How to Say ‘It is’ in French
C'est
say ay
[say ay]
💬 Usage Tip: Short for cela est. Very common in spoken French. The apostrophe shows contraction.
🇫🇷 In France: French loves contractions in everyday speech, and c’est is one of the most common of all.
Phrase Breakdown
C'
[say]
it; this; that
Contracted form of ce before a vowel; in C'est, it helps mean it is or this is.
C'est une bonne idée.
It is a good idea.
est
[ay]
is
Form of être meaning is; in C'est, it means it is or this is.
C'est parfait pour ce soir.
It's perfect for tonight.
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