cibler
/si.ble/
To zero in on in French is cibler.
Cibler means to target or direct attention and effort toward a specific point. This can be used for physical targets, such as a mark in archery or for abstract targets, such as a specific goal or a demographic group.
How does it change in a sentence?
The first-person plural present tense form of cibler is ciblons, which translates to 'we zero in on' or 'we are targeting'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /si.ble/.
Did you know?
- While English uses 'zero' to describe the act of focusing, the French word cibler has no mathematical connection to numbers. It remains strictly tied to the concept of a physical or conceptual 'target'.
- While cibler is common in professional settings, a French speaker might use the phrase mettre le doigt dessus to 'zero in' on the exact cause of a problem.
- While cibler is used for goals, the French word for 'target' can also be but, which is the same word used for 'goal' in football.
Examples in context
- Dans notre prochaine réunion, nous devons nous concentrer sur la résolution de ce problème complexe.In our next meeting, we must zero in on resolving this complex issue.
- Dans sa présentation, le conférencier a mis l'accent sur l'importance de l'écologie.In his presentation, the speaker zeroed in on the importance of ecology.
- Si tu veux atteindre tes objectifs, tu dois te focaliser sur ce qui est important.If you want to achieve your goals, you need to zero in on what's important.
- Ne te disperse pas, essaie de viser uniquement les réponses correctes.Don't get distracted, try to zero in only on the correct answers.
- Dans la discussion, elle s'est concentrée sur les problèmes les plus urgents à résoudre.In the discussion, she zeroed in on the most urgent issues to solve.
- Nous devons cibler le problème principal.We must zero in on the main problem.
- Nous devons cibler le bon client.We must zero in on the right client.
- L'entreprise veut cibler un nouveau marché.The company wants to zero in on a new market.
- Il est temps de cibler nos priorités.It is time to zero in on our priorities.
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are discussing their marketing strategy in an office.
- HugoDoit-on cibler les jeunes adultes ?Should we zero in on young adults?
- ChloéOui, c'est notre cible principale.Yes, they are our main target.
- HugoD'accord, je vais cibler ce groupe dès maintenant.Okay, I will zero in on this group right now.
- ChloéBonne idée, Hugo.Good idea, Hugo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cibler, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
