le grand écart
In French, "the splits" is translated as le grand écart.
The term le grand écart refers to the physical position where the legs are extended in opposite directions until they are flat on the floor. Figuratively, much like in English, the phrase faire le grand écart can be used to describe a person who is trying to manage two conflicting positions or tasks at once.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase le grand écart literally translates to "the big gap" or "the big spread".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, you may use l'écart facial to express "the splits".
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of performing the splits, use the verb faire (to do) with the noun phrase, as in faire le grand écart.
Did you know?
- While le grand écart describes the physical position, it is also used in French politics to describe a politician who tries to appeal to two opposite ideological camps.
- The verb écarter used to form the noun écart can also mean 'to push aside' or 'to dismiss' an idea, showing how the concept of a 'gap' extends to mental or social exclusion.
- In French, you can use the phrase un grand écart to describe a massive disparity between two numbers, such as a huge difference in salaries between a CEO and a worker.
Examples in context
- J'essaie d'apprendre le grand écartI'm trying to learn the splits
- Il faisait le grand écart pour impressionner ses amisHe was doing the splits to impress his friends
- je m'entraîne à faire les écartsI'm practicing doing the splits
- j'améliore ma souplesse pour les écartsI'm improving my flexibility for the splits
- Elle peut faire le grand écart facilement.She can do the splits easily.
- Il travaille pour réussir le grand écart.He is practicing to achieve the splits.
- Je n'arrive pas à faire le grand écart.I can't manage to do the splits.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are at a gymnastics class.
- GabrielTu arrives à faire le grand écart ?Can you do the splits?
- LéaPas encore, c'est très difficile pour moi.Not yet, it is very difficult for me.
- GabrielLéa, regarde, je fais le grand écart !Léa, look, I am doing the splits!
- LéaC'est impressionnant, Gabriel !That's impressive, Gabriel!
