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Dirait-on (en. One would say)

/diʁɛt ɔ̃/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

Used to indicate what one might think or what one might say.

Would one say that this film is the best of the year?

Dirait-on que ce film est le meilleur de l'année ?

Serves to introduce rumors or speculations.

Would one say that the negotiations have failed?

Dirait-on que les négociations ont échoué ?

Used to express an opinion indirectly.

Would one say that there is not much time left to decide?

Dirait-on qu'il ne reste plus beaucoup de temps pour décider ?

Expresses doubt or a possibility.

Would one say that the situation is getting worse?

Dirait-on que la situation s'aggrave ?

Etymology

The form comes from the combination of the verb 'to say' in the first person plural in the present conditional and the indefinite pronoun 'one'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

one would say poorly

Expression that implies something is being discussed negatively.

dirait-on mal

one would say lightly

Used to speak of a given thing without much thought.

dirait-on à la légère

as one would say

Phrase introducing a quote or an opinion.

comme dirait-on

one would say that

Used to express an impression based on signs or rumors.

on dirait que

Related Words

to say

Verb meaning to express something by speech.

dire

opinion

Judgment or belief about a subject.

opinion

rumor

Often unverified information spread among people.

rumeur

Slang Meanings

To express doubt about a statement.

Would one really say that he is certainly there?

Dirait-on vraiment qu'il est certainement là ?

Used to mitigate a statement.

Ah, would one say that it is not so serious?

Ah, dirait-on que ce n'est pas si grave ?