Published November 18, 2021 · Updated April 20, 2026 — By French teacher David Issokson • Native Audio by Marie Assel Cambier
Alors is one of the most frequently used words in spoken French. It usually means “so”, “well”, or “then”, but it has a lot more meanings depending on context. This lesson covers 7 uses of alors, with clear audio examples.
📘 Alors meaning
Alors is a very common French word with several meanings depending on context. It can mean “so”, “well”, or “then” to start a sentence, guide a conversation, or react to something. It’s also used to show a result (so/therefore) or to refer to a moment in time (then, at that time). For example: Alors, on y va ? So, shall we go? J’étais fatigué, alors je suis rentré. I was tired, so I went home. J’habitais alors à Paris. I was living in Paris then.
🎧 Alors pronunciation
The pronunciation of alors is /a.lɔʁ/ (IPA), which sounds roughly like “ah-lor”
📝 Alors examples
1. So / well — conversation starter, filler, prompting a response
Alors, qu’est-ce que tu fais ce soir ?
So, what are you doing tonight?
Qu’est-ce que vous voulez faire alors ?
Well, what do you want to do?
Alors, dis-moi ce que tu veux !
Well, tell me what you want!
2. So then — engaging someone
Alors, parle-moi de ta nouvelle maison en France !
So then, tell me about your new house in France.
3. So — result / consequence
J’étais complètement abasourdi, alors je n’ai rien dit.
I was totally dumbfounded, so I didn’t say anything.
4. So what — indifference
C’est vrai. La France n’est pas le meilleur pays du monde. — Et alors ?
It’s true. France isn’t the best country in the world. — So?
5. Come on — urging action
Alors, dépêche-toi un peu !
Come on, hurry up a bit!
6. Well now — reacting strongly
Alors là, tu exagères !
Now you’re really exaggerating!
7. Darn — mild frustration
Zut alors! J’ai encore brûlé le gâteau!
Darn! I burned the cake again!
“Alors on danse” is a hit song by the Belgian singer Stromae. Improve your French with Marie’s recordings of the song’s lyrics!
👉 Listen to Alors on danse now!
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🔗 Related words and expressions
- zut alors — darn
- alors là — now then / seriously / really
- et alors — so what
- alors que — while / whereas
- depuis lors — since then
- jusqu’alors — until then
- dès lors — from then on
- alors même que — even though / even as
📚 Related lessons
👉 Alors on danse (song) »
👉 Alors que (While, when, as well as) »
👉 Filler words »
👉 Connector words »
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👉 French Word of the Day (200+ lessons) »
👉 French word meanings (common words explained clearly) »
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