One of the trickiest aspects of the language can be mastering French prepositions.
The French preposition chez is used to indicate that someone is “at” a particular place, but its usefulness extends far beyond that simple definition.
Throughout this post, we’ll examine the meanings and applications of chez in French, focusing on its use to indicate location, relationship, and ownership.
So, let’s dive in and discover the many dimensions of this little word!
Meaning of Chez in French
We use the preposition chez to say ‘to’ or ‘at’ someone’s house or place of work.
Most often it is used in the expression chez moi to mean ‘at my house’, ‘to my house’ or ‘at home’.
- “At the house of” or “at the home of” someone:
In this context, “chez” indicates the place where someone lives or where they are staying temporarily.
For example:
Je vais chez mes grands-parents ce week-end.
I’m going to my grandparents’ house this weekend.
or
Elle est chez elle.
She is at her home.
- “At the office of” or “at the workplace of”
“Chez” can also indicate the location of someone’s workplace or office.
Je travaille chez Microsoft.
I work at Microsoft.
or
Elle est chez le médecin.
She is at the doctor’s office.
- “In the store of” or “at the shop of” someone:
“Chez” can also indicate the location of a store or shop.
Je vais chez le boulanger.
I’m going to the baker’s.
or
Je suis chez le coiffeur.
I’m at the hairdresser’s.
- “Among” or “with”:
In this context, “chez” is used to indicate a group of people or a community.
Chez les français, on mange souvent du fromage.
Among the French, people often eat cheese.
or
Chez les jeunes, on aime beaucoup la musique.
With young people, music is very popular.
- “In the case of” or “concerning”
“Chez” can also indicate a situation or condition.
Chez les personnes âgées, la santé est souvent fragile.
In the case of elderly people, health is often fragile.
or
Chez les sportifs, la récupération est très importante.
Concerning athletes, recovery is very important.
- Referring to someone’s character
C’est un problème chez Paul.
That’s a problem for Paul.
- in the work of someone
chez Picasso
In Picasso’s art.
Overall, the preposition chez can have different meanings in French, depending on the context in which it is used. It is a versatile word that can be used to indicate location, community, and even a situation or condition.
What is the difference between à and chez?
Many French learners aren’t sure which preposition to use to indicate location. Both prepositions, a and chez, can be used in that purpose, but they are used in different ways.
So, let’s compare the two.
“À” is a more general preposition that can indicate location, direction, time, manner, or purpose. It can refer to a place where something or someone is located without implying ownership or any relationship to it.
For example
Je vais à la plage.
I’m going to the beach.
or
Le chat est à côté de la fenêtre.
The cat is next to the window.
On the other hand, chez is more specific and implies a relationship or connection with the location. It refers to the location where the individual resides or is employed or a place where they frequently visit.
Je vais chez ma grand-mère.
I’m going to my grandmother’s house.
or
Je travaille chez Google.
I work at Google.
Although both à and chez can be used to indicate a location, chez suggests a closer relationship or connection with the place, whereas à is a more general preposition that can be used to refer to any location.
Je vais à la plage.
I’m going to the beach.
Le chat est à côté de la fenêtre.
The cat is next to the window.
Je vais chez ma grand-mère.
I’m going to my grandmother’s house.
Je travaille chez Google.
I work at Google.
Je vais à la bibliothèque.
I’m going to the library.
Il habite chez ses parents.
He lives with his parents.
Elle est à l’école.
She’s at school.
Nous allons chez le médecin.
We’re going to the doctor’s office.
Le chat est à la maison.
The cat is at home.
Il a acheté des fleurs chez le fleuriste.
He bought flowers at the florist’s.
Learn more about French Preposition à.
All Variations of French Preposition Chez
In conclusion, understanding the meaning of the preposition chez and how to use it correctly in French can greatly enhance your language skills.
Chez is a versatile preposition that can indicate location, relationship, and ownership.
By mastering the differences between à and chez, you’ll be able to communicate more effectively in a variety of situations.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, keep practicing and exploring the French language to unlock all its possibilities!
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