comme

Comme is a common French word that functions as both a conjunction and a preposition. It covers several related ideas—similarity, role, and cause—and appears in a wide range of expressions. It is among the most frequent function words in French, used in both speech and writing.

As a conjunction, comme often introduces a reason or justification, roughly equivalent to since or because. For example, Comme il pleut, nous restons à la maison. It can also introduce a comparison in the sense of "as" or "like," as in Elle chante comme un rossignol. In addition, as with other subordinating conjunctions, comme can start clauses that express a circumstance, condition, or manner, including forms with comme si (as if).

As a preposition, comme can indicate function or role, positioning itself before a noun to express "as" or "in the capacity of." For instance, Il travaille comme médecin means "He works as a doctor." It is also used in phrases indicating a standard or manner of doing something, such as faire quelque chose comme il faut (do something properly) or agir comme prévu (act as planned).

Fixed expressions and idioms commonly involve comme. Examples include comme ci, comme ça (so-so); comme d’habitude (as usual); comme par hasard (as if by chance). The construction comme si is a standard way to form hypothetical or comparative clauses.

Translations of comme depend on context, yielding as, like, since, or because. Its versatile use across clauses and phrases makes it a foundational element of French syntax and style.