Learning French: what does d’accord mean and when should it be used?
A handy word to express approval or agreement
This everyday term meaning 'okay' has some more informal variations such as: dacodac
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D’accord is a very common word which appears in everyday French conversations. It can show approval of an idea and indicate you are actively listening to and agreeing with someone.
It is similar to how we would use ‘okay’ in English.
We look at how it can be conjugated to express agreement and also highlight some fun or satirical variations such as dacodac.
What does d’accord mean?
D’accord comes from the verb accorder (to agree), and literally translates as ‘of agreement.’ This can apply to agreeing with someone’s opinions or ideas, as well as referring to musical ‘agreement’ and harmony of notes.
It is similar to the English words: okay or alright. However, d’accord as a standalone term is only used to express approval or agreement and cannot describe something or someone as being okay or alright.
This becomes more confusing when we reveal that d’accord can be conjugated with être (to be): je suis d’accord (I agree). You can equally show disagreement by negating the phrase to: je ne suis pas d’accord (I do not agree).
This explains why you might sometimes hear French speakers say ‘I am agree with you’ when making a direct translation into English.
Similar words to d’accord include:
Oui - Yes
Entendu - Understood
Certainement - Certainly
Okay - Okay (informal)
J'approuve - I approve
Bien sûr - Of course
Read also: Come again? Comment? When spoken French is an utter mystery
When do you say d’accord?
It can be a standalone response to a question or situation to show agreement with or approval of an opinion, feeling or proposition:
It can be used to ask if someone agrees with your idea or to verify they have understood what you are saying:
It is also an encouraging filler word to show you are actively listening to and agreeing with someone.
Variations of d’accord?
You might also come across people who use d’acc, a condensed version of d’accord. This is much less formal than d’accord and is similar to using ‘k’ instead of ‘okay’ in English.
D’acc, dac or dak are also common text message terms, usually used by young people to express approval of an idea.
A fun French equivalent to the English ‘okay dokey’ is dacodac. It is mainly used in casual spoken language but can also be used sarcastically to end a pointless argument.
D’accord also appears in other turns of phrase:
Etre d’accord - To agree with
C’est d’accord - It is settled
Se mettre d’accord - To come to an agreement
Tomber d’accord - To reach an agreement
Read also: Pk, bg, mdr: how many of these French text terms can you work out?
To whom do you say d’accord?
It is neutral language and can be used in any situation, both formal and informal. Remember, however, not to use d’acc or dacodac in formal situations.
You will find yourself sprinkling this phrase into phone conversations, everyday exchanges with strangers, administrative appointments and friendly discussions.
Read also: Mastering French linking words: D'ailleurs vs par ailleurs explained
