French Phrase
Rien de neuf, comme d'hab.
Meaning
This phrase is a very common, informal way to indicate that your life or situation remains unchanged. It combines 'rien de neuf' (nothing new) with 'comme d'hab', a popular shortening of 'comme d'habitude'. It conveys a relaxed, slightly nonchalant attitude toward daily routine.
When to use
Use this phrase when catching up with friends, family, or close colleagues who ask 'Quoi de neuf ?' (What's new?). It is strictly informal due to the abbreviation 'd'hab', making it perfect for casual text messages or verbal greetings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Riendeneufcommed'hab
Rien de + Adjective
When 'rien' is followed by an adjective to describe 'nothing', you must insert the preposition 'de' before that adjective.
Apocope (d'hab)
'D'hab' is the shortened version of 'd'habitude'. This type of clipping is extremely common in spoken 'français familier'.
🗨In Conversation
Salut ! Alors, quoi de neuf ?
Hi! So, what's new?
Oh, rien de neuf, comme d'hab. La routine !
Oh, nothing new, as usual. The same old routine!
✕Common Mistakes
Rien de nouveau, comme de l'habitude.
The idiomatic expression is 'comme d'habitude'; adding the article 'l' is grammatically incorrect in this context.
Rien de neuf, comme d'habe.
In written slang, the abbreviation for 'habitude' is 'd'hab' without an 'e' at the end.
↔Alternatives
Toujours la même chose.
Always the same thing.
Pas grand-chose de nouveau.
Not much new.
Bof, rien de spécial.
Meh, nothing special.
Cultural Tip
French people love to shorten words in casual conversation, a process called apocope. Using 'd'hab' instead of 'd'habitude' instantly makes you sound more like a local. However, keep in mind that this register is too casual for business meetings or formal introductions.