What does dans in French mean?

What is the meaning of the word dans in French? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use dans in French.

The word dans in French means in, in, in [X's work], among, during, in, in, around, a tear-jerker of a, in your element, agree wholeheartedly with, act in the interests of, work in the shadows, operate behind the scenes, do with good intentions, act with good intentions, fetch, head in the right direction, agree with, be heading for disaster, go far in life, arrive like a bull in a china-shop, It's like looking for a needle in a haystack, It's like pissing into the wind, have an idea that + [verb], have under your skin, have in your soul, have in your sights, have it in for, be in your blood, be underfoot, be single-minded, have contacts in the world, have contacts in the field of, have pins and needles in your legs, have a stake in , have a financial interest in, have heavy legs, be tightfisted, be in a bad way, be in a bad state, have a good head on your shoulders, be three sheets to the wind, be famished, be ravenous, feel groggy, feel drowsy, be half asleep, be dozy, have your nose to the grindstone, be so focused on that you can no longer see the big picture, feel groggy, feel drowsy, have your head in the clouds, be able to judge size by sight, be able to judge distance by sight, be down in the dumps, have your nose in a book, have your nose stuck in a book, be lacking in get up and go, have more than one trick up your sleeve, be stuck-up, have a skeleton in the closet, have a thorn in your side, have a frog in your throat, be drunk, have one foot in the grave, never do a stroke of work, have a bun in the oven, have a slight squint, be swimming in oil, go swimmingly, go down in 's estimation, fall in the polls, drop in the polls, content, happy, calm, serene, tranquil, put a date in your diary, reserve a date in your datebook, sulk in a corner, compete at your own level, be shaky, be on shaky ground, dither, shine in society, grandstand, excel in an area, excel in a field, clip 's wings, rub up the right way, that's the way it goes, that's just how it is, that's just the way things are, It's in the bag, Got it, It's in the can, it's in the bag!, it's when you fall on hard times that you find out who your friends are, Experience always wins the day, that's something I can do, it's a drop in the ocean, it is a storm in a teacup, it clicked, it suddenly clicked, everything's just fine, It sends shivers down your spine, it keeps churning around in my head, it fits in your hand, rub up the right way, butter up to, I can't afford it, it hasn't fallen on deaf ears, mess up, die on, die in 's arms, die on, die on, close in the green, give a punch in the face, punch in the face, like a bull in a china shop, like a bull in a china shop, in your element, bask in, caught up in, reaffirm 's, validate your decision. To learn more, please see the details below.

Listen to pronunciation

Meaning of the word dans

in

préposition (à l'intérieur d'un lieu)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
La voiture est dans le garage.
The car is in the garage.

in

préposition (indique le contenu)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
Dans ce potage, il y a de la tomate.
There's tomato in this soup.

in [X's work]

préposition (indique le contenu d'une œuvre)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
Dans Proust, il est beaucoup question de souvenirs.
It's always about memory with Proust!

among

préposition (parmi)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
Il a des artistes dans ses connaissances.
Among his acquaintances are several artists.

during

préposition (au cours de)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
Je ferai les courses dans la journée.
I'll do the shopping at some point during the day.

in

préposition (d'ici) (time)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
Nous sortons de cours dans deux heures.
We get out of class in two hours.

in

préposition (indique le but de l'action) (purpose)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
Les hommes politiques devraient agir dans l'intérêt général.
Politicians are supposed to act in the public interest.

around

préposition (populaire (environ) (approximation)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")
Cette valise pèse dans les quarante kilos.
This case weighs around 80 pounds.

a tear-jerker of a

locution adjectivale (figuré, familier (très triste) (informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Pour ne pas que le prof le dispute, l'élève a sorti une histoire à faire pleurer dans les chaumières.

in your element

locution adverbiale (être bien dans sa peau)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Le nouveau a l'air d'être à l'aise dans ses baskets à ce poste.

agree wholeheartedly with

(soutenir le point de vue de [qqn])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Il n'a pas d'opinion personnelle et abonde toujours dans le sens de son frère.

