ça coule de source
To hit the target
حرفيًا: It flows from the source
Use it to describe any situation or decision that is so logical it requires no further explanation.
في 15 ثانية
- Used for things that are obvious, natural, or perfectly logical.
- Translates literally to 'it flows from the source'.
- Perfect for agreeing or confirming a no-brainer decision.
المعنى
It describes something that is so obvious, logical, or natural that it requires no explanation. Think of it as saying 'it goes without saying' or 'it's a no-brainer.'
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Confirming attendance at a best friend's party
Bien sûr que je serai là, ça coule de source !
Of course I'll be there, it goes without saying!
Discussing a logical promotion at work
Elle a eu la promotion, ça coule de source vu son travail.
She got the promotion; it's only natural given her work.
Texting a partner about dinner
On va manger des crêpes ? Ça coule de source !
Are we eating crepes? It's a no-brainer!
خلفية ثقافية
The phrase originates from the natural imagery of water springs in the French countryside. It reflects the Enlightenment-era French ideal that truth and logic should be as clear and accessible as a flowing stream. It is a staple of 'Le bon sens' (common sense), a concept highly prized in French culture.
The 'No-Brainer' Alternative
If you want to sound very modern, you can use 'C'est une évidence,' but 'ça coule de source' sounds much more native and poetic.
Don't over-conjugate
While you can say 'ça coulait de source' (past), people rarely use it in the future tense. Keep it in the present for maximum impact.
في 15 ثانية
- Used for things that are obvious, natural, or perfectly logical.
- Translates literally to 'it flows from the source'.
- Perfect for agreeing or confirming a no-brainer decision.
What It Means
Imagine a mountain spring. The water flows down naturally without any effort. That is exactly what ça coule de source feels like. It describes a situation, a decision, or an idea that is perfectly logical. You use it when something is the obvious next step. It is the opposite of something forced or complicated. If you do not need to explain why something is happening, this is your phrase.
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone reaction. If a friend asks if you are coming to their birthday, say ça coule de source ! It adds a layer of warmth and certainty. You can also use it to conclude an argument. It functions like a verbal period at the end of a sentence. It is grammatically simple because it rarely changes. You do not need to conjugate it differently for people.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing plans that make perfect sense. It is great for professional settings when a solution is clear. Use it in your personal life to show loyalty. If your partner asks if you support them, this phrase is perfect. It works well when texting because it is punchy. It is also great for explaining a natural sequence of events. For example, 'I studied hard, so I passed.'
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for things that are actually debatable. If you use it for a controversial opinion, you might sound arrogant. It implies that everyone should agree with you. Avoid it in very tragic or highly emotional crises. Saying a sad event coule de source can sound cold or heartless. Also, do not use it for physical liquids. It is strictly for ideas and logic, not plumbing issues!
Cultural Background
France is a country that deeply values logic and 'Cartesian' thinking. This phrase reflects that love for clarity. It dates back to the 17th century, the era of great French philosophers. It suggests that truth is like water—pure and easy to see. It is a very common idiom that has never gone out of style. It feels timeless and sophisticated yet remains very accessible to everyone.
Common Variations
You might hear c'est d'une logique implacable for something more intense. Another common one is cela va de soi, which is slightly more formal. In very casual slang, young people might just say c'est logique. However, ça coule de source remains the most poetic and widely used version. It strikes the perfect balance between being descriptive and being concise.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any social situation. Just be careful with your tone; saying it too quickly can make it sound like you think the other person is asking a stupid question.
The 'No-Brainer' Alternative
If you want to sound very modern, you can use 'C'est une évidence,' but 'ça coule de source' sounds much more native and poetic.
Don't over-conjugate
While you can say 'ça coulait de source' (past), people rarely use it in the future tense. Keep it in the present for maximum impact.
The Cartesian Connection
French people love 'la clarté' (clarity). Using this phrase shows you appreciate the logical flow of a conversation, which is a big cultural plus!
أمثلة
6Bien sûr que je serai là, ça coule de source !
Of course I'll be there, it goes without saying!
Shows that the choice is so natural it wasn't even a question.
Elle a eu la promotion, ça coule de source vu son travail.
She got the promotion; it's only natural given her work.
Used to justify a professional outcome based on merit.
On va manger des crêpes ? Ça coule de source !
Are we eating crepes? It's a no-brainer!
Casual and enthusiastic agreement.
Tu veux gagner au loto ? Bah, ça coule de source...
Do you want to win the lottery? Well, obviously...
The tone makes it humorous and slightly biting.
L'aider dans cette épreuve, pour moi, ça coulait de source.
Helping him through this trial was the natural thing to do.
Used in the past tense to describe an instinctive moral action.
Cette conclusion coule de source après l'analyse des chiffres.
This conclusion follows naturally after the analysis of the figures.
Used to show that the data leads to only one logical end.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence about a logical result.
Il a plu toute la journée, donc le sol est mouillé, ___.
The fact that the ground is wet after rain is a logical, obvious consequence.
Which response best shows that you find a suggestion perfectly natural?
On prend un café après le déjeuner ? - Oui, ___ !
This idiom is the standard way to say something is a 'given' or 'obvious'.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality Scale of 'Ça coule de source'
Used with friends for obvious choices.
On sort ce soir ? Ça coule de source !
The sweet spot for this phrase in daily life.
C'est une décision qui coule de source.
Used in meetings to describe logical steps.
Cette stratégie coule de source.
When to say 'Ça coule de source'
Obvious Logic
1+1=2
Loyalty
Helping a sibling
Professionalism
Next project steps
Daily Habits
Coffee in the morning
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةIt literally means 'it flows from the source,' like water coming naturally from a spring.
Not usually, but if you use it to dismiss someone's valid question, it can sound a bit condescending, like saying 'Duh!'
Yes, it is very common in professional settings to describe a logical next step or a clear conclusion.
No, it is almost never used for actual liquids. It is a figurative expression for ideas and logic.
The best equivalents are 'it goes without saying,' 'it's a no-brainer,' or 'it stands to reason.'
No, the subject is almost always 'ça' or a specific situation/idea like 'Cette décision coule de source.'
No, it's a standard idiom. It is safe to use with your boss, your grandmother, or your friends.
You can say 'ça coulait de source' to describe something that was obvious at the time.
Yes, 'cela va de soi' is the more formal, slightly stiffer version of the same sentiment.
In French, 'la source' represents the origin or the purest form of something, making the logic feel 'pure' and 'natural.'
عبارات ذات صلة
Cela va de soi (It goes without saying)
C'est une évidence (It's obvious)
C'est clair comme de l'eau de roche (It's crystal clear)
Bien entendu (Of course / Naturally)
التعليقات (0)
تسجيل الدخول للتعليقابدأ تعلم اللغات مجاناً
ابدأ التعلم مجاناً