Disait-on (en. They said)

/di.zɛ.t‿ɔ̃/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

Verbal form used to report a rumor or an uncertain statement.

It was said that the movie would be a success.

Disait-on que le film serait un succès.

Used to introduce an unconfirmed opinion or fact.

It was said that the chief had left the city.

Disait-on que le chef avait quitté la ville.

May also signal information conveyed as true through hearsay.

It was said that she would marry this summer.

Disait-on qu'elle allait se marier cet été.

Expression made up of the verb 'to say' in the imperfect tense in passive form, marking the discussion of a statement.

it was said that...

This suggests that something is generally accepted.

disait-on que...

according to rumors, it was said

Indicates that the information comes from rumors rather than established facts.

selon les rumeurs, disait-on

it was said in the village

Refers to a widely circulated statement within a community.

disait-on dans le village

to say

Verb meaning to state something.

dire

statement

Expressions or declarations made about a subject.

propos

rumor

A piece of information, often unverified, that spreads among people.

rumeur

They say

They say that this place is to be avoided.

On cause que ce lieu est à éviter.

They whisper

They whisper that the boss is going to leave.

On chuchote que le patron va partir.