Learning French: c’est cadeau and other gift-themed expressions

This fun French phrase is super simple to pick up. You might go so far as to say: c’est cadeau !

It can be used to describe something very easy or free. 

We look at helpful tips to identify the difference between c’est cadeau, and c’est un cadeau. Plus, unwrap some more gift-themed expressions to use in the lead up to Christmas.

Read also: Understanding 'sentir le sapin': not so festive French idioms

What does c’est cadeau mean?

It literally translates as 'it is present' (present meaning gift). 

This casual saying is more similar, however, to the English phrase 'it is on the house'. 

You would say this if you ever receive something extra, that you were not expecting, for a small price or for free. This might be a freebie from a shop, a business, or a restaurant, and can also be referred to as a cadeau bonus (a bonus gift).

You can also use c’est cadeau to say something is extremely easy or practical, much like describing it as a piece of cake or as being as easy as pie.

When adding the un article, the meaning is a lot more literal. You would say c’est un cadeau (it is a gift), when offering a meaningful present to someone you are familiar with.

When do you say c’est cadeau?

A business might say this to describe a freebie being offered to their customers:

• Vous recevrez un sac fourre-tout avec chaque achat. C’est cadeau ! - You will receive a tote bag with every purchase. It’s a freebie!

It can also be said when offering a kind service but expecting nothing in return:

• Ne t'inquiète pas, tu n'as pas à me payer. C’est cadeau. - Don’t worry, you don’t have to pay me. It is my pleasure. 

You might use this to refer to something easy or practical:

• J'ai terminé l'examen d'anglais avec 30 minutes d'avance... c'était cadeau. - I finished the English exam with 30 minutes to spare… it was easy-peasy.

It can also describe something that is good value for money or inexpensive:

• Cette robe est à 70% de réduction. C’est cadeau. - This dress is marked at 70% off. It’s practically free.

Read also: Understanding 'faire contre mauvaise fortune bon cœur': A guide to French proverbs

To whom do you say c’est cadeau?

It is a colloquial phrase and, depending on the implied meaning, it can be used in a range of contexts.

You might hear c’est cadeau in formal situations, like when said to customers in a shop or restaurant.

You can also say it in informal settings with friends or family, for example, when describing something as being easy or inexpensive. 

When writing this in ‘text talk,’ you might see it typed as c kdo. If you sound out the letters phonetically, using the French alphabet, it sounds like c’est cadeau. 

Other cadeau expressions?

• Un cadeau empoisonné - to be more of a curse than a blessing

• La vie ne fait pas de cadeau - Life is not a free ride

• Sans se faire de cadeau - Without making any concessions

• Tu parles d'un cadeau ! - Lucky me! (ironically)

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