How to Say 'So You're Saying...' in French: Confirm Understanding Precisely
Learn to repeat back what someone said in French using 'Donc, vous dites que...' and similar phrases to confirm understanding before problems arise.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
When you want to make sure you've understood someone correctly, repeating back their message is a powerful technique. In French, the phrase 'Donc, vous dites que...' (So you're saying that...) allows you to confirm without sounding repetitive. This lesson teaches you how to use this structure and its variants to prevent misunderstandings before they happen.
By the end, you can…
- repeat back what someone said in French to confirm understanding.
- use 'Donc, vous dites que...' and similar phrases appropriately.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Donc, vous dites que...
So you're saying that...
dɔ̃k vu dit kə
Standard polite form, used with one person you address as 'vous' or multiple people.
Donc, tu dis que...
So you're saying that...
dɔ̃k ty di kə
Informal, used with one person you address as 'tu' (friends, family, peers).
Si je comprends bien, vous dites que...
If I understand correctly, you're saying that...
si ʒə kɔ̃.pʁɑ̃ bjɛ̃, vu dit kə
More formal and cautious; useful in professional settings.
Vous voulez dire que...
You mean that...
vu vu.le diʁ kə
Used when you think the other person implied something; slightly more direct.
En d'autres termes, vous dites que...
In other words, you're saying that...
ɑ̃ d‿otʁ tɛʁm, vu dit kə
Used to rephrase what the speaker said, often to clarify.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The core pattern is 'Donc, [subject] dites/dit/dis que...' followed by a restatement of the message. 'Donc' acts as a logical connector meaning 'so' or 'therefore'. After 'que', you can use a full clause: 'Donc, vous dites que le projet est en retard.' (So you're saying that the project is late.) For informal 'tu', use 'tu dis que'. For 'il/elle', use 'il dit que' / 'elle dit que'. To be more formal, start with 'Si je comprends bien' or 'En d'autres termes'.
When to use it
Use these phrases when you want to confirm understanding before responding, especially in meetings, negotiations, or any conversation where details matter. For example, after a colleague gives instructions: 'Donc, vous dites que je dois envoyer le rapport avant vendredi.' (So you're saying I need to send the report before Friday.) It's also useful in customer service or when taking notes. Avoid overusing it in casual chat, as it can sound overly formal; for friends, 'Donc, tu dis que...' is fine.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Je pense que nous devrions reporter la réunion à la semaine prochaine.
I think we should postpone the meeting to next week.ʒə pɑ̃s kə nu də.vʁi.jɔ̃ ʁə.pɔʁ.te la ʁe.y.njɔ̃ a la sə.mɛn pʁɔ.ʃɛnDonc, vous dites que la réunion de cette semaine est annulée ?
So you're saying that this week's meeting is cancelled?dɔ̃k vu dit kə la ʁe.y.njɔ̃ də sɛt sə.mɛn ɛ a.ny.leOui, c'est ça. Nous la ferons la semaine prochaine.
Yes, that's right. We'll do it next week.wi sɛ sa. nu la fə.ʁɔ̃ la sə.mɛn pʁɔ.ʃɛnD'accord, merci de clarifier. Je note cela.
Okay, thanks for clarifying. I'll note that.da.kɔʁ mɛʁ.si də kla.ʁi.fje. ʒə nɔt sə.laA little context goes a long way
In French conversation, repeating back information is seen as a sign of active listening and professionalism, but it can be perceived as redundant if overused. In formal contexts, using 'vous' and phrases like 'Si je comprends bien' shows respect. In informal settings, 'tu' is appropriate. Regional differences are minimal, but in Quebec, 'tu dis que' is common; in Belgium and Switzerland, similar structures apply.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Donc, vous dites que...' with a close friend or family member, which can sound distant.
Try this instead: With friends or family, use the informal 'Donc, tu dis que...' instead. For example, 'Donc, tu dis que tu ne viens pas ce soir ?' (So you're saying you're not coming tonight?)
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you formally repeat back: 'The deadline is next Monday' to a boss?
Show a sample answer
Donc, vous dites que la date limite est lundi prochain.
This uses 'vous' and the standard pattern. Alternatively, 'Si je comprends bien, la date limite est lundi prochain' is also correct.
2What is the informal way to say 'So you're saying that you're tired?' to a friend?
Show a sample answer
Donc, tu dis que tu es fatigué ?
This uses 'tu' and the informal structure. Note the adjective agreement: 'fatigué' for masculine, 'fatiguée' for feminine.
3Rephrase 'You mean that the train is late?' using 'Vous voulez dire que...'.
Show a sample answer
Vous voulez dire que le train est en retard ?
This phrase is slightly more direct but still polite. It's used when seeking confirmation of an implication.
Use 'Donc, vous dites que...' (formal) or 'Donc, tu dis que...' (informal) to repeat back and confirm understanding, preventing misunderstandings before they occur.
Progress is saved on this browser.
Practice real time conversations on Yapr for faster learning.
Put today’s French into a conversation with an AI tutor. Speak, make mistakes, and try again.
Practice on Yapr