Bonjour! If you’re looking to enhance your knowledge of French expressions, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will explore the various ways to say “more or less” in French, both formally and informally. We’ll also provide regional variations, if necessary. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “More or Less” in French
When it comes to formal situations, such as business meetings or academic discussions, it’s important to use the appropriate language. Here are some formal expressions to convey the idea of “more or less” in French:
- Plus ou moins – This is the most common and widely used formal expression. For example: “L’entretien a duré plus ou moins une heure” (The interview lasted more or less an hour).
- Environ – This translates to “approximately” or “around” in English. For instance: “Le projet coûtera environ 5000 euros” (The project will cost approximately 5000 euros).
- À peu près – This expression is often used to mean “more or less” or “about.” For instance: “Elle a à peu près 30 ans” (She is more or less 30 years old).
Informal Ways to Say “More or Less” in French
If you’re having a casual conversation or talking with friends, you can use these expressions to convey the meaning of “more or less” in a less formal way:
- Pas loin de – This translates to “not far from” and is commonly used when approximating quantities. For example: “J’ai pas loin de 15 euros” (I have not far from 15 euros).
- Dans les environs de – This expression is similar to “around” in English and can be used interchangeably in informal conversations. For instance: “On s’est rencontrés dans les environs de 8 heures” (We met at around 8 o’clock).
Regional Variations
French is spoken in various regions, and different expressions may be used to convey the idea of “more or less” depending on the location. Here are a couple of regional variations:
Au pif – This expression is mostly used in the South of France and means “more or less” or “approximately.” For example: “Je pense que c’est au pif 20°C aujourd’hui” (I think it’s around 20°C today).
À peu près ça – This expression is commonly used in Quebec to mean “about that” or “more or less.” For instance: “Il reste à peu près ça à faire” (There’s more or less that left to do).
Tips for Usage
Here are some handy tips to keep in mind when using these expressions:
- Vary your vocabulary: While “plus ou moins” is the most general and widely used expression, it’s always beneficial to vary your vocabulary and use other phrases like “environ” or “à peu près.”
- Context matters: Choose the appropriate expression based on the context and level of formality. Formal situations call for more formal expressions, whereas informal conversations allow for more relaxed or colloquial expressions.
- Practice listening: To become familiar with the different ways “more or less” is used in French, try listening to native speakers or watching French movies or TV shows. This will help you understand the nuances and proper usage.
Now, armed with the knowledge of how to say “more or less” in French, you can confidently express approximations and estimations in your conversations. Practice using these expressions so that they become second nature and fluid in your everyday French interactions. Bonne chance!
