court préavis
The English phrase short notice is translated into French as court préavis.
The phrase court préavis refers to a small amount of time between an announcement and the event itself. While court préavis is a literal translation, French speakers often use the expression être prévenu à la dernière minute to describe being given short notice.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun préavis is masculine, so the indefinite article used with it is un court préavis.
Did you know?
- In French employment law, préavis is a legal requirement for the notice period given before a contract ends. Failing to provide the legal préavis can force an employer or employee to pay a financial indemnity to the other party.
- The word court in this phrase shares the same Latin root, 'curtus', with the English word 'curt', which describes something being unexpectedly brief or even rude.
- The word avis inside préavis is a polysemous word that can mean 'notice', 'opinion' or even 'advice' depending on the sentence.
Examples in context
- La réunion a été annulée sans prévenir, c'est vraiment embêtant.The meeting was canceled without warning, it's really bothersome.
- Je m'excuse de vous prévenir avec un si court préavis.I apologize for giving you such short notice.
- Je m'excuse pour ce court préavis.I apologize for the short notice.
Example conversation
Gabriel asks Manon to meet for a business lunch tomorrow.
- GabrielPeux-tu déjeuner avec moi demain ?Can you have lunch with me tomorrow?
- ManonC'est un court préavis, mais je peux.It's short notice, but I can.
- GabrielGénial, je réserve la table.Great, I will book the table.
- ManonD'accord, on se voit demain alors.Okay, see you tomorrow then.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries court, préavis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
