Level A2/B1 (Upper Beginner/Lower-Intermediate)
Sauf is a common French word meaning “except” or “unless,” depending on the context. Learn how to use it with real-life examples and simple explanations.
Meaning
Pronunciation
Example sentences
Related words
Meaning
Sauf is a common French preposition meaning “except” or “unless,” depending on the context. For example: Je mange tout, sauf les épinards (I eat everything except spinach). Sauf is less formal than hormis, which also means “except” but is more often used in written or formal French.
Pronunciation
Example sentences
In the first two examples, the structure is simple: sauf followed by a noun (except + noun).
J’aime tous les films de Star Wars sauf le dernier.
I like all the Star Wars movies except the last one.
Tout le monde m’a téléphoné sauf Charles.
Everybody called except for Charles.
In the next example, sauf si followed by a verb translates to “unless.” The sentence is in the Future.
On partira demain, sauf s’il neige.
We’ll leave tomorrow, unless it snows.
In the next example, sauf que translates as “except that.” When the verb passer is used reflexively as se passer, its meaning shifts to “to happen” or “to occur.”
Tout s’est bien passé, sauf qu’il à commencé à pleuvoir.
Everything went well, except that it started raining.
In the final example, the verb rentrer means “to return.” Interestingly, sauf can also mean “safe” in French, which is why we have the expression sain et sauf — “safe and sound.”
Nous sommes rentrés chez nous sain et sauf.
We got home safe and sound.
Word origin
The French word sauf comes from the Latin salvo (except for).
Related words
- hormis – except / apart from (more formal)
- sinon – otherwise
- en dehors de – outside of / apart from (literal or figurative)
- excepté – except (formal or written)
- à part – apart from (informal)
- mis à part – aside from (slightly more formal than à part)
- à l’exception de – with the exception of (very formal)
- exclure – to exclude
- l’exception (n.f.) – exception
🧠 Expand Your French Vocabulary Even Further!
Now that you’ve learned how to use sauf, explore our full French Word of the Day archive for more bite-sized lessons. You’ll also enjoy our themed vocabulary lists packed with useful words and expressions!
References
