aperçu
/a.pɛʁ.sy/
The English phrase "preview" is translated into French as aperçu.
The word aperçu refers to a brief summary or a small part of something shown before the full version is available. In a digital context, such as software or websites, it is used to refer to a preview or a snapshot of content. You can also use the phrase un bref aperçu to specifically mean "a brief preview". If you want to emphasize a very quick preview, you might use the phrase un coup d'œil, which literally means "a glance".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France, the term avant-première is often used to refer to a preview or premiere of a cultural event, such as films or theatrical performances.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of aperçu is formed by adding an s, resulting in aperçus.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables: /a.pɛʁ.sy/.
Did you know?
- If you want to say 'a quick look' as a preview, you can use the idiom un coup d'œil. While it translates to 'a glance', the literal word-for-word translation is 'a blow of the eye'.
- In a professional or intellectual context, an aperçu is not just a summary but can refer to a profound intuition or a sudden flash of insight.
- In the word aperçu, the 'ç' is a 'cédille'. Without this small hook, the 'c' would sound like a 'k', turning the word into something quite different.
Examples in context
- Où est l'aperçu ?Where's the preview?This sentence is useful for asking for the location of the aperçu.Tatoeba #13730090 by Rovo, translation #13730809 by rul
- Ce n'est qu'un aperçu.This is only a preview.This sentence is useful for stating that something is only an aperçu.Tatoeba #10267575 by lbdx, translation #5747173 by CM
- Laisse-moi te donner un aperçu.Let me give you a preview.This sentence is useful for offering to provide an aperçu.Tatoeba #7327159 by Aiji, translation #3151338 by CK
- J'ai besoin de regarder un aperçu du document avant de l'envoyer.I need to look at a preview of the document before sending it.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are discussing a new movie project.
- LéaEst-ce que tu as vu l'aperçu du film ?Did you see the preview of the movie?
- HugoPas encore, Hugo ne me l'a pas envoyé.Not yet, Hugo hasn't sent it to me.
- LéaJe peux t'envoyer un petit aperçu maintenant.I can send you a short preview now.
- HugoOui, s'il te plaît, je suis très curieuse !Yes, please, I'm very curious!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry aperçu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
