If you want to know how to say so in French, the right word depends on its meaning. Use donc for “so” meaning “therefore,” tellement for “so” meaning “to such a degree,” and si before an adjective for “so” as in “so big” or “so nice.”
“So” in French is often donc (“therefore”), tellement (“so much / so”), or si before an adjective. For example, Il est donc parti means “So he left.”
How Do You Say So in French?
English “so” has several meanings. French uses different words for a conclusion, an intense degree, a comparison, or a conversational transition. For a related intensifier, compare très, “very”; for a reason rather than a conclusion, see because in French.
Use donc when you mean “therefore” or “so.” Use tellement with a verb or noun phrase, and si before an adjective or adverb.
Meaning: So
Different Meanings of So in French
Choose the expression that matches the grammar and meaning of the English sentence.
1. Donc — So / Therefore
Donc expresses a conclusion or result. Il pleut, donc je reste ici means “It is raining, so I am staying here.”
2. Tellement — So / So Much
Tellement means “so much,” “so,” or “to such a degree.” Il travaille tellement means “He works so much.”
3. Si — So / So Very
Si comes before an adjective or adverb to mean “so”: Elle est si gentille, “She is so kind.” Do not confuse this use with si meaning “if.”
4. Aussi — So / Also
Aussi can mean “so” in comparisons: aussi grand que toi, “as tall as you.” It also commonly means “also.”
5. Alors — So / Then
Alors can mean “so,” “then,” or “well” in conversation. Alors, qu’est-ce qu’on fait? means “So, what are we going to do?”
So in French: Quick Comparison
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| French | Meaning | Use |
|---|---|---|
| donc | so / therefore | Result or conclusion |
| tellement | so much / so | Degree or quantity |
| si | so / so very | Before adjective or adverb |
| aussi | as / so / also | Comparison or addition |
| alors | so / then / well | Conversation or sequence |
How to Pronounce Donc and Tellement
Donc is pronounced approximately “dohnk.” The c is usually heard before a consonant. Tellement is approximately “tehl-mahn,” with a nasal final sound.
Si is a short “see” sound, while alors is approximately “ah-lor,” with a French r.
How to Say So That in French
Use pour que or afin que for “so that.” For example, Je parle lentement pour que tu comprennes means “I speak slowly so that you understand.”
For “so … that,” use tellement … que or si … que: Il est tellement fatigué qu’il dort, “He is so tired that he is sleeping.”
Example Sentences Using So in French
Use: Showing a result.
Use: Expressing a strong degree.
Use: So plus an adjective.
Frequently Asked Questions About So in French
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How do you say so in French?
Use donc for “so” meaning “therefore.” Use tellement or si for “so” showing degree.
What is the difference between donc and alors?
Donc introduces a result or conclusion. Alors often means “then,” “so,” or “well” in conversation.
How do you say so much in French?
Use tellement. For example, Merci tellement is less natural than Merci beaucoup, but Je travaille tellement means “I work so much.”
How do you say so beautiful in French?
Say si beau for masculine or si belle for feminine. You can also say tellement beau / belle.
How do you say so that in French?
Use pour que or the more formal afin que.
What does aussi mean in French?
Aussi usually means “also,” but it can mean “as” in comparisons such as aussi grand que, “as tall as.”
Summary: How to Say So in French
The best translation of so in French depends on meaning. Use donc for “therefore,” tellement for “so much,” and si before an adjective.
Use alors for conversational “so” or “then,” aussi for comparisons, and pour que for “so that.”
