Definition:
Failli is a French word that is commonly used to indicate a near miss or a close call. It is often used to describe a situation where something almost happened but ultimately did not.
Understanding the nuances of the word "failli" can help you express the idea of almost or nearly in French conversations.
Etymology:
The word "failli" comes from the verb "faillir," which means "to fail" or "to come close to." In this context, "failli" serves as the past participle of "faillir," indicating a close call or a near miss.
Part of Speech:
Failli
past participle of the verb "faillir" /faji/
Usage and Examples:
Describing a near miss: When recounting a situation where something almost happened but didn't, you can use "failli." For example, "J'ai failli manquer mon train" means "I almost missed my train."
Expressing a close call: If you want to convey the idea of a close call or a narrow escape, you can use "failli." For instance, "Il a failli tomber" translates to "He almost fell."
AI Fun Fact 😅 :
In French, "failli" is often used in conjunction with verbs to express the idea of a close call or a near miss, adding depth and nuance to the description of events.
FAQ:
- Q: Is "failli" a common word in French?
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A: While "failli" may not be as common as some other French words, it is still used regularly in conversations to describe near misses or close calls.
- Q: Can "failli" be used in formal settings?
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A: "Failli" is more commonly used in informal or casual contexts to convey the idea of almost or nearly.
- Q: How is "failli" different from "échoué"?
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A: "Failli" typically indicates a near miss or a close call, while "échoué" means "to fail" in a more definitive sense.
- Q: Are there other ways to express near misses in French?
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A: Yes, French offers various expressions like "de justesse" (by a hair's breadth) or "de peu" (by a little) to convey similar ideas.
Expressions avec "Failli" en anglais
- Il a failli tomber : He almost fell
- J'ai failli oublier : I almost forgot
- Nous avons failli perdre : We almost lost
- Elle a failli réussir : She almost succeeded
- Il a failli être en retard : He almost was late
- J'ai failli le dire : I almost said it
- Elle a failli pleurer : She almost cried
- Nous avons failli partir : We almost left
- Il a failli comprendre : He almost understood
- Elle a failli partir sans dire au revoir : She almost left without saying goodbye
Conclusion:
"Failli" is a versatile French word that adds depth to descriptions of near misses or close calls. By incorporating "failli" into your vocabulary, you can effectively convey the idea of almost or nearly in various situations, enriching your French language skills.