regarder des vie
to regarder a life
Wörtlich: to watch lives
Use this to describe the peaceful, passive act of observing people in public spaces or online.
In 15 Sekunden
- The French art of people-watching from a distance.
- Commonly done while sitting at a café terrace.
- Observing others' lives without any judgment or interaction.
Bedeutung
It is the art of people-watching. You sit back and observe the world and the people in it without getting involved.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6At a café with a friend
On s'assoit ici pour regarder des vies ?
Shall we sit here to watch lives?
Talking about social media habits
Je passe trop de temps à regarder des vies sur Instagram.
I spend too much time watching lives on Instagram.
A writer explaining their inspiration
L'écrivain s'installe au parc pour regarder des vies.
The writer settles in the park to watch lives.
Kultureller Hintergrund
This phrase is deeply tied to the French 'terrasse' culture. In France, sitting for hours to watch the world go by is considered a valid and sophisticated way to spend an afternoon. It reflects the value placed on observation and 'joie de vivre' over constant productivity.
The One-Coffee Rule
In France, you can order one coffee and sit for hours to 'regarder des vies'. The waiter won't rush you!
Don't be a 'Voyeur'
There is a fine line between observing and staring. Keep it natural and avoid looking like you are spying.
In 15 Sekunden
- The French art of people-watching from a distance.
- Commonly done while sitting at a café terrace.
- Observing others' lives without any judgment or interaction.
What It Means
Imagine sitting at a busy Parisian café. You have your espresso and plenty of time. You watch people walk, talk, and laugh. That is regarder des vies. It is about being a quiet observer. You are watching the "lives" of others unfold. It is not about judging them. It is about appreciating the human spectacle.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase very simply. Pair it with aimer or vouloir. For example, Je veux juste regarder des vies. It functions as a hobby or a pastime. You can also use it for digital life. Watching "Stories" on your phone is a modern version. It is a passive, peaceful activity.
When To Use It
This is perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Use it when you are at a park. Use it when you are people-watching at the airport. It fits any moment where you are still. It is a great way to describe relaxing. You are simply soaking in the atmosphere.
When NOT To Use It
Be careful not to sound like a creep. Do not use it if you are spying. It is for public spaces, not private windows. Avoid using it in high-pressure work environments. It sounds a bit too relaxed for a board meeting. You do not want to seem lazy at work.
Cultural Background
France has a long history of the "flâneur". This is a person who wanders and observes. The café culture is built for this. You pay for a seat, not just coffee. You are paying for the right to watch. It is a respected form of meditation.
Common Variations
You will often hear regarder les gens. Another poetic version is regarder la vie passer. If you are on social media, you might say scroller des vies. All of them capture that same curious spirit. It is about the beauty of the mundane.
Nutzungshinweise
The phrase is grammatically simple but culturally rich. Always ensure you use the plural 'vies' when referring to the collective experience of many people.
The One-Coffee Rule
In France, you can order one coffee and sit for hours to 'regarder des vies'. The waiter won't rush you!
Don't be a 'Voyeur'
There is a fine line between observing and staring. Keep it natural and avoid looking like you are spying.
The Flâneur Spirit
This phrase is the modern cousin of 'flâner'. It is about the joy of being a nameless face in a crowd.
Beispiele
6On s'assoit ici pour regarder des vies ?
Shall we sit here to watch lives?
A classic invitation to people-watch at a terrace.
Je passe trop de temps à regarder des vies sur Instagram.
I spend too much time watching lives on Instagram.
A modern application of the phrase for digital scrolling.
L'écrivain s'installe au parc pour regarder des vies.
The writer settles in the park to watch lives.
Shows the phrase used in a more artistic or professional context.
Mon chat adore regarder des vies par la fenêtre.
My cat loves watching lives through the window.
A humorous way to describe a pet looking outside.
C'est fascinant de simplement s'arrêter et regarder des vies.
It's fascinating to simply stop and watch lives.
Used to express a deeper appreciation for humanity.
Dimanche : café, soleil, et regarder des vies.
Sunday: coffee, sun, and watching lives.
Short and punchy for a casual text message.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence with the correct verb for people-watching.
J'aime aller au parc pour ___ des vies.
The phrase 'regarder des vies' specifically refers to the act of watching or observing.
Choose the correct article for the plural 'vies'.
Elle passe des heures sur son balcon à regarder ___ vies.
Since 'vies' is plural, you must use the plural indefinite article 'des'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Ways to Say People-Watching
Staring or checking people out.
Mater les gens
Casual people-watching with friends.
Regarder des vies
Observing passersby politely.
Observer les passants
Philosophical contemplation of life.
Contempler l'existence
Where to 'Regarder des Vies'
Café Terrace
With an espresso
Park Bench
On a sunny day
Airport
While waiting for a flight
Social Media
Scrolling through stories
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenIt literally translates to 'to watch lives'. It refers to observing the daily activities of strangers.
Yes, it is common in casual conversation, especially when describing a relaxing day out.
Absolutely. It is frequently used to describe the act of watching people's daily updates on apps like Instagram.
No, as long as you are in a public space and not staring intensely at one specific person.
It is pronounced roughly like [re-gar-day day vee].
Yes, regarder la vie means 'watching life' in a more general, philosophical sense.
It is neutral to informal. It is safe to use with friends or in casual writing.
Observer sounds more clinical or scientific, while regarder des vies sounds more poetic and relaxed.
Only if you are on a break. It implies you are not currently busy with work.
The verb mater is slang for staring or watching someone, but it can be a bit more aggressive.
Verwandte Redewendungen
faire du lèche-vitrine
observer les passants
flâner
passer le temps
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