Meaning of "Chez" in French

"Chez" is a common French preposition that English speakers often find tricky. Let's explore its meaning and usage to help you use it confidently in your French conversations.

Basic Meaning

"Chez" primarily translates to "at the home of" or "at the place of" in English. It's used to indicate location, specifically referring to someone's home or business.

Common Uses

Referring to Someone's Home

• Je vais chez Marie. (I'm going to Marie's house.)
• Il est chez ses parents. (He's at his parents' house.)

Referring to a Business

• Je travaille chez Apple. (I work at Apple.)
• On a dîné chez Paul. (We had dinner at Paul's restaurant.)

Idiomatic Expressions

"Chez" is also used in several idiomatic expressions:

• Chez nous (At our place/In our country)
• Chez moi (At my place/In my opinion)

Tips for Usage

1. "Chez" is always followed by a person or a name, never an object.
2. It can be used with pronouns: chez moi, chez toi, chez lui, etc.
3. When referring to your own home, use "chez moi" instead of "à ma maison."

Remember, mastering "chez" will make your French sound more natural and fluent. Practice using it in different contexts to become comfortable with this versatile preposition.