act in the interests of

locution verbale (faire [qch] pour aider)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

work in the shadows, operate behind the scenes

locution verbale (ne pas se manifester) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

do with good intentions, act with good intentions

locution verbale (penser bien faire)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
En réunissant tout le monde, malgré les différends, ils ont agi dans une bonne intention.

fetch

locution verbale (familier (coûter) (price)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Une voiture de sport comme ça, ça peut aller chercher dans les 200 000 €.
That type of sports car can fetch up to two hundred thousand euros.

head in the right direction

locution verbale (suivre la bonne voie)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

agree with

(dire la même chose)

be heading for disaster

(figuré (se diriger vers un échec)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Tu vas droit dans le mur si tu rates encore tes examens !

go far in life

locution verbale (avoir un avenir radieux)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

arrive like a bull in a china-shop

locution verbale (figuré (être mal reçu) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

It's like looking for a needle in a haystack

(expression d'une grande difficulté) (figurative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Cela va nous prendre une éternité : autant chercher une aiguille dans une botte de foin !
This is going to take us forever; it's like looking for a needle in a haystack!

It's like pissing into the wind

(Cela ne sert à rien.) (vulgar)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

have an idea that + [verb]

locution verbale (penser que)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
J'ai dans l'idée que ce film va connaître un grand succès.

have under your skin

locution verbale (figuré (être très amoureux de [qqn])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. I've got you under my skin…

have in your soul

locution verbale (posséder) (rhythm, music)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ce batteur a le rythme dans la peau.
ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. He's got rhythm in his soul.

have in your sights

locution verbale (surveiller de près)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Depuis la grève, le directeur a le dirigeant syndical dans le collimateur.

have it in for

locution verbale (figuré (ne pas aimer [qqn], lui en vouloir)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Je crois que le patron m'a dans le nez : il n'arrête pas de me faire des remarques désobligeantes. Ma collègue m'a dans le nez depuis que j'ai renversé un peu de café sur sa chemise sans faire exprès.

be in your blood

locution verbale (figuré (être fait, doué pour [qch]) (figurative, subject/object inversion)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Je suis un bon golfeur : j'ai ça dans le sang !
I'm a good golfer; it's in my blood!

be underfoot

locution verbale (familier (être gêné par la présence de [qqn]) (figurative: subject-object inversion)

J'en ai marre de t'avoir dans les pattes pendant que je cuisine : va jouer dans le salon !
I'm fed up of you being underfoot while I'm cooking; go and play in the living room!

be single-minded

locution verbale (être déterminé)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have contacts in the world, have contacts in the field of

locution verbale (connaître du monde dans un milieu)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Elle a des accointances dans le milieu littéraire.
She has contacts in the literary world.

have pins and needles in your legs

locution verbale (ressentir des picotements aux jambes)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Elle a des fourmis dans les jambes parce qu'elle est restée trop longtemps assise en tailleur.

have a stake in , have a financial interest in

locution verbale (être intéressé par la réussite de [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ce pays a des intérêts dans l'industrie pétrolière de son voisin, ce qui affecte la géopolitique.

have heavy legs

locution verbale (avoir des soucis de circulation)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be tightfisted

locution verbale (familier (être radin, avare)

be in a bad way, be in a bad state

locution verbale (familier (être mal en point)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ce projet a du plomb dans l'aile !

have a good head on your shoulders

locution verbale (être responsable)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be three sheets to the wind

locution verbale (familier (être ivre) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Paul avait du vent dans les voiles hier en fin de soirée.

be famished, be ravenous

locution verbale (figuré (être très affamé)

feel groggy, feel drowsy

locution verbale (figuré, familier (avoir mal à la tête)

be half asleep, be dozy

locution verbale (vulgaire (ne pas être bien réveillé)

Le matin, quand j'ai la tête dans le cul, il ne faut pas me parler.

