A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "That's funny" in French
The go-to French phrase for when something strikes you as amusing, witty, or just plain odd.
C'est drôle.
seh DROHLneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you hear a joke, see something unexpected, or someone says something clever. It works for both genuinely funny things and things that are a bit strange or quirky.
Alternatives
- C'est marrant.Slightly more casual, often used among friends.
- C'est amusant.A bit more formal or polite, for something mildly amusing.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 't' in 'C'est'
The 't' in 'C'est' is silent; it's pronounced 'seh', not 'set'.
The French 'r' sound
The 'r' in 'drôle' is guttural, made in the back of the throat, not like the English 'r'.
A small cultural note
While 'drôle' can mean 'funny', it can also mean 'strange' or 'odd'. Context is key to understanding the speaker's intent.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
When do I use C'est drôle vs C'est marrant?
C'est drôle is more standard and can cover a wider range of amusement, from a good joke to something quirky. C'est marrant is a bit more informal and often used for things that are amusingly silly.
Is C'est drôle like 'that's weird' in English?
Yes, it can be! Depending on the tone and context, 'C'est drôle' can express that something is amusingly odd or just plain strange.
How do I say something is *very* funny?
You can say 'C'est très drôle' for 'It's very funny'. For something hilarious, you might hear 'C'est hilarant!' or 'C'est à mourir de rire!' (It's to die laughing).
