Du coup

Expression: Du coup

Pronunciation: [du coo]

Meaning: as a result, so

Literal translation: of the blow

Register: informal

Notes: The expression du coup is ubiquitous in French conversation, yet I don't remember ever learning it in French class. I always tend to say donc when talking informally about something that resulted from something else, but among native speakers, du coup is far more common.

Examples

   Il est arrivé en retard hier. Du coup, il doit travailler jusqu'à 19h ce soir.
   He arrived late yesterday. As a result, he has to work until 7 tonight.

   J'ai oublié mon portefeuille et du coup j'ai emprunté 5 euros à Philippe.
   I forgot my wallet, so I borrowed 5 euros from Philippe.

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More: Expressions with de | Expressions with coup | Most common French phrases