What does où in French mean?

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

The word in French means where, where, where, when, in, wherever, or, or, or, or, or, or, at the time that, at the very moment, at the very same moment, as soon as, from the moment you, the moment you, before long, before too long, sooner or later, rightly or wrongly, at some point or another, truth or dare, or, or else, make your contribution to, tackle a thorny issue, just in case, in case does, as, when, in that, insofar as, inasmuch as, at the time when, in the days when, the way things are going, take it or leave it, it's one or the other, It's now or never, it's now or never, What are you waiting for? Christmas?, double or quits, it's double or quits, It's a matter of life or death, that was just what was needed, I sure needed that, It's make or break, Are you up for it or not? Are you game or not?, hence, where ... from, ... from, that ... from, where ... from, somehow, somehow, in the event that, assuming that, supposing that, to the extent that, insofar as, as long as, in that, in a not too distant future, willingly or not, directly or indirectly, from the moment, from the moment that, a couple, strike, hit, when, immediately or in instalments, to be or not to be, be made for, mind where you put your feet, be careful where you put your feet, watch your step, militate against, graffiti, somewhere, somewhere or other, there are times when, there are moments when, the same size or smaller, of [number] or less, of [number] or under, fact or fiction, play heads or tails, flip a coin for , toss a coin for, how far, one or the other, Your money or your life!, there's no need to stand on ceremony, Please, don't mind me!, the day that, on the day that, the majority of, do or die, dead or alive, anywhere, not know which way to turn, not know where to start, not know where to start, not know what to do with yourself, Are you out of your mind?, not know where you are with, either ... or, What was I thinking?, or, or else, or what?, Where was I?, or else, everywhere, wherever, hardly anyone, more or less, Heads or tails?, more or less, rather, grab, grasp, catch, skirt hanger, harm, in case does, for no good reason, for any reason, for whatever reason, for some reason, power over life and death, override, supplant, whether he likes it or not, whatever the weather, rain or shine, come rain or shine, whether you like it or not. To learn more, please see the details below.

Listen to pronunciation

Meaning of the word où

where

adverbe (interroge sur le lieu)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Où habites-tu ?
Where do you live?

where

adverbe (interroge sur la direction)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Où vas-tu ?
Where are you going?

where

adverbe (marque le lieu)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")
Le village où j'habite est au centre de la France
The village I live in is in the centre of France.

when

adverbe (marque le temps, quand)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")
Le mois où il a neigé, je n'étais pas là.
The month that it snowed, I wasn't here.

in

pronom (marque la situation)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
Dans la situation où vous êtes, appelez votre fils.
In the situation you are in, call your son.

wherever

pronom (en quelque lieu que)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Où que vous partiez, dites-le-moi.
Wherever you go, let me know.

or

conjonction (indique le choix alternatif)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")
Tu viendras en juin ou en juillet.
You will come in June or in July.

or

conjonction (indique l'alternative : soit)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")
Il viendra en voiture ou par le train.
He will come by car or by train.

or

conjonction (indique l'équivalence)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")
La nature ou la campagne, c'est la même chose.
Nature or the country refers to the same thing.

or

conjonction (indique une approximation)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")
Achète deux ou trois kilos de fruits.
Buy two or three kilos of fruit.

or

conjonction (marque le renforcement)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")
Dépêche-toi ou (bien) nous manquerons le train.
Hurry up or we're (surely) going to miss the train.

or

conjonction (introduit une menace)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")
Mange ta soupe ou je vais me fâcher.
Eat your soup or I'll get angry.

at the time that

(du temps où)

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

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.

from the moment you, the moment you

locution conjonction (dès que, si)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À partir du moment où l'on s'engage, il faut aller jusqu'au bout.

before long, before too long, sooner or later

locution adverbiale (assez rapidement)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Cette loi sera votée à plus ou moins brève échéance.

rightly or wrongly

locution adverbiale (de toute façon)

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

at some point or another

(d'ici quelque temps)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À un moment ou à un autre, tu devras choisir.

truth or dare

(jeu) (game)

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

or, or else

locution conjonction (autrement, si ce n'est pas le cas)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Il est en retard ou alors il ne viendra pas.
He's late or else he's not coming.

make your contribution to

(aider [qqn] ou participer à [qch])

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

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.")

just in case

locution adverbiale (familier (si nécessaire)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Martin a toujours une boîte d'ampoules dans sa voiture au cas où.
Martin always has spare bulbs in his car, just in case.

in case does

locution conjonction (familier (si [qch] advenait)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")
Prends un parapluie au cas où il pleuvrait.
Take an umbrella in case it rains.

as, when

locution conjonction (quand [qch] arrive)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")
Au moment où elle allait prononcer son discours, les plombs ont sauté.
As she was about to deliver her speech there was a power cut.

in that, insofar as, inasmuch as

locution conjonction (selon une acception)

at the time when, in the days when

locution adverbiale (quand)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Au temps où les dinosaures régnaient sur la Terre, de nombreuses variations de températures ont eu lieu.

the way things are going

(vu comme c'est parti)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Au train où vont les choses, ce projet sera en retard.

