dessous — meaning in English: below

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

Guess the translation for below

tonnes

dessous

bénéficiaires

faisant

fonds

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 common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'dessous' in everyday conversation to indicate physical locations, such as when discussing items placed below something else. For instance, one might say, 'Les clés sont dessous la table' (The keys are below the table) when giving directions about where to find an object.

Synonyms & nuances

'Dessous' is often compared to 'sous', which also means 'under' or 'beneath'. However, 'dessous' carries a more specific connotation of being directly below something, while 'sous' can imply a wider area beneath or within. You might choose 'dessous' when you need to pinpoint an exact location in conversation.

Culture

'Dessous' comes from the Old French 'dessous', which is derived from 'de' (of) and 'sous' (under). It reflects a cultural inclination towards describing spatial relationships with precision, which is significant in French art and architecture. In historical contexts, the word has been used not just in physical descriptions, but also metaphorically, illustrating concepts beneath the surface in literature and philosophy.

FAQ

Q.What is the meaning of 'dessous' in English?

'Dessous' translates to 'below' in English, indicating a position or location that is lower than another object or point of reference.

Q.How do you use 'dessous' in a sentence?

You can use 'dessous' in sentences like 'Le chat est dessous le lit' (The cat is below the bed) to indicate the specific location of something in relation to another object.

Q.Is 'dessous' used in formal writing?

'Dessous' is generally considered neutral and can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It’s a versatile term that fits well in everyday conversation as well as written descriptions.

Learn french with Maspeak →

2000 French Words