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A2 noun 12 Min. Lesezeit

gaspillage

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At the A1 level, you should understand 'gaspillage' as a basic noun for 'waste'. You will mostly use it in simple phrases like 'C'est un gaspillage' (It's a waste) or 'Ne fais pas de gaspillage' (Don't waste). At this stage, focus on its most common context: food. When you are at a French dinner table or in a school cafeteria, you might hear people talking about not wasting bread or water. You can think of it as the opposite of saving or being careful. Remember that it is a masculine word, so we say 'le gaspillage'. You don't need to know the complex laws or economic theories yet; just recognize it as a word that means something good was thrown away for no reason. For example, if you see someone throw away a whole apple, you can say 'Quel gaspillage !'. This is a very useful exclamation to have in your vocabulary. It helps you express a simple opinion about a common situation. Try to associate the word with the physical act of throwing something useful into the trash. In A1, your goal is to recognize the word when you hear it in simple conversations about daily life, like at home or in a restaurant. You might also see it on posters in public places that encourage people to save water. By learning this word early, you are building a foundation for more complex environmental vocabulary later on. It's a key word for being a polite and conscious guest in a French-speaking environment.

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At the A2 level, you can start to use 'gaspillage' in more complete sentences and understand its different forms. You should know the verb 'gaspiller' (to waste) and how to conjugate it in the present tense (je gaspille, tu gaspilles, etc.). You can also use 'gaspillage' with specific categories: 'gaspillage d'eau' (water waste), 'gaspillage d'argent' (money waste), and 'gaspillage de temps' (time waste). At this level, you might encounter the word in short news articles or advertisements about the environment. You should be able to describe simple habits to avoid waste, such as 'Je n'achète pas trop de nourriture pour éviter le gaspillage' (I don't buy too much food to avoid waste). You will also notice the term 'anti-gaspillage' on products in the supermarket that are on sale because they are near their expiration date. This is a practical application of the word that you will see in daily life in France. You can also use it to express regret in social situations, like when a party is cancelled and all the food is wasted. The word helps you participate in basic discussions about sustainability and personal responsibility. You are moving beyond simple exclamations to explaining *why* something is a waste. For example, 'C'est un gaspillage d'argent parce que c'est trop cher' (It's a waste of money because it's too expensive). This level of expression allows you to give reasons for your opinions, which is a key skill for A2 learners.

At the B1 level, you should be able to discuss the concept of 'gaspillage' in more detail, including its social and environmental impacts. You can use the word in the context of the 'Loi anti-gaspillage' and discuss how supermarkets and restaurants are changing their practices. You should be comfortable using the word in various grammatical structures, such as 'Il est important de lutter contre le gaspillage' (It is important to fight against waste). At this stage, you can also understand the difference between 'gaspillage' and its synonyms like 'gâchis' or 'perte' in different contexts. You might write a short essay or give a presentation on how to reduce waste in your city. You can use more advanced adjectives like 'inutile' (useless), 'massif' (massive), or 'honteux' (shameful) to modify the noun. For example, 'Le gaspillage massif de ressources naturelles est un problème global' (The massive waste of natural resources is a global problem). You will also be able to understand more complex audio recordings, such as radio interviews where experts discuss the economic cost of waste. Your vocabulary should now include related terms like 'développement durable' (sustainable development) and 'recyclage' (recycling), allowing you to place 'gaspillage' within a broader thematic framework. You are now capable of expressing not just facts, but also more nuanced opinions and suggestions for improvement. This level of proficiency allows you to engage in meaningful conversations with native speakers about one of the most pressing issues in modern French society.

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At the B2 level, 'gaspillage' becomes a tool for more sophisticated debate and analysis. You should be able to analyze the systemic causes of waste in a consumerist society and argue for or against specific policies. You can use the word in complex sentences with relative clauses, such as 'Le gaspillage, qui représente une perte économique majeure, doit être combattu par des réformes structurelles' (Waste, which represents a major economic loss, must be fought through structural reforms). You should be familiar with the plural form 'les gaspillages' used in administrative or economic contexts to refer to various types of inefficiency. You can also use the word metaphorically, such as 'le gaspillage des talents' in a professional or educational setting. At this level, you should be able to read and understand legislative texts or long opinion pieces about the 'économie circulaire' (circular economy) where 'gaspillage' is a central theme. You can also use idiomatic expressions and more formal synonyms like 'dilapidation' or 'prodigalité' to vary your language. Your ability to synthesize information from different sources will allow you to discuss the ethical implications of waste in a globalized world. For example, you might compare how different countries handle food waste and use 'gaspillage' to highlight the differences. You are no longer just learning the word; you are using it to build complex arguments and demonstrate a deep understanding of French social and political issues.

