will make up for it on Saturday.

actually

locution adverbiale (véritablement)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Ce hangar est de fait très mal aéré.
This hangar is actually really badly ventilated.

effectively

locution adverbiale (effectivement)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Une grosse cylindrée assure de fait une meilleure reprise.
A large engine effectively ensures better performance.

because of , due to

locution adjectivale (imputable à lui)

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

leaving aside

nom féminin (abstraction faite de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Décompte fait de ces petites imprécisions, c'est un bon rapport.

sorry to have kept you waiting

(excuse polie)

say your piece, say your piece to

locution verbale (parler franchement à [qqn])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Elle lui a dit son fait afin qu'il ne se fasse pas d'illusion.

owing to, due to

locution adverbiale (en raison de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Du fait d'une visite officielle, tout le quartier est bouclé.
Owing to the official visit, the whole area was cordoned off.

as a result of

locution conjonction (parce que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Du fait qu'il était en retard, il a manqué son train.
As a result of being late, he missed his train.

Let's learn French

So now that you know more about the meaning of fait 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.