have your nose to the grindstone

locution verbale (figuré (être focalisé sur sa tâche) (informal, figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be so focused on that you can no longer see the big picture

locution verbale (figuré (ne pas prendre assez de recul)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

feel groggy, feel drowsy

locution verbale (familier, figuré (avoir mal à la tête)

have your head in the clouds

locution verbale (figuré (être rêveur, pensif) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be able to judge size by sight, be able to judge distance by sight

locution verbale (figuré (savoir mesurer de visu)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be down in the dumps

locution verbale (familier (être négatif, abattu)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have your nose in a book, have your nose stuck in a book

locution verbale (figuré (être accaparé par ses cours)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be lacking in get up and go

locution verbale (familier, figuré (être empêtré)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have more than one trick up your sleeve

locution verbale (figuré (avoir de la ressource) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be stuck-up

locution verbale (vulgaire (être très guindé) (informal)

Ce type a un balai dans le cul : impossible de lui arracher le moindre sourire !

have a skeleton in the closet

locution verbale (cacher un secret non reluisant) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have a thorn in your side

locution verbale (avoir [qch] qui dérange, qui gêne)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have a frog in your throat

locution verbale (figuré (être enroué) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
J'ai certainement pris froid, j'ai un chat dans la gorge.

be drunk

locution verbale (familier (être ivre)

have one foot in the grave

locution verbale (familier, péjoratif (être près de mourir)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

never do a stroke of work

locution verbale (familier (être fainéant)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have a bun in the oven

locution verbale (argot (être enceinte) (colloquial, figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
J'ai vu Annick hier, à mon avis, elle a un polichinelle dans le tiroir.

have a slight squint

locution verbale (figuré (loucher)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Presque tous les nouveau-nés ont une coquetterie dans l'œil.

be swimming in oil

locution verbale (péjoratif (reposer dans trop d'huile) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Nous n'aimons pas les pâtes qui baignent dans l'huile.

go swimmingly

locution verbale (figuré, familier (se dérouler sans accroc) (figurative)

Pour une fois que tout baigne dans l'huile, réjouissons-nous !

go down in 's estimation

locution verbale (être moins apprécié)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

fall in the polls, drop in the polls

locution verbale (avoir moins d'opinions favorables.)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

content, happy

locution adjectivale (épanoui)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Cette école cherche à produire des élèves bien dans leur peau. Malgré toutes les épreuves que j'ai vécues, je suis maintenant bien dans ma peau.

calm, serene, tranquil

locution adjectivale (serein) (mental state)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

put a date in your diary, reserve a date in your datebook

locution verbale (réserver une date)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

sulk in a corner

locution verbale (s'isoler par amertume)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Et tu vas bouder dans ton coin comme ça encore longtemps ?

compete at your own level

locution verbale (figuré (évoluer à son niveau) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be shaky

locution verbale (être instable)

be on shaky ground

locution verbale (figuré (être dans une situation précaire) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

dither

locution verbale (Can (être irrésolu)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

shine in society

locution verbale (figuré (se distinguer en société)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

grandstand

locution verbale (figuré (épater la galerie)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

excel in an area, excel in a field

locution verbale (figuré (être excellent en [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

clip 's wings

locution verbale (restreindre une avancée)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

rub up the right way

(figuré (flatter)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Butter him up before asking for a raise.

that's the way it goes, that's just how it is, that's just the way things are

(c'est normal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

It's in the bag

(familier (C'est réussi.) (colloquial)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Got it

(familier (La photo est prise.) (photography)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

It's in the can

(familier (Cinéma : la scène est bonne) (filmmaking, dated)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it's in the bag!

(familier (c'est réussi) (colloquial)

it's when you fall on hard times that you find out who your friends are

(les amis répondent quand il faut)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
L'épreuve est difficile mais Pierre sait que c'est dans le besoin que l'on reconnaît ses amis ; il sait qu'il aura de l'aide.