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At the C1 level, you have a near-native understanding of 'gaspillage' and its nuances. You can use it in highly formal academic or professional contexts, such as writing a report on 'la lutte contre le gaspillage énergétique dans le secteur industriel'. You understand the subtle differences in register between 'gaspillage', 'gâchis', and 'déperdition', and you can choose the most appropriate term for any given situation. You are aware of the historical and cultural connotations of the word in France, including its relation to post-war periods of scarcity and the modern environmental movement. You can engage in spontaneous and fluid discussions about complex topics like 'l'obsolescence programmée' (planned obsolescence) as a form of systemic waste. Your use of the word is precise and evocative, often paired with sophisticated vocabulary and complex grammatical structures. For instance, you might say, 'L'éradication du gaspillage systémique exige une remise en question profonde de nos modèles de production et de consommation' (The eradication of systemic waste requires a profound questioning of our production and consumption models). You can also appreciate and use the word in literary or rhetorical contexts to create a specific effect. At this level, you are not just communicating; you are using the language with authority and stylistic flair, demonstrating a mastery of both the word and the cultural values it represents. You can also mentor others on the correct usage and cultural significance of the term.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'gaspillage' is complete. You can use the word with total precision in any context, from a casual conversation to a high-level diplomatic or scientific discourse. You understand the most obscure synonyms and related terms, and you can play with the word's connotations for rhetorical effect. You can analyze the etymological roots of the word and how its meaning has shifted over centuries. You are capable of writing a philosophical treatise on the concept of waste in the 21st century, using 'gaspillage' as a central motif. You understand how the word is used in different French-speaking regions and how its legal and social implications might vary. Your command of the language allows you to use 'gaspillage' in a way that is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker. You can use irony, metaphor, and alliteration to enhance your use of the word in creative writing or public speaking. For example, you might speak about 'le gaspillage galopant de nos grandes cités' with a sense of poetic urgency. You are also able to critique the use of the word in political discourse, identifying when it is used as a buzzword rather than a precise term. At this level, the word 'gaspillage' is just one small part of your vast and nuanced linguistic repertoire, which you use to navigate the French language with absolute confidence and sophistication.

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gaspillage in 30 Sekunden

Gaspillage means 'waste' in French, primarily referring to the act of squandering resources like food, money, or time.
It is a masculine noun (le gaspillage) and is central to French environmental laws and social ethics.
Commonly used in the phrase 'gaspillage alimentaire' to describe the global issue of food being thrown away.
It differs from 'déchet' (physical trash) by focusing on the act of wasting something that was still useful.

The French noun gaspillage is a powerful and frequently used term in modern French society, primarily referring to the act of wasting resources, with a significant emphasis on food waste. In an era where sustainability and ecological consciousness are at the forefront of public discourse in France, understanding this word is essential for any learner. It comes from the verb gaspiller, which means to waste or squander. While it can apply to money, time, or energy, its most common modern association is with le gaspillage alimentaire (food waste). In France, this is not just a social faux pas but a legislative issue, with laws strictly prohibiting supermarkets from throwing away edible food. When you use the word gaspillage, you are often expressing a sense of regret or moral disapproval regarding the inefficient use of something valuable. It carries more weight than simply 'using' something; it implies that the resource was lost without providing the benefit it was intended for.

Resource Waste: This refers to the unnecessary loss of physical materials, such as water, electricity, or raw materials in manufacturing.

Economic Waste: In financial contexts, it describes the squandering of budgets, tax money, or personal savings on frivolous things.

Abstract Waste: This covers the intangible squandering of time, talent, or opportunities, often used in a self-reflective or critical manner.

Jeter ces restes est un pur gaspillage alimentaire que nous devons absolument éviter.

Laisser les lumières allumées toute la nuit est un gaspillage d'énergie inutile.

C'est un tel gaspillage de talent de le voir travailler dans ce petit bureau sans intérêt.

Éviter le gaspillage de papier est devenu une priorité absolue pour notre entreprise cette année.

Le gaspillage des fonds publics est un sujet qui revient souvent lors des débats politiques nationaux.

Beyond the physical, gaspillage is used to describe the loss of human potential. For example, if a brilliant scientist is forced to work a mundane job, a French speaker might call it a gaspillage d'intelligence or gaspillage de compétences. This demonstrates the word's versatility across emotional, economic, and environmental spectrums. In everyday life, you might hear a parent telling a child not to leave food on their plate by saying, 'Ne fais pas de gaspillage !' (Don't waste!). This cultural emphasis on not wasting stems from historical periods of scarcity but has evolved into a modern environmental ethic. The word is central to the 'Zero Waste' movement in France, known as Zéro Déchet or Lutte contre le gaspillage. By mastering this word, you gain insight into a core value of modern French life: the importance of mindfulness regarding resources and the ethical implications of consumption habits.

