C’est-à-dire (en. That's to say)

/sɛ.t‿a. diʁ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

Used to introduce an explanation of a term or fact.

She arrived late, that is to say, she missed the beginning of the meeting.

Elle est venue en retard, c’est-à-dire qu’elle a raté le début de la réunion.

To clarify a remark or idea.

The project failed, that is to say, it did not achieve its objectives.

Le projet a échoué, c’est-à-dire qu’il n’a pas atteint ses objectifs.

To rephrase something more precisely.

This solution is temporary, that is to say, it will not last.

Cette solution est temporaire, c’est-à-dire qu’elle ne durera pas.

The expression comes from colloquial French, literally 'that is to say'.

that is to say that

An expression used to clarify what was previously said.

c’est-à-dire que

put another way

Used to rephrase an idea in simpler language.

c'est à dire autrement

it means that

Phrase to explain the meaning of an assertion.

cela signifie que

therefore

Used to indicate the consequence or conclusion of something.

donc

consequently

Expression indicating a logical continuation or deduction.

par conséquent

indeed

Used to confirm or explain a previous assertion.

en effet

Basically

He took a day off, that is to say, basically, he won't be here tomorrow.

Il a pris un congé, c'est-à-dire, en gros, qu'il ne sera pas là demain.

To put it simply

It's a complicated project, that is to say, to put it simply, we need more time.

C'est un projet compliqué, c'est-à-dire, pour faire simple, on a besoin de plus de temps.