c'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron
/s‿ɛ.t‿ɑ̃ fɔʁ.ʒɑ̃ k‿ɔ̃ də.vjɛ̃ fɔʁ.ʒə.ʁɔ̃/
The English phrase "practice makes perfect" is expressed in French as c'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron. If unsure, use c'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron. Wiktionary also lists usage rend maître.
Meaning: if one practices an activity enough, one will eventually master it (proverb)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| c'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron | /s‿ɛ.t‿ɑ̃ fɔʁ.ʒɑ̃ k‿ɔ̃ də.vjɛ̃ fɔʁ.ʒə.ʁɔ̃/ |
| usage rend maître |
The standard idiomatic way to convey that mastery comes through repetition and practice is to use the proverb c'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron. While usage rend maître is also a way to express this concept, the blacksmith proverb is the most common idiomatic equivalent.
What does it mean word for word?
The proverb c'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron literally translates to "it is by blacksmithing that one becomes a blacksmith".
How do you pronounce it?
/s‿ɛ.t‿ɑ̃ fɔʁ.ʒɑ̃ k‿ɔ̃ də.vjɛ̃ fɔʁ.ʒə.ʁɔ̃/
Did you know?
- The word maître in usage rend maître is a linguistic doublet of the English word 'master' and the Italian 'maestro', as all three descend from the Latin 'magister'.
- While English uses the word 'perfect' to describe the end goal, the French usage rend maître focuses on becoming a 'master' of the craft.
- The term forgeron uses the suffix -on, which is often used in French to create names for people based on their professional tools or actions.
Examples in context
- Ne te décourage pas, c'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron.Don't get discouraged, practice makes perfect.
- On apprend tous les jours, n'oublie pas que c'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron.We learn every day, don't forget that practice makes perfect.
Example conversation
Emma is encouraging Nathan, who is frustrated with learning a new instrument.
- EmmaTu joues très bien pour un débutant, Nathan.You play very well for a beginner, Nathan.
- NathanMerci, mais je trouve cela vraiment difficile.Thanks, but I find it really difficult.
- EmmaSois patient, c'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron !Be patient, practice makes perfect!
- NathanTu as raison, je vais continuer de m'entraîner.You're right, I'm going to keep practicing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “practice makes perfect” translations and entries c'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries c'est, c'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron, en, forgeron, maître, usage, CC BY-SA 4.0.