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.

it's one or the other

(figuré, familier (il faut choisir)

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

It's now or never

(c'est le bon moment pour agir)

it's now or never

(l'occasion ne se représentera pas)

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

What are you waiting for? Christmas?

(ça vient ?) (colloquial)

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

double or quits, it's double or quits

(ça passe ou ça casse) (informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Nous n'avons plus le choix, c'est quitte ou double !

It's a matter of life or death

(figuré, familier (C'est impératif !)

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

that was just what was needed, I sure needed that

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

It's make or break

(familier (exprime une action au résultat aléatoire)

Are you up for it or not? Are you game or not?

interjection (Capable ou non ?)

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

hence

locution conjonction (de par cela) (formal)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
J'ai toujours aimé la bonne chère et cuisiner, d'où mon envie de devenir cuisinier. Tu as des lacunes en grammaire, d'où la mauvaise note que je t'ai attribuée.
I've always loved good food and cooking; that's why I want to be a chef.

where ... from

adverbe (interroge sur la provenance)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
D'où viens-tu ? Je me demande d'où viennent tous ces cadeaux.
Where are you from? I wonder where all these presents have come from.

... from, that ... from, where ... from

adverbe (indique la provenance)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Le village d'où je viens ne compte pas plus de cent habitants.
The village I come from (or: that I come from, or: where I come from) has no more than 100 inhabitants.

somehow

(de toute façon)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
D'une façon ou d'une autre, il faudra bien se décider à faire un choix.
A choice is going to have to be made somehow.

somehow

(de toute façon)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
D'une manière ou d'une autre, il faudra résoudre ce problème.
We'll have to resolve this problem somehow.

in the event that

locution conjonction (dans le cas où)

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

assuming that, supposing that

locution conjonction (si, au cas où)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")
Dans l'hypothèse où ces faits seraient avérés, nous les étudierons.

to the extent that, insofar as

locution conjonction (si)

as long as

(précaution : si)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Dans la mesure où le courant est coupé, tu peux toucher les fils sans risque.
As long as the power is switched off, it is safe to touch the wires.

in that

locution conjonction (selon un point de vue)

in a not too distant future

locution adverbiale (dans pas trop longtemps)

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

willingly or not

locution adverbiale (volontairement ou sous la contrainte)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Les appelés partent au service militaire de gré ou de force.

directly or indirectly

locution adverbiale (figuré (quel que soit le cas)

from the moment, from the moment that

locution conjonction (à partir du moment où)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Dès l'instant où l'on gagne un peu d'argent, on devient imposable.

a couple

locution adverbiale (figuré (quelques-uns) (figurative)

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

strike, hit

(frapper)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

when

locution conjonction (à l'époque où)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Du temps où il était directeur, ça ne se passait pas comme ça.

immediately or in instalments

locution adverbiale (échelonné ou pas) (UK)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Vous pouvez payer en une ou plusieurs fois.

to be or not to be

(interrogation shakespearienne)

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

be made for

locution verbale (figuré (être parfait pour [qch]) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Sophie est taillée pour faire du cinéma.

mind where you put your feet, be careful where you put your feet

(ne marchez pas là-dessus)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Il y a des flaques de boue. Faites attention où vous mettez les pieds !

watch your step

(soyez prudent) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Faites attention ou vous mettez les pieds, ce dossier est brûlant !

militate against

(soutenu (se fâcher, protester)

Il faut se gendarmer contre la déforestation.

graffiti

nom masculin (tag, graff) (uncountable)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Il y a beaucoup de graffitis dans les couloirs du métro.

somewhere, somewhere or other

locution adverbiale (quelque part)

there are times when, there are moments when

(parfois)

the same size or smaller

locution adjectivale (plus petit ou égal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Cette cheville est trop grande pour cette vis, il en faudrait une inférieure ou égale.

of [number] or less, of [number] or under

locution adjectivale (plus petit que ou égal à)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Avec cette règle, toutes les cellules inférieures ou égales à zéro vont devenir rouges.

fact or fiction

(Vrai ou faux ?)

