en manque de pratique
The English phrase "out of practice" can be translated into French as en manque de pratique.
This phrase is used to describe a person who has lost proficiency in a skill because they have not used it for a while.
Meaning: (of a person) diminished in proficiency, especially in exercising a skill, due to disuse or a lack of recent experience (prep_phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase en manque de pratique literally translates to "in lack of practice".
Did you know?
- While en manque de pratique is used for skills, the shorter phrase être en manque is common French slang to describe the physical sensation of drug withdrawal.
- The word manque used in this phrase was borrowed from the Italian manco, which originally came from a Latin word meaning 'maimed' or 'crippled'.
- While en manque de pratique is grammatically correct, a French person might more naturally say they are rouillé, which literally means 'rusty'. This uses the same metaphor English speakers use when they are 'rusty' at a skill.
Examples in context
- Je suis hors d'entraînement en français depuis quelques mois.I am out of practice in French for a few months.
- J'ai arrêté de parler français pendant un moment, du coup je suis un peu rouillé(e).I stopped speaking French for a while, so I am a bit rusty.
- Je n'ai pas pratiqué le français depuis longtemps, j'ai un peu perdu la main.I haven't practiced French for a long time, I have lost my touch a bit.
- Je me rends compte que je deviens moins à l'aise en français à cause de mon manque d'entraînement.I realize that I am becoming less comfortable in French due to my lack of practice.
- J'ai complètement perdu la main en français.I completely lost my touch in French.
- Je ne suis plus aussi fluide en français qu'avant.I am no longer as fluent in French as before.
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are discussing their hobby of playing musical instruments.
- LéaTu joues encore du violon, Nathan ?Do you still play the violin, Nathan?
- NathanOui, mais je suis un peu en manque de pratique.Yes, but I am a little out of practice.
- LéaNe t'inquiète pas, tu vas vite retrouver ton niveau.Don't worry, you will quickly find your level again.
- NathanMerci Léa, c'est gentil de ta part.Thank you Léa, that is kind of you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, en, manque, pratique, CC BY-SA 4.0.
