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French Phrase

Comment signaler quelqu'un de louche ?

/kɔ.mɑ̃ si.ɲa.le kɛl.k‿œ̃ də luʃ/
Meaning"How to report someone suspicious?"
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Meaning

The sentence asks for the best way to report a person who appears suspicious or shady. It can refer to alerting security, police, or a responsible authority about someone whose behavior raises concern.

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When to use

Use this question when you notice a person acting oddly in a public place, at work, or online and you want to know the proper procedure to inform the appropriate authority or staff.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Commentsignalerquelqu'undelouche?

1

Comment (interrogatif)

Used at the beginning of a question to ask "how"; it does not change form.

2

signaler (verbe)

Infinitive meaning "to report" or "to alert"; often followed by a direct object.

3

quelqu'un (pronom indéfini)

Means "someone"; can be followed by a descriptive complement introduced by "de".

4

de + adjectif (construction)

When an adjective describes a person after "quelqu'un", French uses "de" (e.g., "quelqu'un de gentil").

5

louche (adjectif)

Means "shady" or "suspicious"; used here to qualify the person.

🗨In Conversation

A

Comment signaler quelqu'un de louche ?

How do I report someone who looks suspicious?

Tu peux appeler le 17 ou le 112, ou prévenir le personnel de sécurité sur place.

You can call 17 or 112, or inform the on‑site security staff.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Comment signaler quelqu'un louche ?

    The adjective must be introduced by "de" after "quelqu'un".

  • Comment signaler quelqu'un qui est louche ?

    While grammatically correct, it sounds heavier; the idiomatic short form uses "de".

  • Comment signaler un louche ?

    "Louche" is an adjective, not a noun; you need a noun like "personne" or "individu".

↔Alternatives

  • Comment signaler une personne suspecte ?

    How to report a suspicious person?

  • Comment alerter les autorités d'une personne louche ?

    How to alert the authorities about a shady person?

  • Comment avertir le personnel de sécurité d'un individu suspect ?

    How to warn security staff about a suspect individual?

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Cultural Tip

In France, the emergency number for police is 17, while 112 works throughout the EU. When reporting a suspicious person, stay calm, give a clear description (clothing, location, behavior) and avoid confronting the individual yourself. Using a polite tone (e.g., "Excusez‑moi, je voudrais signaler…") is appreciated, especially in formal settings.