du coup

fr
en
Change language
Translating...
so, as a result, so, then
Find language
العربية الفصحى
Arabic (Standard)
Deutsch
German
Español
Spanish
Français
French
Italiano
Italian
/dy ku/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
A common link between what has just happened and what follows from it.
Practice using du coup in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Le bus était en retard, du coup j'ai marché jusqu'au bureau.
    The bus was late, so I walked to the office.
  • J'avais oublié mes clés, du coup j'ai appelé mon voisin.
    I had forgotten my keys, so I called my neighbour.
  • Le magasin était fermé, du coup on est rentrés les mains vides.
    The shop was closed, so we came home empty-handed.
  • Il m'a expliqué le problème et, du coup, j'ai mieux compris la suite.
    He explained the problem to me and then I understood the rest better.
  • On a terminé le dossier. Du coup, qu'est-ce qu'on fait maintenant ?
    We have finished the file. So, what do we do now?

Similar words

donc
eh bien
de ce fait
alors
donc
par conséquent
en conséquence
alors
bon

Meanings

Result or consequence

cause and effect
informal
Introduces what happens as a result of the situation just mentioned, often with the immediacy of English so.

Examples

  • Le bus était en retard, du coup j'ai marché jusqu'au bureau.
    The bus was late, so I walked to the office.
  • Il pleuvait, du coup nous avons annulé le pique-nique.
    It was raining, so we cancelled the picnic.
  • Elle a raté son train, du coup elle arrivera plus tard.
    She missed her train, so she will arrive later.
  • Le magasin était fermé, du coup on est rentrés les mains vides.
    The shop was closed, so we came home empty-handed.
  • J'avais oublié mes clés, du coup j'ai appelé mon voisin.
    I had forgotten my keys, so I called my neighbour.

Similar words

donc
alors
par conséquent
de ce fait
en conséquence

Etymology

Formed from the preposition de and coup, originally referring to the immediate effect of a blow; the phrase later developed its consequence and conversational uses.

FAQ

What does du coup mean?

It usually means so or as a result, and in conversation it can simply introduce what comes next.

Is du coup formal?

No. Du coup is very common in speech and informal writing, but repeated use can sound careless in formal prose.

What is the difference between du coup and donc?

Both can mark a result, but donc is more neutral and works better in formal writing. Du coup sounds more conversational and often suggests an immediate follow-up.

How is du coup pronounced?

Du coup is pronounced /dy ku/. The final consonants are silent.

Can du coup start a question?

Yes. In informal speech, Du coup, on fait quoi ? introduces the next practical question, much like So, what do we do?

Comments & contributions

Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
Posting as a guest · Sign in
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.
Look up word or phrase...