Every of Switzerland’s important languages – German, French and Italian – are shared with a bigger and extra influential neighbour.
These three languages – when added to the distinctive Romansh language – makes for a various linguistic spectrum.
It’d come as a aid to foreigners dwelling in one of many French-speaking cantons that variations between the Swiss model of the language and the one spoken in France is way smaller than the distinction between commonplace German and Schwyzerdütch.
Aside from some particular phrases and expressions, folks in France perceive their counterparts in Romandie a lot simpler than is the case between Germans and Swiss-Germans.
READ MORE: ‘Simply so enjoyable to say’: Are these the most effective Swiss-German phrases to study?
The Native just lately requested its readers what are an important Swiss-French phrases to know.
Which components of Switzerland communicate French?
Geneva, Vaud, Jura and Neuchâtel communicate solely French, whereas Valais and Fribourg communicate predominantly French but additionally German.
Bern, the seat of the de facto capital, can also be bilingual, however with extra German than French audio system.
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From the solutions we acquired, a number of respondents talked about the numbers.
As anybody who has tried to study French will inform you, the numbering system is especially troublesome – particularly if you get within the double figures.
The Swiss French numbering system is totally different to that of unique French, with Swiss French utilizing the phrases septante (seventy), huitante (eighty) and nonante (ninety).
The Romands determined to simplify these phrases from their unique French variations: soixante-dix, quatre-vingt, and quatre-vingt-dix, which accurately translate to ’sixty-ten‘, ‚4 twenties‘ and ‚4 twenties-ten‘.
Nonetheless, regional variations are additionally at play right here: Geneva makes use of the French model of those numbers, probably due to its shut proximity to France.
Some readers additionally talked about the expression “ça joue”. Actually translated it means “it performs”, however within the Suisse Romande it means “sure, it’s alright”.
Different phrases and expressions talked about within the reader survey have been: “carnotzet” (a small bar), “bonap” (Bon appétit – take pleasure in your meal), “si jamais”, (if ever), vélo (bicycle), “ouais” (slangy oui – sure), and “tout de bon” (all the most effective).
READ MORE: Have your say: What are an important Swiss French phrases to know?
Suisse-Romande versus France
Other than the numbers talked about above, some phrases and phrases used on this a part of Switzerland are uniquely “Romand” and in the event you use them in France, chances are high you’ll be met with a quizzical look.
Natel: Cell phone (“téléphone cellular“)
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Panosse: A moist broom (“serpillière in France)
Y a pas le feu au lac: Actually, this implies „there’s no fireplace within the lake”. However what it truly means “there isn’t any rush, no urgency.
Faire schmolitz : Wine ingesting ritual during which two folks resolve to befriend one another by passing from the formal “vous” kind to the extra informal “tu”.
Schmoltz! Photograph by Monstera from Pexel
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Etre déçu en bien: Be pleasantly shocked (être agréablement surpris in France)
Ça va, le chalet?: Are you loopy ? (ça va pas la tête ?)
Tchô bonne: Have a great day /night (bonne journée /soirée)
Lolette: a pacifier for infants (tétine in France)
Quart d’heure vaudois: This implies a slight delay, not solely in Vaud however in different Romand cantons as properly (être en retard” in France). Please notice {that a} related expression doesn’t exist within the German-speaking cantons, and for a great cause: Swiss-Germans are hardly ever late.
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Tenir les pouces: Identical to in Anglo nations, crossing fingers brings good luck in Suisse Romande. However in France, you’d should “croiser les doigts”.
Tenir les pouces: common signal of excellent luck. Photograph by Dayne Topkin on Unsplash
Misplaced in translation?
If you’re not completely acquainted with the intricacies of the French language, remember that these expressions have a unique which means in French than in English. Or, they might not imply what you suppose they could:
Préservatifs: No, these aren’t synthetic meals components („conservateurs“), however condoms. The latter is often present in meals, the previous often is not.
Hors-ligne: That is usually seen on buses within the Suisse Romandie. This does not imply the bus is transporting horses; it does imply it isn’t in service.
Voilà, there you have got it: some typical expressions you’re sure to listen to within the French-speaking a part of Switzerland.
Tchô bonne!
