French word

là-dedans

Pronunciation

IPA/ladədɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adverbinside

Example

Regarde ce sac, qu'est-ce qu'il y a là-dedans ?

Look at this bag; what's inside?

Illustration for là-dedans (inside)

More examples

Tu as mis ton téléphone là-dedans ?

Did you put your phone in there?

Core concept

A visible boundary enclosing contents, with the speaker directing attention into that interior.

Common phrases

  • regarder là-dedans

    look in there

  • mettre là-dedans

    put in there

  • chercher là-dedans

    search in there

Similar words

dedans: Shows that something is located internally.
à l'intérieur: Expresses the position of something within an enclosed space.
là: Indicates the place where something is present.

Definition in French

Indique que quelque chose se trouve à l'intérieur d'un lieu ou d'un objet montré ou évoqué, souvent pour attirer l'attention sur le contenu.

Word origin

The expression is formed from là and dedans; dedans continues Old French dedenz or dedens, meaning "inside."

Usage tips

  • Là-dedans is especially natural in conversational questions about contents, while dans or à l'intérieur often suits more formal wording.

Other meanings

  • in thereadverb

Opposites

  • là-dehorsout thereadverb

Word lists with this word