pas assez
The English phrase "not enough" is translated into French as pas assez.
pas assez is used to say that there is a smaller amount or number of something than what is needed.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of pas (not) and assez (enough).
How does it change in a sentence?
When pas assez is followed by a noun, you must include the preposition de (or d' before a vowel).
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly omit the de when using pas assez with a noun, such as saying pas assez sel instead of pas assez de sel.
Did you know?
- The 'pas' in pas assez originally meant 'a step' in Latin. It evolved from the expression 'not a step' to mean 'not at all', eventually becoming a standard part of negative phrases.
- In a conversation, saying assez on its own is often a polite way to tell someone 'that is plenty' or to tell them to stop what they are doing.
- In modern spoken French, the formal negative particle ne is almost always dropped, leaving only pas assez to indicate the negation.
Examples in context
- Pas assez de sel.Not enough salt.This sentence shows how to use pas assez with a noun.Tatoeba #6583673 by GB3, translation #6583627 by Eccles17
- Ce n'est pas assez.It's not enough.This sentence shows how to use pas assez as a standalone statement.Tatoeba #1858257 by sacredceltic, translation #1855207 by Spamster
- N'est-ce pas assez ?Is that not enough?This sentence shows how to use pas assez in a question.Tatoeba #3653034 by sacredceltic, translation #2648106 by CK
- Je n'ai pas assez de temps pour terminer ce projet.I don't have enough time to finish this project.
- Nous n'avons pas assez de ressources financières pour réaliser ce plan.We don't have enough financial resources to execute this plan.
- Il n'y a pas assez de places dans ce restaurant.There aren't enough seats in this restaurant.
- La quantité de nourriture est insuffisante pour nourrir tout le groupe.The quantity of food is not enough to feed the entire group.
- Les résultats obtenus sont insuffisants pour valider cette hypothèse scientifique.The results obtained are not enough to validate this scientific hypothesis.
- Le niveau de sécurité dans ce bâtiment est insuffisant.The level of security in this building is not enough.
- J'ai pas suffisamment d'argent pour m'acheter cette nouvelle robe.I don't have enough money to buy this new dress.
- On n'a pas suffisamment de temps pour organiser une fête.We don't have enough time to organize a party.
- Tu n'as pas suffisamment d'expérience pour ce poste.You don't have enough experience for this position.
- J'ai pas assez d'énergie pour aller courir ce soir.I don't have enough energy to go for a run tonight.
- Tu n'as pas assez d'amis pour organiser une fête gigantesque.You don't have enough friends to organize a gigantic party.
- 37 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are preparing a cake together.
- HugoLéa, on a pas assez de farine.Léa, we don't have enough flour.
- LéaAh mince, je vais en acheter.Oh shoot, I will go buy some.
- HugoPrends-en beaucoup, on n'en a pas assez.Get plenty, we don't have enough.
- LéaD'accord, je reviens vite !Okay, I'll be right back!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries assez, pas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
