une sacrée aventure
The English phrase 'wild ride' can be translated into French as une sacrée aventure.
This phrase is used to describe an experience that was intense, unpredictable or full of unexpected turns, much like the English 'wild ride'.
Which one should you use?
If you are referring specifically to a wild time out on the town or a fast, reckless trip, you can use une sacrée virée instead.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The use of 'sacrée' as an intensifier makes this expression colloquial and informal.
Did you know?
- In very formal French, aventure can refer to a brief romantic liaison or an affair. Context is key to ensure une sacrée aventure is understood as a wild experience rather than a wild romance.
- The word sacrée literally means 'sacred', but in this context, it is used as a secular intensifier. It functions similarly to how an English speaker might use 'one heck of a' to emphasize the scale of an experience.
- While aventure translates to 'adventure', in French it can describe any unexpected event, whether positive or negative. One can have une sacrée aventure that is actually a terrifying or disastrous ordeal.
Examples in context
- Les montagnes russes offrent une aventure imprévisible.Roller coasters offer a wild ride.
- Je suis allé faire du saut en parachute, c'était une aventure de ouf !I went skydiving, it was a wild ride!
- C'était une sacrée aventure !It was a wild ride!
- Notre voyage en Italie fut une sacrée aventure.Our trip to Italy was a wild ride.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are talking about their recent hiking trip through the mountains.
- LucasAlors, ce voyage en montagne, c'était comment ?So, how was this mountain trip?
- ManonC'était une sacrée aventure pour nous deux !It was a wild ride for both of us!
- LucasJe suis d'accord, c'était intense.I agree, it was intense.
- ManonMais je ne le referais pas demain.But I wouldn't do it again tomorrow.
