rêve en grand
To say "dream big" in French, you say rêve en grand.
This phrase is used as an encouraging expression to tell someone to set ambitious goals and to imagine a great future for themselves.
Which one should you use?
Rêve en grand is the informal version used for a single person you know well, while rêvez en grand is the formal version or the one used when addressing a group of people.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form rêve en grand uses the singular imperative, which is appropriate when speaking to one person in an informal or familiar context. If you are addressing a group of people or using the formal vous to show respect to one person, you should use rêvez en grand instead.
Did you know?
- The French word rêver is used in the expression rêver debout, which literally means 'to dream standing up' and describes someone who is completely lost in their thoughts.
- While rêve en grand is a modern motivational phrase, the word rêve comes from the verb rêver, which originally meant 'to be absent-minded' or 'to be in a daze' rather than just sleeping.
- If you tell someone rêve as a command without the en grand part, it can sound like you are telling them to daydream, which might be seen as unproductive in a professional French environment.
Examples in context
- N'aie pas peur d'échouer, rêve en grand !Don't be afraid to fail, dream big!
- Tu es jeune, alors rêve en grand.You are young, so dream big.
- N'aie pas peur, rêve en grand !Don't be afraid, dream big!
Example conversation
Manon is encouraging Lucas about his future career.
- ManonTu veux devenir un grand chef ?Do you want to become a great chef?
- LucasOui, c'est mon plus grand souhait.Yes, it is my greatest wish.
- ManonAlors rêve en grand, Lucas !Then dream big, Lucas!
- LucasMerci Manon, je vais essayer.Thanks Manon, I will try.
