presque parfait
The English phrase "almost perfect" is translated into French as presque parfait.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of presque, meaning "almost" and parfait, meaning "perfect".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form presque parfaite for feminine nouns, the masculine plural form presque parfaits for masculine plural nouns and the feminine plural form presque parfaites for feminine plural nouns.
Did you know?
- The word parfait also refers to a frozen dessert made of whipped cream and egg whites, similar to a semifreddo.
- The word parfait is an unexpected relative of the English word 'fact'. Both trace back to the Latin 'factus', meaning 'something done'.
- In French, describing a person as presque parfait can feel like a backhanded compliment. Because the phrase implies the existence of a flaw, it subtly highlights what is missing rather than what is present.
Examples in context
- Ce serait presque parfait.That would be almost perfect.This sentence shows how to use presque parfait to describe a hypothetical situation.Tatoeba #5640821 by Aiji, translation #4665509 by CK
- Le français de Tom est presque parfait.Tom's French is almost perfect.This sentence uses presque parfait to describe a person's level of French.Tatoeba #6465570 by Aiji, translation #2451471 by CK
- Le crime était presque parfait.The crime was almost perfect.This sentence uses presque parfait to describe a crime.Tatoeba #10013282 by samir_t, translation #2944533 by Hybrid
- Votre performance était quasi parfaite ce soir.Your performance was almost perfect tonight.
- Ce film était presque parfait, à une petite erreur près.That movie was almost perfect, except for one small mistake.
- Ta peinture est pas loin d'être parfaite, continue comme ça !Your painting is not far from being perfect, keep it up!
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are discussing a cake Gabriel just baked.
- ChloéTon gâteau est presque parfait !Your cake is almost perfect!
- GabrielMerci, mais il manque un peu de sucre.Thanks, but it is missing a little sugar.
- ChloéCe n'est pas grave, il est presque parfait quand même.It doesn't matter, it is almost perfect anyway.
- GabrielC'est gentil de ta part, Chloé.That is kind of you, Chloé.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries parfait, presque, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
