What does même in French mean?

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

The word même in French means same, the same one, even, very, itself, itself, personified, exact, granny, gran, grandma, old girl, this very minute, at the very moment, at the very same moment, as soon as, directly + [preposition], on the floor, self-assembly, do-it-yourself, just as, at that moment, at that very moment, in the same way as, just like, be lacking in get up and go, same difference, it's the same difference, it's obvious, that's obvious, It's always the same old refrain!, It's always the same! It's always the same thing!, It's always the same old thing!, it's always the same old story, it's always the same old tune, it's always the same old story, it's always the same old tune, it's always the same old tune, It amounts to the same thing, that very one, charity begins at home, self-awareness, in the same vein, similarly, along the same lines, along the same lines, in the same direction, at the same time, in the same way, in the same way as, in the same way, in the same manner, on his own initiative, likewise, too, of the same nature, of the same kind, just as, as well as, same-sex, by myself, on my own, alone, be free, make your own decisions, make your own choices, give your best, give of your best, come to the same conclusion, arrive at the same conclusion, like that, on the same side, at the same time, of the same size, of the same girth, of the same name, of the same kind, true to form, typically, herself, herself, herself, she ... herself, this is she, be the same, be the same for, it is the same for, at the same time, at the same time as, mind you, chime with each other, and even more, be quite capable of doing, be in the same boat, be cast in the same mould, live in the same world, be of the same ilk, be true to yourself, be true to form, remain true to form, be at peace with yourself, ask a lot of yourself, be the most likely to, be left to your own devices, be in the same boat, be your own master, have self-control, be yourself, be yourself, be on the same wavelength, do the same, take the law into your own hands, work on yourself, right here, the same applies to, this also applies to, this also holds true for, full of yourself, the same thing, The same for me!, And the same for me!, the same as, the very day, on the very day, the very evening, even if, himself, himself, himself, he himself, speaking, We're on the same side!, We're fighting the same battle!, We want the same thing!, not even, Dare you!, Not a chance! No way!. To learn more, please see the details below.

Listen to pronunciation

Meaning of the word même

same

adjectif (identique)

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

Les deux collègues portaient le même chapeau.

The two colleagues were wearing identical hats.

the same one

pronom (chose identique)

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

Ce vin était bon, rachète le même. Il est beau, ton chapeau ! Je pense que je vais m'acheter le même.

That wine was good; buy the same one again. I like your hat! I think I'll buy myself the same one.

even

adverbe (y compris)

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

C'est difficile à croire, même pour moi. Le mentaliste a même réussi à deviner ma date de naissance !

It's difficult to believe, even for me. // The mentalist even managed to guess my date of birth.

very

adverbe (pour renforcer)

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

Nous lui en parlerons aujourd'hui même. Nous nous sommes rencontrés ici même.

We'll speak to him about it this very day. We met at this very place.

itself

adverbe (lieu : exactement)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")

Tu habites à Bordeaux même ou en proche banlieue ?

Do you live in Bordeaux proper or in the inner suburbs?

itself, personified

adjectif (personnifié)

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

Cette femme est la gentillesse même.

That woman is kindness itself.

exact

adjectif (précis, exact)

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

C'est la vérité même. C'est cela même

That's it exactly.

granny, gran, grandma

nom féminin (vieilli, familier (grand-mère) (informal)

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

Les enfants passent les vacances chez mémé et pépé.

The children spend their holidays with granny and and grandpa.

old girl

nom féminin (péjoratif (femme d'un certain âge) (informal)

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

Au supermarché, une mémé a bloqué tout le monde en essayant de payer par chèque.

An old biddy held everyone up at the supermarket, as she wanted to pay by cheque.

this very minute

locution adverbiale (juste maintenant)

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

J'ai répondu à ce courriel à l'instant même.

at the very moment, at the very same moment

locution conjonction (exactement au même moment)

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

À l'instant même où je vous parle, des négociations sont en cours.

as soon as

locution conjonction (aussitôt que)

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

À la minute même où les champions ont fait leur apparition, la foule les a acclamés.

directly + [preposition]

locution adverbiale (directement en contact avec [qch])

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

Il portait une veste à même la peau. Elle but la bière à même la bouteille.

He was wearing a jacket directly against his skin. She drank the beer directly from the bottle.

on the floor

locution adverbiale (par terre) (inside)

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

Dans la petite chambre se trouvait seulement un matelas à même le sol.

self-assembly, do-it-yourself

locution adjectivale (en kit)

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

IKEA provides a variety of self-assembly furniture.

just as

locution conjonction (tandis que, pendant que) (precise moment)

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

Mes invités sont arrivés alors même que je sortais de la douche. La cliente se désista alors même que je préparais le contrat.

The client pulled out while I was drawing up the contract.

at that moment, at that very moment

locution adverbiale (pendant ce temps-là)

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

Les projecteurs se sont dirigés vers la scène ; au même moment le chanteur a fait son entrée.

in the same way as, just like

(comme)

Les ciseaux à ongles sont interdits en cabine, au même titre que les couteaux et les produits explosifs.

be lacking in get up and go

locution verbale (familier, figuré (être empêtré)

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

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 obvious, that's obvious

(c'est incontestable)

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

Qu'ils soient amoureux fous l'un de l'autre, c'est l'évidence même.

