Bedeutung
It's better to get a second opinion or collaborate.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In France, the 'second avis médical' is a very common practice and is not seen as offensive to the first doctor. It is part of a culture of intellectual rigor. Quebecers often use 'Deux têtes valent mieux qu'une', which is a calque (direct translation) from English, but 'Deux avis valent mieux qu'un' remains the standard formal version. In many West African cultures, communal decision-making is the norm. This proverb aligns perfectly with the 'Palabre' tradition where community members discuss issues at length. Swiss culture values consensus (the 'formule magique' in politics). This proverb is a linguistic reflection of their political system where multiple parties must agree.
The 'Avis' vs 'Opinion' Rule
Always use 'avis' for professional or practical advice. 'Opinion' is usually reserved for political or philosophical beliefs.
Don't say 'sont mieux'
While 'sont mieux' is grammatically correct, it sounds like a translation. 'Valent mieux' is the authentic idiomatic way.
Bedeutung
It's better to get a second opinion or collaborate.
The 'Avis' vs 'Opinion' Rule
Always use 'avis' for professional or practical advice. 'Opinion' is usually reserved for political or philosophical beliefs.
Don't say 'sont mieux'
While 'sont mieux' is grammatically correct, it sounds like a translation. 'Valent mieux' is the authentic idiomatic way.
Use it to be polite
If you disagree with someone, say 'Je vais vérifier, deux avis valent mieux qu'un' to soften the blow of looking for a different answer.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the proverb with the correct verb form.
Je ne suis pas sûr de mon texte. Peux-tu m'aider ? Deux avis _______ mieux qu'un.
The verb is 'valoir' and it must be plural ('valent') to match 'deux avis'.
Which situation is the best fit for this proverb?
When would you say 'Deux avis valent mieux qu'un'?
The proverb is about seeking a second opinion or collaboration.
Match the French part to its English equivalent.
Match the fragments:
This breaks down the literal translation of the proverb.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
Sophie: 'Je ne sais pas si je dois accepter ce job.' Thomas: 'Demande à ton père, _________________.'
Thomas is suggesting Sophie get a second opinion from her father.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Avis vs. Opinion
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenJe ne suis pas sûr de mon texte. Peux-tu m'aider ? Deux avis _______ mieux qu'un.
The verb is 'valoir' and it must be plural ('valent') to match 'deux avis'.
When would you say 'Deux avis valent mieux qu'un'?
The proverb is about seeking a second opinion or collaboration.
Ordne jedem Element links seinen Partner rechts zu:
This breaks down the literal translation of the proverb.
Sophie: 'Je ne sais pas si je dois accepter ce job.' Thomas: 'Demande à ton père, _________________.'
Thomas is suggesting Sophie get a second opinion from her father.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes! Even if there are five people, you still use the proverb 'Deux avis valent mieux qu'un' to express the general idea of collaboration.
It is 'un' because it refers to 'un avis' (masculine). If you were talking about 'précautions' (feminine), you would say 'une'.
It is neutral. You can use it in a business meeting or with your family. It's never out of place.
In French, 'valoir mieux' is a fixed verbal expression meaning 'to be preferable'. 'Être meilleur' is used for quality (The cake is better).
Yes, often used when sending a screenshot to a friend to ask for their take on a conversation.
The closest opposite is 'On n'est jamais mieux servi que par soi-même' (If you want something done right, do it yourself).
No, it specifically refers to 'avis' (opinions/advice). You wouldn't use it for having two cars, for example.
It sounds exactly like 'val'. The 'ent' is totally silent.
People will understand you, but they will know you are translating from English. Stick to 'Deux avis' for a more native sound.
It is plural (deux avis). However, the word 'avis' looks the same in singular and plural.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Quatre yeux voient mieux que deux
synonymFour eyes see better than two.
L'union fait la force
similarUnity is strength.
Trop de cuisiniers gâtent la sauce
contrastToo many cooks spoil the sauce.
Demander un second avis
specialized formTo ask for a second opinion.
