Learning French: when and why do we say sentir le sapin?
A morbid phrase to suggest the end is near
The expression does not refer to the fresh scent of Christmas trees
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Ca sent le sapin !
Nothing beats the scent of fresh fir trees as we approach the festive season, with many of us associating this smell with Christmas decorations and winter woodland walks.
Read also: Festive French phrases and words for the Christmas period
This particular sapin expression however, has very different connotations.
We look at why it could suggest death is on its way and highlight some similarly morbid phrases to add to your French idiom toolkit.
What does sentir le sapin mean?
It literally translates as to smell the fir tree.
It suggests that someone is close to death, that trouble lies ahead, or that something is nearing the end.
Similar expressions include:
Avoir un pied dans la tombe - To have one foot in the grave
Être sur le point de passer l’arme à gauche - To be on your last legs
Être sur le point de casser sa pipe - About to kick the bucket
Voir ses jours comptés - To see your days are numbered
What are the origins of sentir le sapin?
This phrase is not referring to the scent of fresh Christmas trees but rather to the smell of caskets.
In 1801, the Prefect of Paris deemed it compulsory to use coffins in France to prevent the spread of disease, as previously bodies were buried in sheets. Fir wood was one of the main materials used to create coffins at the time, as it was cheap, strong and lightweight.
The expression came about to suggest that someone might smell fir wood as they are approaching their coffin and do not have long left to live.
In the 18th Century, a coffin was even referred to as une redingote de sapin (a fir frock coat), before sentir le sapin appeared in the mid-19th Century.
Read also: Test your French with these nine expressions linked to insects
When do you say sentir le sapin?
A common variation of this phrase is: ça sent le sapin.
It can describe someone who does not seem to have long left to live:
The expression is often used humorously to indicate that a situation seems hopeless or that the end is near:
You could also use this phrase in its literal sense:
Read also: Understanding 'se jeter dans la gueule du loup': Exploring the depths of French expressions
To whom do you say sentir le sapin?
It is informal, colloquial language and can be used with friends and family. It is often used in a humorous tone.
You should avoid saying this phrase in formal contexts as it could come across as being insensitive or morbid.