It's always the same old refrain!

interjection (c'est toujours pareil)

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

It's always the same! It's always the same thing!

interjection (c'est toujours pareil)

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

It's always the same old thing!

(c'est toujours pareil) (colloquial)

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

it's always the same old story, it's always the same old tune

(familier (c'est toujours pareil)

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

Trouve autre chose pour critiquer ta sœur, c'est toujours la même ritournelle !

it's always the same old story, it's always the same old tune

(c'est toujours pareil)

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

Arrêter de vous chamailler pour des bêtises, c'est toujours la même sérénade.

it's always the same old tune

(c'est toujours les mêmes arguments)

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

Arrête de te plaindre, j'en ai assez, c'est toujours le même refrain.

Change the record, can't you? I've had enough of your moaning!

It amounts to the same thing

(c'est pareil)

that very one

(emphase pour celui-là)

charity begins at home

(voyons d'abord nos propres intérêts)

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

self-awareness

nom féminin (savoir acquis sur sa personne)

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

Les épreuves permettent de développer la connaissance de soi-même.

in the same vein, similarly, along the same lines

locution adverbiale (de façon identique)

along the same lines

locution adverbiale (dans le même genre)

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

in the same direction

locution adverbiale (dans la même direction)

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

at the same time

locution adverbiale (au même moment)

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

in the same way

locution adverbiale (pareillement)

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

in the same way as

locution conjonction (comme)

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

Il faut traiter ce cas de la même façon que les autres.

This case must be dealt with in the same way as the others.

in the same way, in the same manner

locution adverbiale (pareillement)

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

Tu répareras cette machine de la même manière.

You will repair this machine in the same way.

on his own initiative

locution adjectivale (sans avoir été sollicité)

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

Mon fils ne ferait jamais la vaisselle de lui-même, il faut toujours que je le lui demande.

likewise

locution adverbiale (de la même façon)

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

Tu vas te coucher ? Je crois que je vais faire de même.

Are you going to bed? I think I will do likewise.

too

locution adverbiale (pareillement)

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

- Bonne soirée ! - De même !

of the same nature, of the same kind

locution adjectivale (semblable)

just as, as well as

locution conjonction (de la même façon que)

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

Il faut te conduire avec les autres de même que tu voudrais qu'ils se conduisent avec toi.

You must behave towards others as well as you would like them to behave towards you.

same-sex

locution adjectivale (dont le genre est le même)

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

by myself, on my own

locution adverbiale (sans qu'on me le demande)

alone

locution adverbiale (de sa propre initiative)

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

De lui-même, mon fils n'aurait jamais eu l'idée de dégivrer le congélateur alors qu'il était rempli de glace : c'est moi qui ai dû lui dire de le faire.

be free

locution verbale (avoir un temps libre)

make your own decisions, make your own choices

locution verbale (avoir libre choix de détermination)

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

give your best, give of your best

locution verbale (s'investir passionnément)

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

come to the same conclusion, arrive at the same conclusion

locution verbale (faire les mêmes observations)

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

Les deux auditeurs ont dressé le même constat.

like that

locution adverbiale (familier (du même genre)

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

Si tu as d'autres plaisanteries du même acabit, tu peux te les garder !

on the same side

locution adverbiale (du même parti)

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

Ces deux hommes politiques ne sont pas du même bord.

at the same time

locution adverbiale (par la même occasion)

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

of the same size, of the same girth

locution adverbiale (de la même corpulence)

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

Ces deux lutteurs se valent, ils sont du même gabarit.

of the same name

locution adjectivale (qui porte le même nom)

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

of the same kind

locution adjectivale (familier (semblable, du même acabit)

true to form, typically

locution adjectivale (qui agit comme à son habitude)

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

herself

pronom (pronom emphatique personnel)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")

J'ai l'impression que Pauline ne se connaît pas elle-même.

herself

pronom (toute seule)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")

Elle a tricoté son pull elle-même.

She knitted her jumper herself.

herself

pronom (elle en personne) (in person)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")

Elle est venue elle-même livrer la pièce montée.

She came to deliver the wedding cake herself.

she ... herself

pronom (forme emphatique, en sujet)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")

Elle-même ne savait pas ce qu'elle allait faire.

She didn't know herself what she was going to do.

this is she

pronom (au téléphone) (dated, formal)

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

- Mme Martin ? - Elle-même.

'Mrs Martin?' 'This is she.'

be the same

locution verbale (être la même chose)

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

Tu as été invité à la cérémonie de vœux, il en va de même pour chaque employé.

be the same for

([qch] est la même chose)

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

Les maris doivent respect, fidélité, secours et assistance ; il en va de même des épouses.

it is the same for

(pareillement pour)

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

Vous trouvez que la vie est chère, il en est de même pour moi.

at the same time

locution adverbiale (au même moment)

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

Mathieu, tu ne peux pas étudier et regarder la télévision en même temps !