Experience always wins the day

(les vieilles méthodes sont mieux)

that's something I can do

(figuré (c'est dans mon domaine de compétences)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it's a drop in the ocean

(figuré (c'est négligeable)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Cette mesure ridicule est une goutte d'eau dans la mer.

it is a storm in a teacup

(c'est insignifiant) (UK)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it clicked, it suddenly clicked

(familier (j'ai enfin compris) (informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ma fille et mon gendre faisaient des allusions aux nouveau-nés et tout à coup, ça a fait tilt dans ma tête, ma fille était enceinte.

everything's just fine

(familier, figuré (tout va bien)

It sends shivers down your spine

(expression d'angoisse, de peur)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it keeps churning around in my head

(figuré (je ne peux pas y réfléchir sereinement) (colloquial)

it fits in your hand

(c'est petit et pratique)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

rub up the right way, butter up to

locution verbale (figuré, familier (dire ce que l'autre veut entendre)

I can't afford it

(c'est trop cher)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it hasn't fallen on deaf ears

(c'est bien compris) (colloquial)

mess up

locution verbale (très familier (merder, faire une erreur) (informal)

(phrasal verb, intransitive: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning and not taking direct object--for example, "make up" [=reconcile]: "After they fought, they made up.")
Putain, sur ce coup-là, t'as vraiment chié dans la colle ! Comment est-ce qu'on va rattraper le coup maintenant ?

die on

(familier (casser lors de l'usage par [qqn]) (figurative)

(phrasal verb, transitive, inseparable: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning, not divisible--for example,"go with" [=combine nicely]: "Those red shoes don't go with my dress." NOT [S]"Those red shoes don't go my dress with."[/S])

die in 's arms

locution verbale (familier (mourir dans les bras de [qqn])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

die on

(argot (mourir en présence de [qqn]) (informal)

(phrasal verb, transitive, inseparable: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning, not divisible--for example,"go with" [=combine nicely]: "Those red shoes don't go with my dress." NOT [S]"Those red shoes don't go my dress with."[/S])

die on

locution verbale (chose : échouer, avorter) (informal, figurative)

(phrasal verb, transitive, inseparable: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning, not divisible--for example,"go with" [=combine nicely]: "Those red shoes don't go with my dress." NOT [S]"Those red shoes don't go my dress with."[/S])

close in the green

locution verbale (figuré (Bourse : finir à la hausse) (stocks)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

give a punch in the face, punch in the face

(vulgaire (frapper [qqn] au visage)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

like a bull in a china shop

locution adjectivale (maladroit)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

like a bull in a china shop

locution adverbiale (avec maladresse)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

in your element

locution adverbiale (très à l'aise)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

bask in

verbe pronominal (être satisfait d'une situation) ([sth] good)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Certains se complaisent dans le farniente, d'autres pas.

caught up in

adjectif (mouillé, impliqué)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Cette ministre est compromise dans un scandale financier.
That minister is caught up in a financial scandal.

reaffirm 's

(soutenir)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Leurs commentaires me confortent dans l'idée que j'avais d'elle. La situation actuelle me conforte dans l'idée que j'ai fait le bon choix.
The current situation strengthens my belief that I made the right choice.

validate your decision

(renforcer l'opinion de [qqn])

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So now that you know more about the meaning of dans in French, you can learn how to use them through selected examples and how to read them. And remember to learn the related words that we suggest. Our website is constantly updating with new words and new examples so you can look up the meanings of other words you don't know in French.

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French (le français) is a Romance language. Like Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, it comes from popular Latin, once used in the Roman Empire. A French-speaking person or country can be called a "Francophone". French is the official language in 29 countries. French is the fourth most spoken native language in the European Union. French ranks third in the EU, after English and German, and is the second most widely taught language after English. The majority of the world's French-speaking population lives in Africa, with about 141 million Africans from 34 countries and territories who can speak French as a first or second language. French is the second most widely spoken language in Canada, after English, and both are official languages at the federal level. It is the first language of 9.5 million people or 29% and the second language of 2.07 million people or 6% of the entire population of Canada. In contrast to other continents, French has no popularity in Asia. Currently, no country in Asia recognizes French as an official language.