1. "So" as an expression of agreement or understanding:
* Donc: This is the most common translation of "so" in this sense. It means "therefore" or "thus" and is used to introduce a conclusion or consequence.
* Alors: This is another possible translation, meaning "so" or "well then."
Example:
* English: "I'm tired, so I'm going to bed."
* French: "Je suis fatigué, donc je vais me coucher." or "Je suis fatigué, alors je vais me coucher."
2. "So" as an intensifier:
* Tellement: This means "so" or "very" and is used to emphasize a word or phrase.
* Si: This also means "so" or "very" and is used to emphasize a word or phrase, especially when it is followed by an adjective or adverb.
Example:
* English: "It's so hot today!"
* French: "Il fait tellement chaud aujourd'hui!" or "Il fait si chaud aujourd'hui!"
3. "So" as a conjunction:
* Donc: This can also be used as a conjunction, meaning "so" or "therefore."
* Ainsi: This means "so" or "thus" and is used to introduce a result or consequence.
Example:
* English: "She studied hard, so she passed the exam."
* French: "Elle a beaucoup étudié, donc elle a réussi l'examen." or "Elle a beaucoup étudié, ainsi elle a réussi l'examen."
4. "So" as an interjection:
* Alors: This means "so" or "well" and is used to express surprise, agreement, or to start a conversation.
Example:
* English: "So, what are you doing this weekend?"
* French: "Alors, que fais-tu ce week-end?"
It's important to consider the context of the sentence to choose the most appropriate translation for "so" in French.