C'est — meaning in English: It is

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for It is

d'information

découverte

Cela

dessous

C'est

Skip this question

🎓

Learn French for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use 'C'est' frequently in everyday conversations to introduce opinions, descriptions, or to identify people and things. For example, you might hear it in phrases like 'C'est magnifique!' when admiring art, or 'C'est mon ami' when introducing a friend in a casual setting.

Synonyms & nuances

'C'est' translates to 'It is,' but can also be compared to 'Il est' (He is) and 'Elle est' (She is). While 'Il est' and 'Elle est' specify subjects, 'C'est' is used more broadly, making it more versatile for introducing concepts or opinions.

Culture

'C'est' is a contraction of 'ce' (this/that) and 'est' (is), and its usage reflects the simplicity and directness often prized in French communication. Interestingly, 'C'est' has evolved to take on various roles in French, including expressing emotions, making judgments, and even serving as a conversational filler, showcasing the fluidity of the language in social contexts.

FAQ

Q.What does 'C'est' mean in English?

'C'est' means 'It is' in English and is frequently used to describe or identify something.

Q.How do you use 'C'est' in a sentence?

You can use 'C'est' in sentences like 'C'est un livre intéressant' (It is an interesting book) to introduce or describe nouns.

Q.What are common mistakes with 'C'est'?

A common mistake is using 'C'est' when referring to a specific person or thing without proper context; instead, remember to use 'Il est' or 'Elle est' for pronouns.

Learn french with Maspeak →

2000 French Words