When translating the word "abroad" into French, it is important to consider the context in which it is being used. The French word for "abroad" can vary depending on the situation. In this article, we will explore the different ways to say "abroad" in French, including the origin of the vocabulary and example sentences.
Forms and Usage
1. Hors du pays
The most common way to say "abroad" in French is "hors du pays." This phrase can be used when referring to traveling or living outside of one's home country. It is a general term that can be used in various contexts.
2. À l'étranger
Another way to say "abroad" in French is "à l'étranger." This term is often used when referring to traveling or living in a foreign country. It is a more formal expression compared to "hors du pays."
3. En dehors du pays
The phrase "en dehors du pays" is another way to say "abroad" in French. This expression is less commonly used but can be used in a similar context as "hors du pays" or "à l'étranger."
Examples of Usage
Here are some example sentences using the different ways to say "abroad" in French:
- "Je suis parti hors du pays pour découvrir de nouvelles cultures." (I went abroad to discover new cultures.)
- "Nous avons des amis à l'étranger qui nous ont invités à leur maison." (We have friends abroad who invited us to their house.)
- "En dehors du pays, il y a beaucoup de choses à découvrir." (There are many things to discover outside of the country.)
Notes on Usage
When choosing the appropriate way to say "abroad" in French, consider the context and the level of formality you want to convey. "Hors du pays" is a more general term that can be used in most situations, while "à l'étranger" and "en dehors du pays" are more formal expressions.
Word Origin
The French word "hors du pays" is a combination of two words: "hors" (outside) and "du pays" (of the country). This phrase literally translates to "outside of the country," which is the general meaning of "abroad." The term "à l'étranger" is derived from the word "étranger" (foreigner), which is a more formal way of referring to someone or something that is not from one's own country.
Additional Variations
While "hors du pays," "à l'étranger," and "en dehors du pays" are the most common ways to say "abroad" in French, there are other variations that can be used in specific contexts:
- "En voyage" (On vacation)
- "En mission" (On a mission)
- "En étude" (For study)
These variations can be used in combination with the other expressions to provide more context for the situation. For example, "hors du pays en voyage" (abroad on vacation) or "à l'étranger en étude" (abroad for study).
FrenchUser4
Je trouve que les expressions en dehors du pays et à l'étranger sont presque identiques. Je les utilise souvent de manière interchangeable.