What does "chez" mean in French?

"Chez" is a versatile French preposition that often confuses English speakers due to its lack of a direct equivalent. Understanding its usage is crucial for expressing various concepts in French.

Basic Meaning and Usage

"Chez" primarily means "at the home of" or "at the place of." It's commonly used to indicate someone's residence or workplace.

Examples:

• Je vais chez Marie. (I'm going to Marie's house.)
• Il travaille chez Google. (He works at Google.)

Extended Uses

In Businesses and Services

"Chez" can refer to shops, restaurants, or service providers:

• On dîne chez le restaurant italien ce soir. (We're dining at the Italian restaurant tonight.)
• Je me fais couper les cheveux chez le coiffeur. (I'm getting my hair cut at the hairdresser's.)

Cultural and Idiomatic Expressions

The preposition is also used in idiomatic expressions:

• Chez nous (In our country/region)
• Chez les Français (Among the French people)

Comparison with English

While English uses various prepositions (at, in, to) depending on context, French often simplifies this with "chez":

• I'm going to the doctor's office. → Je vais chez le médecin.
• We're staying at Paul's. → Nous restons chez Paul.

Understanding "chez" enhances your ability to express location and ownership in French naturally. Practice using it in various contexts to master this essential preposition.