Quotation Marks For Intermediate learners
What Are Quotation Marks in French?
Quotation marks (les guillemets) are used to show direct speech, quotations, or special emphasis. French and English use quotation marks differently, both in shape and punctuation rules. Learning these differences is essential for correct writing.
French Quotation Marks: « »
These are called guillemets and are the standard in French writing.
Il a dit : « Je suis prêt. »
He said, "I am ready."
English Quotation Marks: " "
These are used in English and sometimes appear in French:
translated texts
informal writing
digital content
Main Uses of Guillemets in French
In French, we use quotation marks (guillemets) in several situations:
Direct Speech
It is used to report someone's exact words.
Elle a dit : « Je viendrai demain. »
She said, "I will come tomorrow."
Il demande : « Où est la gare ? »
He asks, "Where is the station?"
« Je suis fatigué », dit-il.
"I am tired," he said.
Quotations
It is used to quote books, speeches, or famous phrases.
Il a écrit : « Je pense, donc je suis. »
He wrote, "I think, therefore I am."
Voici une phrase célèbre : « L'enfer, c'est les autres. »
Here is a famous quote: "Hell is other people."
Dialogue in Narratives
In novels or stories, guillemets often introduce dialogue.
« Que fais-tu ici ? » demanda-t-elle.
"What are you doing here?" she asked.
Highlighting Words
Sometimes used to highlight:
irony
unusual words
technical terms
Il est très « occupé » aujourd'hui.
He is very "busy" today. (ironic)
Ce mot est un « anglicisme ».
This word is "anglicism".
Spacing Rules
French requires spaces around guillemets.
Space after «
Space before »
Correct: Il a dit : « Bonjour ! » ✔
Incorrect: Il a dit : «Bonjour!» ✖
This spacing is a major difference from English. In English: no spaces inside quotation marks.
She said, "Hello!"
No space is need in English.
Notes
In French, punctuation usually stays inside the guillemets if it belongs to the quote.
Il a dit : « Je pars. »
He said, "I'm leaving."
If you need quotes inside quotes:
Use guillemets outside
Use English-style quotes inside
Il a dit : « Elle m'a répondu "non". »
He said, "She answered 'no'."
Comments
(0)
Recommended
