En terrasse versus Sur la terrasse

White L.A2Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

En terrasse versus Sur la terrasse

Bonjour.  Can someone explain the difference?  For example, there is a Kwiziq dictée entitled (En Terrasse) but in the dictée "sur la terrasse" is used.  Merci!

Asked 3 years ago
Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Hi White,

"En terrasse" indicates a location whereas "sur la terrasse" indicates a physical presence.

Hope this helps,

Jim

CélineNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq

Bonjour White,

Here are four examples to illustrate Jim's great answer:

Ce restaurant sert 50 couverts en terrasse = this restaurant serves 50 covers on the terrace -> location

Ce restaurant se situe en bord de mer = this restaurant is located by the seaside -> location

Les tables sont sur la terrasse = the tables are on the terrace -> physical presence

La bouteille d'eau est sur la table = the water bottle is on the table -> physical presence 

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

 

White L.A2Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Merci Jim et Céline !

 Les phrases ci-dessous sont-elles correctes ?

Je voudrais une table en terrasse.  --> location 

Il faisait beau donc on a bu notre café sur la terrasse. --> physical presence  

CélineNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq

Bonjour White,

The first one is correct. The second sounds a bit as if the person is sat on the terrace itself. ;-)

sur la terrasse -> something is on the terrace 

Les enfants jouent sur la terrasse the children are playing on the terrace

Il fait beau donc j'ai mis les pots de fleurs sur la terrasse = it is sunny so I left the flower pots on the terrace 

Bonne journée !

En terrasse versus Sur la terrasse

Bonjour.  Can someone explain the difference?  For example, there is a Kwiziq dictée entitled (En Terrasse) but in the dictée "sur la terrasse" is used.  Merci!

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