en avant
/ɑ̃.n‿a.vɑ̃/
The English phrase onward is expressed in French as en avant.
en avant is used to indicate physical movement in a forward direction or to express progress and advancement in a metaphorical sense.
Meaning: In a forward direction (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition en (in) and the adverb/noun avant (before/front).
Which one should you use?
While en avant can mean onward (continuing a movement), it is also the standard way to say forward as a command or direction.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec, Canada, you may hear en avant toute.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ɑ̃.n‿a.vɑ̃/. It has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The Latin root ante found in avant is the same ancestor for the English word 'ante' as in 'ante up', referring to the amount placed before a game begins.
- While en avant is a general direction, the phrase en avant toute is a specific nautical command used to order a ship to full speed.
- The Latin ancestor of avant, ab ante, literally translates to 'from before', which highlights how the phrase evolved from a position of being 'from the front'.
Examples in context
- Pour progresser, nous devons aller en avant.To move forward, we must go onward.
- Marchez en avant pour suivre la ligne.Walk forward to follow the line.
- Il faut toujours regarder en avant.One must always look forward.
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are hiking on a trail.
- NathanEst-ce qu'on arrive bientôt, Chloé ?Are we arriving soon, Chloé?
- ChloéOui, continue en avant encore un peu.Yes, keep going onward a bit more.
- NathanJe ne vois toujours rien ici.I still don't see anything here.
- ChloéC'est juste après le prochain tournant.It is just after the next turn.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “onward” translations and entries en avant, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries avant, en, CC BY-SA 4.0.
