Learning French: the origins and meaning of faire fissa
Chop-chop, hurry up, get a move on…
You might say fissa when you are running late and need to do something quickly
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The French language features several words and phrases that have been picked up from other languages.
Arabic has a particular influence, due to France’s long history of colonisation in North Africa, especially Algeria, and immigration from these countries.
We look at the meaning behind one such word, fissa, and share more informal ways of telling someone to hurry up.
Read also: 12 Arabic words and expressions used in French
What does faire fissa mean?
This informal saying literally translates as: to do quickly.
It is used to suggest someone should hurry up and stop moving so slowly, either in a sense of panic or excitement.
More casual synonyms include:
You will also hear simply fissa on its own as an adverb meaning: pronto, sharpish or quick quick.
What are the origins of faire fissa?
This phrase was used by French soldiers in North-African in the 19th Century and gradually became an expression used in France.
It stems from the arab fī l-sāa, which is built from two words: fi (in) and saa (time).
Read also: Learning French: the meaning of râler and more moaning synonyms
When do you say faire fissa?
Use this saying to suggest that someone should get a move on:
Fissa can also be used as a stand alone term:
Read also: Learning French: what does c’est parti mean and when should it be used?
To whom do you say faire fissa?
It is casual, slang language that can be used with friends and family.
You will mainly hear this in spoken French but could also see it written in casual message exchanges.
More formal alternatives are: dépêchez-vous or accélérez.
If you would like us to explain a particular word or expression, or if you have any other Learning French suggestions, let us know at: feedback@connexionfrance.com
