Bonjour! If you’ve been wondering how to say “procrastinate” in French, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will explore various ways to express this concept in both formal and informal settings. Additionally, we’ll provide you with tips, examples, and even touch upon regional variations if necessary. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Procrastinate in French
When it comes to formal language, French offers several ways to express procrastination politely. Here are some options:
- Remettre à plus tard: Literally meaning “to put off until later,” this phrase perfectly captures the essence of procrastination.
- Procrastiner: This word has been integrated into the French language and means to procrastinate.
- Différer: A formal term that translates to “to defer” or “to postpone,” it can also be used to convey the idea of procrastination in a formal setting.
When using these formal expressions, keep in mind the appropriate context. They work well in business or academic situations, but might not be as commonly used in casual conversations.
Informal Ways to Say Procrastinate in French
For a more casual or everyday conversation, you can utilize these informal phrases:
- Glander: This colloquial term is commonly used among friends and means “to hang around” or “to laze about” instead of working.
- Flemmarder: This word denotes a tendency to be lazy and procrastinate.
- Bâcler: Although it translates to “to do something carelessly or hastily,” it can also imply procrastination when used in a specific context.
Using these informal expressions in appropriate situations will help you sound more natural and relaxed in French conversations. Remember to consider your audience and the level of familiarity in your interactions.
Examples and Tips
Let’s explore some examples and tips to better understand how to use these expressions:
Example 1: J’ai tendance à remettre à plus tard mes devoirs.
Translation: I tend to procrastinate on my homework.
TIP: When using “remettre à plus tard,” it is common to add an object pronoun such as “mes devoirs” (my homework) in the sentence.
Example 2: Hier, au lieu de travailler, j’ai passé mon temps à glander devant la télé.
Translation: Yesterday, instead of working, I wasted my time lazing around in front of the TV.
TIP: “Glander” is a more informal term used among friends, so keep the context in mind and use it accordingly.
Example 3: Il a continué à flemmarder alors que l’échéance approchait.
Translation: He kept procrastinating as the deadline was approaching.
TIP: “Flemmarder” perfectly conveys the idea of laziness and procrastination. Use it when discussing someone’s tendencies to delay or avoid tasks.
Regional Variations
While the above expressions are widely used throughout the French-speaking world, it’s worth mentioning that there might be some regional variations. However, these variations are rather minor and won’t significantly impact your ability to communicate effectively in French. Therefore, we won’t delve further into regional nuances in this guide.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a solid understanding of how to say “procrastinate” in French. You’ve learned formal and informal expressions, along with some handy examples and tips. Whether you’re engaging in academic discussions or casual conversations, you can confidently express the concept of procrastination in French. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll become even more comfortable with French vocabulary!
À bientôt! (See you soon!)