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

play heads or tails

locution verbale (s'en remettre au hasard)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ils ont joué à pile ou face pour désigner un volontaire.

flip a coin for , toss a coin for

locution verbale (mettre en jeu)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Cet idiot a joué sa console à pile ou face et a perdu !

how far

adverbe (indique un seuil)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Je ne sais pas jusqu'où elle irait par amour.

one or the other

(celui-ci ou celui-là)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
La mer ou la montagne ? L'une ou l'autre me va.

Your money or your life!

(votre argent ou je vous tue) (highwayman)

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

there's no need to stand on ceremony

(il faut savoir se lâcher)

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

Please, don't mind me!

(ironique (il ne faut pas se gêner !) (ironic)

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

the day that, on the day that

locution conjonction (quand)

Le jour où tu arriveras, je t'attendrai à la gare.

the majority of

nom féminin (la plupart) (share)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
La majorité des cerises sont rouges.
Most cherries are red.

do or die

(expérience difficile sans aide)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ici, personne ne sera là pour t'aider ou te soutenir : c'est marche ou crève.

dead or alive

locution adjectivale (mort ou vivant)

anywhere

locution adverbiale (indique l'indétermination)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Tu laisses traîner tes affaires n'importe où, il n'est pas étonnant que tu ne les retrouves pas !

not know which way to turn

locution verbale (être débordé)

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

not know where to start

locution verbale (avoir trop de sollicitations)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Je ne sais plus où donner de la tête avec toutes ces propositions.

not know where to start

locution verbale (être débordé)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
En fin d'année, nous ne savons plus où donner de la tête.

not know what to do with yourself

locution verbale (être très gêné, embêté)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Après sa bévue, Isabelle ne savait plus où se mettre.

Are you out of your mind?

(familier (Il y a vraiment un problème.)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Qu'est-ce que c'est que cette histoire ? Non, mais ça va pas ou quoi ?

not know where you are with

(on ne sait pas à quoi s'en tenir)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Il paiera pour tout le monde, il ne paiera pas, on se sait pas si c'est du lard ou du cochon.

either ... or

locution conjonction (soit... soit)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")
Nous proposons ou du thé ou du café.

What was I thinking?

(Comment ai-je pu oublier ?)

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

or

conjonction (ou, soit)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")
On va au cinéma ou bien à la patinoire ; c'est comme tu veux.

or else

(menace) (threat)

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

or what?

interjection (régional, Suisse, Afrique (interjection de fin de phrase) (informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Viens-tu avec moi, ou bien ?

Where was I?

(Qu'est-ce que je disais ?)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Il raccrocha le téléphone puis reprit : « Où en étais-je ? ».

or else

locution adverbiale (choix : aussi possible)

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

everywhere, wherever

locution conjonction (à tout endroit)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Ma sœur se fait des amis partout où elle va.

hardly anyone

locution adverbiale (quasiment personne)

more or less

locution adverbiale (littéraire (plus ou moins)

Heads or tails?

interjection (Quel face choisis-tu ?)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
Bon, on va tirer au sort pour savoir qui commence. Pile ou face ?

more or less

locution adverbiale (pas exactement)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Les gens restent ici plus ou moins un jour ou deux.

rather

adverbe (indique une correction)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Cet artiste est anglais ou plutôt écossais.
That artist is English, or rather Scottish.

grab, grasp

verbe transitif (vieux (saisir avec les mains)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

catch

verbe transitif (Can (attraper)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

skirt hanger

nom masculin (cintre pour jupe)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Marie range ses jupes dans la penderie en les suspendant à des porte-jupes.

harm

(nuire à)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Ce projet de construction porte atteinte à la forêt du village.

in case does

locution conjonction (au cas où)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
J'ai pris une bouteille d'eau pour le cas où l'on aurait soif.

for no good reason

locution adverbiale (familier (sans raison précise)

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

for any reason, for whatever reason, for some reason

(pour une quelconque raison)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Si pour une raison X ou Y, nous ne pouvez pas venir, merci de nous prévenir.

power over life and death

nom masculin (capacité à décider de la mort de [qqn])

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

override, supplant

(venir avant)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

whether he likes it or not

(bon gré ou mal gré)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Qu'il le veuille ou non, c'est l'heure du bain.

whatever the weather

(quel que soit le temps)

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

rain or shine, come rain or shine

(figuré (de toute façon) (figurative)

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

whether you like it or not

(de toute façon)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Qu'on le veuille ou non, il faut débarrasser le garage.

Let's learn French

So now that you know more about the meaning of 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.

Related words of où

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.