en gros
The English phrase 'basically' is translated into French as en gros.
en gros is used to summarize a complex situation or to indicate that a description is an approximation rather than an exact detail, much like saying 'roughly' or 'in a nutshell'.
Meaning: in a fundamental or basic manner (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase en gros literally translates to 'in large' or 'in big', where en means 'in' and gros means 'large' or 'thick'.
Which one should you use?
While en gros implies a rough summary or approximation, essentiellement is used when you mean 'essentially' in a more formal or precise sense.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
en gros is an informal expression commonly used in spoken French to mean 'basically' or 'roughly speaking'. For formal contexts, you may use fondamentalement to mean 'basically' or En somme to mean 'basically' or 'in short'.
Did you know?
- The phrase en gros is a linguistic carryover from the world of commerce, where it originally referred to buying goods 'in bulk' rather than by the piece.
- While en gros translates to 'basically' in conversation, if you see it on a sign in a French store, it means 'wholesale'.
- While 'basically' can feel abstract in English, the French en gros uses the word gros, which describes physical thickness or heaviness.
Examples in context
- C'est en gros la même chose.It's basically the same thing.This example shows how to use en gros to describe something as being basically the same.Tatoeba #12468477 by lbdx, translation #2669455 by Hybrid
- En gros.Basically.This example shows the use of en gros as a standalone response.Tatoeba #12403708 by Orange, translation #12403710 by Orange
- En gros, une table à tréteaux est une planche posée sur deux tréteaux.Basically, a trestle table is a plank set on two trestles.This example demonstrates using en gros to introduce a summary of a definition.Tatoeba #10641134 by lbdx, translation #10641133 by rul
- Fondamentalement, ce projet vise à améliorer notre productivité.Basically, this project aims to enhance our productivity.
- En somme, nous devons revoir notre stratégie marketing.Basically, we need to review our marketing strategy.
- En gros, il m'a dit qu'il ne pourrait pas venir à la fête.Basically, he told me that he couldn't come to the party.
- En fait, je ne suis pas d'accord avec toi.Basically, I don't agree with you.
- Au fond, il n'y a pas de meilleure solution.Basically, there is no better solution.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé is explaining a complex project to Nathan.
- ChloéC'est en gros un nouveau système de gestion.It is basically a new management system.
- NathanJe ne comprends pas tout le détail.I don't understand all the details.
- ChloéEn gros, on gagne du temps chaque jour.Basically, we save time every day.
- NathanD'accord, c'est beaucoup plus clair maintenant.Okay, it's much clearer now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry en gros, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, en gros, gros, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
