Greetings! If you’ve ever found yourself in a French-speaking country, you may have come across situations where you want to express that something is “just around the corner” or very close. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to convey this idea in both formal and informal contexts. So, whether you’re headed to France, Quebec, or any other French-speaking region, let’s dive into the different expressions, along with some useful tips and examples.
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Formal Ways to Say “Just Around the Corner”
When it comes to formal situations, it’s important to use expressions that are polite and appropriate. Here are a few formal ways to indicate that something is “just around the corner” in French:
1. Tout près
2. À proximité immédiate
3. À deux pas
1. Tout près:
This expression translates literally to “very close” and is commonly used in formal settings when you want to indicate that something is just a stone’s throw away. It’s a versatile phrase that can be used in various contexts, such as:
- Le musée est tout près d’ici. – The museum is just around the corner.
- Le restaurant est tout près de l’hôtel. – The restaurant is very close to the hotel.
2. À proximité immédiate:
If you’re looking for a more formal and precise way to say “just around the corner,” this expression is perfect. It translates to “in immediate proximity” and can be used in official or professional contexts. Examples include:
- La gare se trouve à proximité immédiate de l’aéroport. – The train station is just around the corner from the airport.
- Le bureau de poste est à proximité immédiate de la mairie. – The post office is in immediate proximity to the town hall.
3. À deux pas:
This phrase literally means “two steps away” and is a polite way to indicate that something is very close. It is widely used in formal situations or when showing respect. Here are some examples:
- Le restaurant est à deux pas du théâtre. – The restaurant is just around the corner from the theater.
- Le magasin est à deux pas de l’église. – The store is very close to the church.
Informal Ways to Say “Just Around the Corner”
Now, let’s explore some informal expressions that can be used in everyday conversations:
1. Pas loin
2. À côté
3. À un jet de pierre
1. Pas loin:
This phrase is a straightforward and casual way of saying “not far.” It can be used in various contexts and is especially common in informal conversations. Check out these examples:
- Le parc n’est pas loin d’ici. – The park is just around the corner.
- Le supermarché n’est pas loin de chez moi. – The supermarket is not far from my place.
2. À côté:
In an informal setting, you might want to use this expression, which means “next to” or “beside.” It is suitable for casual conversations with friends, family, or colleagues. Take a look at these examples:
- La boulangerie est juste à côté de la pharmacie. – The bakery is just around the corner from the pharmacy.
- Le café est à côté de mon bureau. – The café is next to my office.
3. À un jet de pierre:
This colloquial expression literally translates to “within a stone’s throw.” While slightly more poetic, it’s still widely used in informal conversations and adds a touch of vividness to your descriptions. Here are a couple of examples:
- Le cinéma est à un jet de pierre de chez moi. – The cinema is just around the corner from my place.
- La plage est à un jet de pierre de l’hôtel. – The beach is within a stone’s throw of the hotel.
Regional Variations
French is spoken in various regions worldwide, and there can be some regional variations in the way “just around the corner” is expressed. However, the expressions we’ve covered so far are widely understood and used throughout the French-speaking world. Nevertheless, it can be interesting to note some regional twists on these phrases:
In Quebec, you might hear the phrase “à deux coins de rue” or “à deux coins de maison,” which translate to “two corners away” or “two houses away.” These expressions are commonly used in informal conversations in Quebec, while still being understood in other French-speaking regions.
Summing It Up
Now you’re equipped with a variety of ways to express “just around the corner” in formal and informal situations. Remember to adjust your choice of expressions based on the level of formality and the region you’re in. Let’s recap the phrases we covered:
Formal Ways:
- Tout près – Very close
- À proximité immédiate – In immediate proximity
- À deux pas – Two steps away
Informal Ways:
- Pas loin – Not far
- À côté – Next to, beside
- À un jet de pierre – Within a stone’s throw
So, whether you’re conversing formally or having a friendly chat, you’ll be ready to express the notion of “just around the corner” with ease. Enjoy using these phrases and embrace the joy of speaking French!
