zéro point
The French phrase for "nil points" is zéro point.
This phrase is used to describe a score of zero points in the context of a game, match or competition.
How does it change in a sentence?
While zéro point is a common way to express the score, it is also grammatically acceptable in many contexts to use the plural form zéro points to denote a plural count of zero.
Did you know?
- While zéro point is used for scores, the phrase faire zéro can be used idiomatically to describe a total failure or a complete lack of results in a professional or personal endeavor.
- The word zéro shares an unexpected ancestry with the English word 'cipher', both descending from the same Arabic root meaning 'empty'.
- If you are describing a score of zero in a tennis match, French speakers use the term zéro for the score, but unlike English 'love', they do not have a separate archaic word for it.
Examples in context
- Le candidat a obtenu zéro point lors du concours.The candidate received nil points in the competition.
- Il a terminé avec zéro point.He finished with zero points.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are discussing a recent board game.
- GabrielTu as quel score, Manon ?What is your score, Manon?
- ManonJ'ai fait zéro point, c'est terrible.I got zero points, it's terrible.
- GabrielNe t'inquiète pas, moi aussi j'ai zéro point.Don't worry, I also have zero points.
- ManonOn est vraiment mauvais tous les deux !We are both really bad!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries point, zéro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
