How to Say ‘That's normal at first’ in French
C'est normal au début
say eh nor-MAL oh day-BOO
[say eh nor-MAL oh day-BOO]
💬 Usage Tip: This full phrase is more natural than translating word by word. It is a ready-made expression of reassurance—great for small talk with other parents.
🇫🇷 In France: At school gates in France, short supportive comments like this help create friendly contact without sounding too personal too fast.
Phrase Breakdown
C'est normal
say eh nor-MAL
It's normal
A reassuring expression meaning something is expected or not unusual.
C'est normal de poser des questions.
It’s normal to ask questions.
Words in this phrase
C'
[say]
it / this
Short form in 'c'est', meaning 'it is' or 'this is'.
Dans « C'est normal au début », « C' » fait partie de « c'est ».
In "C'est normal au début," "C'" is part of "c'est."
est
[eh]
is
Form of être used in 'c'est' = 'it is'.
Dans « C'est normal au début », « est » veut dire 'is'.
In "C'est normal au début," "est" means 'is.'
normal
[nor-MAL]
normal
Means 'normal' or 'to be expected'.
Dans « C'est normal au début », « normal » rassure.
In "C'est normal au début," "normal" reassures.
Au début
oh day-BOO
at first / in the beginning
Refers to the initial stage of something.
Au début, c'est difficile.
At first, it is difficult.
Words in this phrase
au
[oh]
at the / in the
Contraction of 'à le'; here used in 'au début'.
Dans « C'est normal au début », « au » introduit l'expression de temps.
In "C'est normal au début," "au" introduces the time expression.
début
[day-BOO]
beginning
Means 'beginning'; together with 'au' gives 'at the beginning'.
Dans « C'est normal au début », « début » parle des premiers jours.
In "C'est normal au début," "début" refers to the first days.
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