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👉 See also: Notamment — including, especially »
Level A2–B1 (Upper beginner, Lower Intermediate)
Published January 20, 2026 — Lesson written by French teacher David Issokson for students who want to learn French online, with native audio by Marie Assel Cambier, a voice artist from France.
The French Word of the Day is surtout, meaning “especially.” I chose this word because it’s extremely helpful when making points in more advanced B1 conversations.
📘 Surtout meaning in French
Surtout is a French adverb meaning “especially,” “above all,” “mainly,” or “mostly.” It’s used to emphasize what’s most important or most relevant. Surtout combines sur (on) and tout (everything). For example, “J’aime la cuisine française, surtout les desserts.” (I like French food, especially desserts.)
🎧 Surtout pronunciation in French
The pronunciation of surtout is /syʀ.tu/ (IPA), which sounds roughly like “sur-TOO.”
📝 Surtout usage examples
J’aime voyager, surtout en France.
I like to travel, especially in France.
Elle est gentille, surtout avec les enfants.
She is kind, especially with children.
👉 See also: Être conjugation chart (to be) — with audio »
C’est un bon film, surtout la fin.
It’s a good movie, especially the ending.
Il faut être prudent, surtout sur la route.
You need to be careful, especially on the road.
You’ll also hear en général all the time in French — but do you know how to use it naturally?
👉 En général — usage examples »
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🔗 Related words and expressions
- notamment — notably
- particulièrement — particularly
- principalement — mainly
- en particulier — in particular
- avant tout — above all
- à tout prix — at all costs
- absolument — absolutely
📚 Related lessons on FrenchLearner!
👉 Keep learning with the French Word of the Day »
Surtout meaning — Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What does surtout mean in French?
Surtout is a French adverb meaning “especially,” “above all,” “mainly,” or “mostly.” It is used to emphasize what is most important or most relevant in a sentence.
How do you use surtout in an example sentence?
Surtout is used to highlight a key detail or priority. For example: “J’aime la cuisine française, surtout les desserts.” (I like French food, especially desserts.)
What are some synonyms for surtout?
Common French synonyms for surtout include avant tout, en particulier, notamment, principalement, and particulièrement. These words express emphasis or focus, with slightly different nuances depending on context.
