French Preposition Sur
One of the most common and versatile words in French is the preposition sur. This little word has many meanings and uses, and mastering it will greatly improve your fluency and confidence. Whether you’re talking about location, direction, or even abstract ideas, “sur” is a word you’ll encounter often.
Primary Meanings and Uses of “Sur”
| Meaning | French Example | English Translation |
| On (physical location) | Le livre est sur la table. | The book is on the table. |
| About (a topic) | C’est une conférence sur l’écologie. | It is a conference about ecology. |
| Over (above something) | L’avion survole la ville. | The plane is flying over the city. |
| On (with technology) | Il a vu le film sur Netflix. | He watched the movie on Netflix. |
| Out of (related to rates or percentages) | Trois étudiants sur dix réussissent. | Three out of ten students succeed. |
| Upon (abstract sense) | Il compte sur toi. | He is counting on you. |
Tricky Rules and Notes
1. “Sur” vs. “Dans” (On vs. In) – Many times, we need to use “dans” instead of the French preposition sur the way we would use “in” in English.
- Je suis dans le train. (I am on the train.)
- Il est dans l’avion. (He is on the plane.)
- Les enfants sont dans le bateau. (The children are on the boat.)
2. “Sur” for Percentages and Ratios
French uses “sur” to indicate ratios or percentages where English might say “out of.”
- Deux sur cinq étudiants aiment le français.
- Two out of five students like French.
3. “Sur” vs. “Au sujet de” (About)
While “sur” means “about” in certain contexts, “au sujet de” is more formal.
- C’est un livre sur les insects.
- It’s a book about insects.
4. “Sur” with Contact or Surfaces
The French preposition sur always indicates physical or figurative contact with a surface.
- Il écrit sur une feuille de papier.
- He is writing on a sheet of paper.
5. “Sur” in Idiomatic Expressions
Some expressions use the French preposition sur in ways that may seem unusual to English speakers.
- Mettre la main sur quelque chose.
- To get hold of something.
“Sur” for Requirements or Reasons
| Expression | Meaning | English Translation |
| Sur commande | On order | This product is available on order. |
| Sur rendez-vous | By appointment | The doctor sees patients by appointment. |
| Sur demande | Upon request | Additional information is available upon request. |
| Sur invitation | By invitation | The event is by invitation only. |
“Sur” for Measurements and Ratios
| French Example | English Translation |
| Un mur de cinq mètres sur trois. | A wall five meters by three. |
| Une pièce de deux sur deux. | A room two by two. |
| Trois sur cinq élèves sont présents. | Three out of five students are present. |
Verbs Commonly Followed by the French Preposition Sur
| Verb | French Example | English Translation |
| Compter sur | Je compte sur toi. | I am counting on you. |
| S’appuyer sur | Elle s’appuie sur le mur. | She is leaning against the wall. |
| Miser sur | Ils misent sur la technologie. | They are betting on technology. |
| Insister sur | Il insiste sur l’importance de l’écoute. | He insists on the importance of listening. |
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