Learning French: what does franchement mean and when should it be used?

Franchement, we are not exaggerating when we say this word is an excellent, easy way to level up your spontaneous French conversations. 

This adverb is used to show that a statement or situation is frank, evident, and/or urgent.

We look at the range of emotions this word can express, explain how to use it and highlight more synonyms for everyday French exchanges.

What does franchement mean?

This useful adverb literally translates as: frankly.

Franchement can be used in three slightly different contexts, which may or may not overlap:

• To express that something should happen with determination and without hesitation

• To show that something is obvious and unquestionable

• To suggest that something is open and sincere 

Depending on the scenario, this word can act as a way of enhancing or intensifying a range of emotional reactions, including frustration, despair or surprise.

Synonyms include:

• Honnêtement - Honestly 

• Sérieusement - Seriously 

• Vraiment - Really

• Absolument - Absolutely

• Carrément - Downright

• Totalement - Totally

• Complètement - Completely

• Décisivement - Decisively

• Sans aucun doute - Unquestionably 

Read also: Learning French: from tout de suite to toot sweet

When do you say franchement?

It can be used as a standalone reaction or can be added to a statement to increase the intensity of emotional responses, such as:

Despair:

• Franchement, je n'en peux plus. - Frankly, I cannot take anymore of this.

Anger:

• Vous me parlez comme si je ne valais franchement rien. - You are speaking to me like I am downright worthless.

Skepticism:

• Vous n'êtes pas sérieux, franchement. - You cannot actually be serious, for goodness sake. 

Surprise:

• Franchement, cette glace est meilleure que ce à quoi je m'attendais. - Honestly, this ice cream is better than I expected it would be.

Honesty:

• À mon avis, tu devrais franchement quitter ton petit ami. - In my opinion, you should break up with your boyfriend without hesitation. 

Franchement can even be framed as a question, much like you might ask, ‘for real’ or ‘are you kidding me,’ in English:

• Statement: Je crois que j'ai oublié mon portefeuille dans le bus. - I think I left my wallet on the bus.

• Response: Franchement ? - Are you for real?

You might also say this word while someone else is speaking to show that you are engaged with the story they are telling.

Read also: Seven words you will often hear in spoken French

To whom do you say franchement?

It is considered neutral language that can be used in a range of situations to express many different emotions, although it can sometimes come across as slightly informal.

It can be used with friends and family during honest conversations, or said to colleagues when showing frustration.

Franchement is mainly heard as a filler word in spontaneous conversation, but you might also see it written down in letters or message exchanges. 

Read also: Learning French: what does dis donc mean and when should it be used?