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Level A2 (Upper Beginner)
Today’s French Word of the Day is chez, a common preposition meaning “at the home of.” In this lesson, I’ll cover 8 main ways to use chez with examples and expressions.
Meaning
Pronunciation
Example sentences
Expressions
Meaning
The French preposition chez can translate to “at,” “to,” “with,” or “among,” depending on context. It is commonly used to indicate someone’s home, workplace or to refer to a person’s qualities or characteristics. For example, “Je suis chez moi.” (I’m at home.)
Pronunciation
8 Usages of Chez with Example Sentences
1. At the home of
When chez precedes a person’s name, it means “to be at that person’s home.” This is the most common usage of chez in French.
Julien est chez Marie.
Julien is at Marie’s house.
The preposition chez can also precede a stressed pronoun (e.g., moi, toi, lui, elle) to mean “at my house,” “at your house,” “at his house,” etc.
Je dîne chez toi.
I’m having dinner at your house.
2. In one’s region or country
The preposition chez can also mean in one’s region or country.
Il fait beau chez nous.
It is nice weather out in our region (or country).
Chez nous on mange avec des baguettes.
People eat with chopsticks in our country.
3. Businesses
The French use chez to express going to specific businesses.
Je vais chez le médecin.
I’m doing to the doctor’s office.
Elle va chez le dentiste.
She’s going to the dentist.
4. Company names
Chez can also be used to refer to “at a certain company”.
Elle travaille chez Apple.
She works for Apple.
Chez Samsung, vous trouverez des téléphones portables haut de gamme.
You’ll find high-end mobile phones at Samsung.
5. Describing personalities
A less common usage of chez is associated with describing people personalities.
Chez cet homme, tout est égoïste.
With this man, everything is selfish.
C’est la folie chez les enfants.
Kids are crazy.
6. Generalizations about group
Chez can be use to make broad generalizations of groups.
Il y a beaucoup de problèmes chez les adolescents.
Adolescents have a lot of issues.
7. Reference to artists
Chez can also be used to make reference to an artist’s work.
J’aime les couleurs vives chez Monet.
I like Monet’s vibrant colors.
8. Restaurant names
Many French restaurants use chez in their names. The restaurant name is often the name of the founder or head chef.
Je dîne Chez Pierre.
I’m going out to eat at Chez Pierre.
Common mistake with chez
In French there are two ways to say, “At my house”: Chez moi and à la masion.
Je suis chez moi. I am home. ✅
Je suis à la maison. I am home. ✅
Je suis à chez moi. I’m at home. ❌
Expressions with chez
- Rien ne vaut son chez-soi. – There’s no place like home.
- Faites comme chez vous. (formal) – Make yourself at home.
- Fais comme chez toi. (informal) – Make yourself at home.
- Ton petit chez-toi. – Your little place/home.
- Bien de chez nous. – Typically French (literally “well from our home”).
Looking to learn more French words?
You’ve mastered chez! Now check out my lesson on stressed pronouns (moi, toi, lui, elle) and my quick guide to French prepositions.
