cela: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighNeutral to formal; common in both spoken and written French.
Quick answer
What does “cela” mean?
French demonstrative pronoun meaning 'that' or 'this' (when referring to a previously mentioned or implied concept, object, or situation, often an abstract or non-specific thing).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
French demonstrative pronoun meaning 'that' or 'this' (when referring to a previously mentioned or implied concept, object, or situation, often an abstract or non-specific thing).
Used to refer to an indefinite or general idea, a situation, or a non-gendered/non-specific noun. Can also function as a neuter pronoun similar to English 'it' or 'that' for abstract concepts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a French word, there are no direct British/American English usage differences. However, English speakers learning French may encounter it in different frequencies based on the variety of French taught (e.g., European French vs. Canadian French).
Connotations
In European French, "cela" is perceived as slightly more formal or precise than "ça." In very formal writing, "cela" is often preferred.
Frequency
"Cela" is less frequent in informal spoken French, where "ça" dominates. In formal writing and careful speech, "cela" is common.
Grammar
How to Use “cela” in a Sentence
Cela + verb (Cela arrive.)Verb + cela (Je sais cela.)Preposition + cela (Après cela...)Cela + adjective (Cela est bon.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cela” in a Sentence
pronoun
British English
- Cela ne me regarde pas.
- Penses-tu à cela ?
- Cela suffit maintenant.
American English
- Cela me semble bizarre.
- Je vais vérifier cela.
- Cela dépend de toi.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to refer to proposals, figures, or situations discussed in meetings (e.g., 'Cela représente une augmentation de 10%').
Academic
Common in abstracts and conclusions to refer to findings or arguments (e.g., 'Cela suggère une nouvelle interprétation').
Everyday
Used to refer to general situations or objects (e.g., 'Cela m'énerve' — That annoys me).
Technical
Can refer to a system state, a result, or a parameter in documentation (e.g., 'Cela indique une erreur').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cela”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cela”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cela”
- Using 'cela' for a specific masculine/feminine noun (should use 'celui/celle').
- Overusing 'cela' in informal speech where 'ça' is more natural.
- Using 'cela' as a subject without a verb (ungrammatical).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Ça' is the informal, contracted form of 'cela.' 'Cela' is more formal and is often preferred in writing, while 'ça' is ubiquitous in spoken French.
No, 'cela' is a neuter pronoun and refers to things, ideas, or situations. To refer to people, use 'celui,' 'celle,' 'lui,' 'elle,' etc.
Use 'ceci' for something about to be mentioned or that is conceptually closer ('this'). Use 'cela' for something already mentioned or conceptually more distant ('that').
It is always singular, as it refers to a singular idea, object, or situation, even if that idea encompasses multiple things.
French demonstrative pronoun meaning 'that' or 'this' (when referring to a previously mentioned or implied concept, object, or situation, often an abstract or non-specific thing).
Cela is usually neutral to formal; common in both spoken and written french. in register.
Cela: in British English it is pronounced /sə.la/ (as pronounced by English speakers in a French context), and in American English it is pronounced /sə.ˈlɑː/ (common approximation). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Cela va sans dire (That goes without saying)”
- “Cela me fait froid dans le dos (That sends shivers down my spine)”
- “Cela ne fait rien (That doesn't matter/It's nothing)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CELA' as 'See? LA!' – pointing to something ('that') in a French context. Link it to the English 'sellar' as in 'that seals it'.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISTANCE IS ABSTRACTNESS (That which is conceptually distant or abstract is referred to by 'cela').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'cela' MOST appropriate?