👉 Learn how to use cependant, meaning however and yet »
Level B2-C1 (Advanced)
The French Word of the Day is or. This advanced connector can mean however or in fact, and many learners avoid it because it feels formal and intimidating. In this lesson, we’ll use simple examples to show that or is easier to understand than it seems.
✅ Meaning
✅ Pronunciation
✅ Example sentences
✅ Related Words & Expressions
✅ Related lessons
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📘 Or meaning
Or is a formal connector in French, meaning however, now, well, or in fact. It’s most often used in writing, essays, and literature, usually at the start of a sentence to introduce a new idea, show contrast, or highlight an important detail (see examples below). You’ll see it often in books and articles, but rarely in everyday conversation. ⚠️ Don’t confuse it with l’or (masculine noun), which means “gold.”
🎧 Or pronunciation
Or is pronounced /ɔʁ/ in IPA. The o is an open sound, like the “o” in “off” but a bit rounder. The r is the French guttural R, pronounced at the back of the throat, similar to a light growl.
📝 French and English examples
Contrast / opposition
Elle voulait venir. Or, elle était malade.
She wanted to come. However, she was sick.
New fact / clarification
Or, il se trouve que j’ai la solution.
Well, it so happens that I have the solution.
Logical step in reasoning
Or, si l’on regarde les chiffres…
Now, if we look at the figures…
Literary / narrative marker
Or, dans les romans classiques, ce mot est fréquent.
In fact, in classical novels, this word is common.
📘 Recommended resource
Confused by words like or? You’re not alone! Camille’s À Moi Paris course is packed with clear explanations + audio, so you understand how French is really spoken.
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💬 Related words & expressions
To make these easier, I’ve grouped them by how they’re usually used.
Similar connectors (contrast / transition)
- cependant → however, nevertheless
- toutefois → however, nevertheless
- pourtant → yet, however
- néanmoins → nevertheless
- quand même → all the same, still
Logic / reasoning connectors
- en effet → indeed, in fact
- car → for, because (formal)
- donc → so, therefore
- ainsi → thus, so
- par conséquent → consequently
Narrative / formal style
- or donc → now then (archaic / literary)
- eh bien → well, so then
- au contraire → on the contrary
📚 Related French lessons
Now that you’ve learned how to use or, take a look at my lesson on afin, a formal connector meaning “so that” or “in order to.”
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