Learning French: the origins and meaning of piger
A slang word for measuring comprehension… that has nothing to do with pigs
Say pigé when asking someone if they have followed what you have said
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Je ne comprends pas, je ne vois pas, je ne piges pas !
Language learners are bound to be familiar with the phrase: I do not understand. It can take countless attempts and years of studying to wrap your head around vocabulary, pronunciation and different grammar rules.
We look at when to use piger to express your level of comprehension, and share some more unexpected definitions of this informal word.
What does piger mean?
Piger literally translates as ‘to understand,’ and it is an informal way of referring to someone’s comprehension of a subject or idea.
It has a similar meaning to the English terms, ‘to twig’ or ‘to cotton on’ to something.
It is often used in a ‘negative’ context, for example to imply that someone has not realised something, or failed to keep up with the evolution of a certain topic.
Similar casual synonyms include:
Capter - To get it
Tilter - To twig
Percuter - To catch on
Voir - To see
You might hear this word in sayings such as:
Read also: Learning French: what does ça te dit mean and when should it be used?
A pige can also refer to a year, although this is most often used by younger people.
It is also a term for a one-time article or commission completed by a journalist, although this is less widely-used. These freelance writers can be known as pigistes.
What are the origins of piger?
Each of these different definitions stem from the same original meaning of pige as an arbitrary unit of measurement, or a tool to estimate depth or distance.
Engineers and mechanics may use this word to describe a dipstick for checking the oil level in a car, or a measuring rod to gauge the size of a hole.
Gardeners might use a small branch to piger an equal distance between each planted seed.
Piger therefore has close ties to measurement, whether measuring the extent of your comprehension, measuring an amount to be paid per article (freelance journalist) or measuring a length of time (a year).
How do you say piger?
Some English speakers may fall into the trap of incorrectly pronouncing this word as: pig-er. As established, however, this word actually has nothing to do with pigs.
Piger could be written phonetically as: pee-jay.
Pige is pronounced: peej.
When do you say piger?
Say this when referring to someone’s understanding of something:
Question: Cette règle de grammaire française est très simple, tu piges ? - This French grammar rule is really simple, you get me?
Response: Non, j’ai pas du tout pigé. - No, I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about.
Note that the ‘n’ of negation from ‘je n’ai’ has been dropped as it is an oral expression.
Read also: Learning French: what does paumé mean and when should it be used?
You can also say this to replace the word ‘year’:
J’ai 20 piges. - I am 20 years old.
Il y a cinq piges, j'ai voyagé tout autour de l'Italie. - Five years ago, I travelled all around Italy.
Say this to refer to a single written commission or to refer to a freelance journalist:
To whom do you say piger?
When used to mean 'understand,' piger is considered informal, casual language that can be said with friends and family across all generations.
A more neutral synonym is: comprendre.
Piger is considered formal, technical language when used to refer to a measurement.
If you would like us to explain a particular word or expression, or if you have any other Learning French suggestions, let us know at: feedback@connexionfrance.com
