French Phrase
C'est un contrôle de sécurité.
Meaning
This phrase is used to identify a security screening process or checkpoint. It literally translates to 'It is a security control,' referring to the standard procedure of inspecting individuals or belongings for safety reasons. It is commonly heard in airports, government buildings, or large public events.
When to use
Use this phrase when explaining why a line is moving slowly or when identifying the nature of a specific checkpoint. It is most frequently used in formal environments like airports, border crossings, or secure facilities.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estuncontrôledesécurité
C'est
A contraction of 'ce' and 'est', meaning 'it is' or 'this is', used to identify objects or situations.
Contrôle
A masculine noun meaning 'check' or 'inspection'. Note that it is followed by 'de' to specify the type.
De sécurité
This prepositional phrase acts as an adjective to specify that the control is for security purposes.
🗨In Conversation
Pourquoi tout le monde attend ici ?
Why is everyone waiting here?
C'est un contrôle de sécurité.
It is a security check.
✕Common Mistakes
C'est un sécurité contrôle.
In French, the noun being modified usually comes before the modifier. Use 'contrôle de sécurité' instead.
C'est une contrôle de sécurité.
The word 'contrôle' is masculine, so it requires the article 'un'.
↔Alternatives
Il y a un contrôle de sécurité.
There is a security check.
Passer la sécurité.
To go through security.
Vérification de sécurité.
Security verification.
Cultural Tip
In France and other French-speaking countries, security checks (like the Vigipirate plan in France) are common in public spaces like museums and shopping malls. It is polite to have your bags open and ready for inspection before reaching the officer to ensure a smooth process.