Published November 20, 2023 • Updated April 16, 2026 — by French teacher David Issokson • Native Audio by Marie Assel Cambier
Ailleurs and d’ailleurs look almost the same — but they have completely different meanings. Ailleurs means “elsewhere”, while d’ailleurs means “by the way” or “for that matter”. This lesson shows you how to use both correctly with clear examples.
📘 Ailleurs meaning, pronunciation, examples
Ailleurs (IPA /a.jœʁ/ or “ah-yur”) means “elsewhere” or “somewhere else” in French. It’s often used to talk about going, being, or happening in another location.
On peut aller ailleurs si tu préfères.
We can go somewhere else if you prefer.
Tu devrais chercher un travail ailleurs.
You should look for a job elsewhere.
Va ailleurs ! Tu ne peux plus rester ici.
Go somewhere else! You can’t stay here anymore.
Je pense qu’il a la tête ailleurs.
I think he’s got his mind on other things.
📘 D’ailleurs meaning, pronunciation, examples
D’ailleurs (IPA /daj.jœʁ/ or “dah-yur”) has many translations including “by the way”, “besides”, or “moreover” and is used to add or shift to a related idea. It can also mean “for that matter” or “incidentally” depending on context.
Je n’ai pas faim, d’ailleurs j’ai déjà mangé.
I’m not hungry; besides, I’ve already eaten.
Il ne viendra pas, d’ailleurs il est en vacances.
He won’t come; besides, he’s on vacation.
Vous avez fait beaucoup de progrès. D’ailleurs, on espère que vous continuerez à faire des progrès.
You made a lot of progress. For that matter, we hope you’ll continue making progress.
Moi non plus, d’ailleurs.
Me neither, for that matter.
👉 See also: Par ailleurs – related connector word meaning “moreover” or “in addition”.
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