What does lire dans le marc de café mean and when should it be used?

Je ne lis pas dans le marc de café !

This handy French phrase is one you could use if someone ever asks you a question about the outcome of an event that has not yet happened: Who will become France’s next president? Will it snow on Christmas Day? Am I ever going to win the lottery?

We look at how to use this expression and explain why the French refer to coffee grounds when talking about the future.

What does lire dans le marc de café mean?

It literally means ‘to read in the coffee grounds’ but a more accurate translation would be: to read tea leaves.

The phrase is used to describe the ability to see into the future or predict how a situation will unravel.

It is most often used in a negative form or with a hint of sarcasm, to imply that someone has asked a question that you do not (and cannot) yet have the answer to.

Similar examples include:

• Je ne suis pas devin(eresse) – I am not a mind reader

• Je n'ai pas de boule de cristal – I do not have a crystal ball

What are the origins of lire dans le marc de café?

This expression stems directly from cafédomancie, the term used to describe the reading of coffee grounds.

The exact origins of this practice are unclear however it began appearing in literature during the 18th Century, particularly in Hungary and Germany.

Similarly to reading tea leaves, cafédomancie involves interpreting forms and images created by the remnants of finely ground coffee that have sunk to the bottom of a cup. These forms are said to predict future events. 

Although cafédomancie is no longer (or rarely) performed in Europe, this expression is still used by French speakers today. 

When do you say lire dans le marc de café?

Say this in response to someone who asks you a question that is impossible to answer:

• Comment suis-je censé le savoir ? Je ne lis pas dans le marc de café – How am I supposed to know? I cannot see into the future.

You can also use it to describe someone who tends to know what is going to happen next:

• J'ai l'impression qu'elle sait lire dans le marc de café. Elle parie toujours sur l'équipe de foot qui gagne – It is as if she has a crystal ball. She always bets on the winning football team.

To whom do you say lire dans le marc de café?

It can generally be said to a range of people, including friends, family, colleagues and strangers, without causing any offence.

When used in a negative form, the phrase could come across as being rude and unkind, depending on the context and tone of voice.

It can be both written down and said out loud.

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