Why do I need to know also?
Because there are many situations in France where you might want to use this word.
What does it mean?
Also – roughly pronounced ay-gal-eh-mahn – technically translates as “equally” or “to the same degree”, but it can be used in plenty of different scenarios in France – from formal to informal settings.
The first instance you might use also would be when someone tells you Have a good day (have a nice day). You can respond with “also” and in this situation it means ‘likewise’ or ‘you too’.
Another instance where you would use also might be when you want to say ‘also’. For example, your friend orders a glass of red wine at the bar – when the waiter turns to you, if you want the same thing, you could say a glass of red wine for me too, please (a glass of red wine for me too, please).
And then of course you can use also in the true sense of the word ‘equally’. For example, you might want to say something is to be shared or spread equally between two people. You could say: the gift also belongs to you and your brother (the gift belongs equally to you and to your brother).
Use it like this
I’ll be on vacation cycling, but I’m also looking forward to seeing you all in the countryside. – I’ll be on vacation to do some biking, but I am also really excited to see you all in the countryside.
I would also like to order the steak, please. – I would also like to order the steak, please.