Level C1 (Advanced)
The French words of the day are cela dit and ceci dit, which mean “that said”, “having said that”, “nevertheless” and “however”. Today you’ll learn:
Pronunciation
Type of word
Example sentences in French & English
RELATED LESSONS
Néanmoins
Toutefois
Par contre vs. en revanche
Pronunciation
The pronunciation of cela dit and ceci dit is: /suh-lah-dee/ and /suh-see-dit/
IPA pronunciation /sə.la di/ and /sə.si di/
Type of word
Cela dit and ceci dit are phrases that act as transitional expressions. Ceci and cela are demonstrative pronouns meaning “this” and “that”. Dit is the past participle of the verb dire (to say, to tell).
Cela dit and ceci dit are interchangeable and are used to acknowledge and add nuance or a different perspective to what’s just been stated. These phrases are commonly used in formal and written French, as opposed to mais (but) and par contre (on the other hand), which are used in informal spoken French.
Example sentences
Il est très intelligent. Cela dit, il ne s’applique pas assez dans la vie.
He’s very intelligent. Having said that, he doesn’t apply himself enough in life.
Je ne suis pas d’accord avec ces gens, cela dit, je comprends leur situation.
I don’t agree with these people. That said, I understand their situation.
J’aime mon métier, cela dit, j’aimerais un changement de carrière.
I like my work. That being said, I’d like a career change.
Le français est difficile, ceci dit, ça vaut le coup de l’étudier !
French is difficult. Having said that, it’s worth studying!
Cela étant dit / Ceci étant dit
Both cela étant dit and ceci étant dit can also be used for cela/ceci dit, translating to “that/this having been said”. These are perceived as more stilted or stiff and unnatural language. Étant is the present participle of être (to be) and means “being”.
RELATED LESSONS
Néanmoins
Néanmoins is another advanced C1 word that’s used in the same way as cela dit and ceci dit. Translations include “nevertheless”, “nonetheless”, “in spite of of that”, “yet” and “however”.
Toutefois
Toutefois is another slightly more advanced (B1) word that’s used in a similar way to cela dit/ceci dit. Meanings include “however”, “yet”, “nevertheless” and “notwithstanding”.
Par contre vs. en revanche
Par contre and en revanche both mean “on the other hand”. But, there’s a very subtle difference between their usages, which we explain with example sentences in the lesson.
