How to Say “Set Back” in French

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retarder
/ʁə.taʁ.de/
The English phrase "set back" translates to the French verb retarder.
The term Obstacle is used to refer to a significant barrier or obstacle that sets you back, while Revers is used to convey a setback or a reversal of fortune.
Meaning: delay (verb)

How does it change in a sentence?

To describe something that has been set back or delayed, use the past participle retardé.

How do you pronounce it?

retarder is pronounced /ʁə.taʁ.de/. It has 3 syllables.

Did you know?

  • The French word retarder shares its roots with the English word 'retard', but in modern French, it is a perfectly neutral, common term used for everything from slowing down a train to delaying a project.
  • The word for a major 'setback' or failure, revers, originally referred to the 'back' or underside of a piece of fabric.
  • In French, if you are 'set back' by a sudden, unforeseen circumstance, you might describe it as a contretemps, which literally translates to 'against time'.

Examples in context

  • Nous avons rencontré un obstacle majeur dans notre planification
    We encountered a major setback in our planning.
  • Les dépenses excessives ont causé un revers financier
    Excessive spending caused a financial setback.
  • Les intempéries ont occasionné un revers dans la construction du pont.
    The bad weather caused a setback in the bridge construction.
  • La pluie va retarder le match.
    The rain will delay the match.
  • Un problème technique peut retarder le projet.
    A technical problem can delay the project.
  • Ne laisse pas ce stress te retarder.
    Don't let this stress delay you.

Example conversation

Hugo and Léa are discussing a work deadline.

  1. Hugo

    Est-ce que le bug va retarder la livraison ?
    Will the bug delay the delivery?
  2. Léa

    Oui, cela risque de nous retarder d'un jour.
    Yes, it might set us back by one day.
  3. Hugo

    C'est dommage, le client attend déjà.
    That's a pity, the client is already waiting.
  4. Léa

    Je vais essayer de finir plus vite.
    I will try to finish faster.

Sources

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Alexis Mollie
Alexis MollieHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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