Matthew, you cannot study and watch the television at the same time!

at the same time as

(au même moment)

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

Laure est arrivée en même temps que Laurence.

Laura arrived at the same time as Lauren.

mind you

locution adverbiale (introduit une concession) (informal)

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

Ces chaussures ne m'ont pas duré longtemps. En même temps, je les avais achetées 1€ dans un bazar, alors, c'est normal.

These shoes haven't lasted me long. Mind you, I bought them in a street market for one euro, so it's hardly surprising.

chime with each other

locution verbale (entendre la même version de [qch]) (story, account)

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

Quels que soient les témoignages, le commissaire entend toujours le même son de cloche. L'inspecteur n'entend pas le même son de cloche en fonction des témoins.

It seemed to the inspector that the witnesses weren't singing from the same hymn sheet.

and even more

locution adverbiale (et plus encore)

be quite capable of doing

locution adverbiale (être capable de)

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

Je suis à même de remplacer ce robinet tout seul !

be in the same boat

locution verbale (partager les mêmes conséquences) (figurative)

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

be cast in the same mould

locution verbale (familier (être du même genre) (figurative, UK)

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

live in the same world

locution verbale (appartenir à la même classe sociale)

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

Les patrons et les ouvriers ne sont pas du même monde.

be of the same ilk

locution verbale (familier (être du même type)

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

be true to yourself

locution verbale (respecter ses convictions)

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

Ce député a toujours été égal à lui-même.

be true to form, remain true to form

locution verbale (agir tel qu'on l'attend)

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

Philippe sera égal à lui-même il refusera.

be at peace with yourself

locution verbale (être en accord avec soi-même)

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

Il est difficile à vivre quand il n'est pas en paix avec lui-même.

ask a lot of yourself

locution verbale (en attendre beaucoup de soi)

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

be the most likely to

locution adverbiale (être celui le plus capable de)

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

Elle est la plus à même de régler ce problème.

She is the most likely to solve this problem.

be left to your own devices

locution verbale (être laissé en liberté, tout seul)

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

On ne peut pas laisser un enfant de moins de 10 ans être livré à lui-même.

be in the same boat

locution verbale (être considéré de la même façon) (figurative)

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

Tous les étudiants de ce professeur sont logés à la même enseigne.

be your own master

locution verbale (être indépendant)

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

have self-control

locution verbale (contrôler ses émotions)

be yourself

locution verbale (ne pas jouer un rôle)

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

be yourself

locution verbale (se comporter comme d'habitude)

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

be on the same wavelength

locution verbale (penser de la même façon) (figurative)

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

On se comprend mieux lorsque l'on est sur la même longueur d'onde.

do the same

locution verbale (faire pareil, à l'identique)

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

Dis-moi ce que tu décideras et je ferai de même.

take the law into your own hands

locution verbale (choisir soi-même les sanctions)

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

work on yourself

locution verbale (changer une de ses habitudes)

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

right here

locution adverbiale (en ce lieu)

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

L'homme a été tué ici même.

the same applies to

(c'est pareil pour)

this also applies to, this also holds true for

(c'est la même chose pour)

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

full of yourself

locution adjectivale (se pensant supérieur aux autres) (figurative)

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

the same thing

nom féminin ([qch] d'identique)

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

Pourquoi tu es jaloux du cadeau de ta sœur ; vous avez tous les deux eu la même chose !

The same for me!, And the same for me!

(resservez la même chose) (ordering the same as [sb] else)

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

- Un verre de blanc sec, s'il vous plaît. - La même chose, merci.

the same as

(équivalence à)

Ce revêtement est la même chose que celui-là.

the very day, on the very day

locution adverbiale (sans attendre le lendemain)

Le client réalisa le paiement le jour même.

the very evening

locution adverbiale (sans attendre le lendemain matin)

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

even if

locution adverbiale (même si)

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

Pierre viendra vous voir cette fin de semaine lors même que vous ne le souhaiteriez pas.

himself

pronom (pronom emphatique personnel)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")

J'ai l'impression que Paul ne se connaît pas lui-même.

I get the impression Paul doesn't know himself at all.

himself

pronom (tout seul)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")

Il a tricoté son pull lui-même.

He knitted his jumper himself.

himself

pronom (lui en personne)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")

Il est venu lui-même livrer la pièce montée.

He came to deliver the wedding cake himself.

he himself

pronom (forme emphatique, en sujet)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")

Lui-même ne savait pas ce qu'il allait faire.

He himself did not know what he was going to do.

speaking

pronom (au téléphone)

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

- M. Martin ? - Lui-même.

Mr Martin? Speaking.

We're on the same side!, We're fighting the same battle!, We want the same thing!

interjection (expression de solidarité)

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

not even

locution adverbiale (emphase pour pas)

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

Mon frère ne connaît même pas ma date d'anniversaire !

Dare you!

interjection (interjection de défi) (informal)

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

Not a chance! No way!

interjection (Sûrement pas !)

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

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

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