Using gaspillage correctly requires understanding its role as a masculine noun and the common prepositions that follow it. Most frequently, it is followed by the preposition de (or d' before a vowel) to specify what is being wasted. For instance, gaspillage de temps (waste of time) or gaspillage d'argent (waste of money). It can also be modified by adjectives to emphasize the scale of the waste, such as énorme gaspillage (huge waste) or véritable gaspillage (real/true waste). Understanding these collocations helps in constructing natural-sounding French sentences that convey the appropriate level of frustration or concern.

Quantifying Waste: Use 'beaucoup de' or 'trop de' before 'gaspillage' to express quantity, though 'un gaspillage' is more common for specific instances.

Verb Pairings: Common verbs that govern this noun include 'éviter' (to avoid), 'réduire' (to reduce), 'dénoncer' (to denounce), and 'lutter contre' (to fight against).

Subject vs Object: 'Le gaspillage est...' (The waste is...) places the focus on the act itself, while 'C'est un gaspillage...' (It is a waste...) evaluates a specific situation.

Nous devons mettre en place des mesures pour réduire le gaspillage au bureau.

Quel gaspillage d'avoir acheté tout ce matériel sans jamais s'en servir !

La lutte contre le gaspillage est un enjeu majeur pour les générations futures.

Il est regrettable de constater un tel gaspillage de ressources naturelles dans cette industrie.

Le gaspillage de l'eau est particulièrement critique pendant les périodes de sécheresse estivale.

In grammatical terms, gaspillage is an uncountable noun when referring to the concept in general, but it becomes countable when referring to specific instances or types. For example, 'Les gaspillages de l'administration' refers to various different ways the administration is wasting resources. When constructing sentences, pay attention to the gender agreement; since it is masculine, any adjectives must be in the masculine form (e.g., un gaspillage inutile). If you are translating the English phrase 'What a waste!', the most natural French equivalent is 'Quel gaspillage !'. This exclamation is very common and can be used in almost any context where something is being lost needlessly. Furthermore, remember that the verb gaspiller is a regular -er verb, making it easy to conjugate if you want to switch from the noun to the action. Practice using it in the context of your daily routine to solidify your understanding of its placement and impact.

If you live in or visit France, you will encounter the word gaspillage in a variety of real-world settings, from supermarket aisles to political speeches. One of the most prominent places is on the packaging of food products or on signs in grocery stores. Following the 2016 'Loi contre le gaspillage alimentaire' (Law against food waste), French supermarkets are legally required to donate unsold food to charities rather than destroying it. Consequently, you will see slogans like 'Ensemble contre le gaspillage' (Together against waste) or 'Stop au gaspillage' in public spaces. It is also a frequent topic in the French news (le journal), especially when discussing the environment, the economy, or government spending. Public service announcements often use the word to encourage citizens to be more mindful of their consumption of water and electricity.

At the Supermarket: Look for 'rayons anti-gaspillage' where products close to their expiration date are sold at a significant discount.

In Schools: French 'cantines' (cafeterias) often have posters teaching children about 'le gaspillage du pain' to encourage them to take only what they will eat.

In the Media: Documentaries like 'Global Gâchis' (Global Waste) often use 'gaspillage' to describe the systemic issues in the global food supply chain.

Le gouvernement a lancé une nouvelle campagne pour sensibiliser les citoyens au gaspillage énergétique.

Dans ce restaurant, on fait très attention au gaspillage en proposant des portions adaptées.

Les associations caritatives récupèrent les invendus pour éviter le gaspillage massif de nourriture.

Il y a un bac 'anti- gaspillage' à l'entrée du magasin avec des fruits un peu abîmés mais bons.

Le gaspillage de l'espace urbain est un problème croissant dans les grandes métropoles.

In a conversational context, friends might use gaspillage when discussing a movie that had a great cast but a terrible script ('Quel gaspillage d'acteurs !'). It's also common in workplace discussions about efficiency. If a meeting lasts three hours and achieves nothing, an employee might mutter that it was a gaspillage de temps précieux. The word is versatile enough to be used in both professional environments and casual social circles. Furthermore, the concept of 'anti-gaspillage' has become a lifestyle trend, appearing in titles of cookbooks that focus on using leftovers (la cuisine anti-gaspillage). By paying attention to these contexts, you'll notice how deeply ingrained the concept is in the French psyche, reflecting a collective effort to move toward a more sustainable and less wasteful society. Whether you're reading a news article or ordering at a restaurant, the word gaspillage will help you navigate these important cultural conversations.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing gaspillage with perte (loss) or déchet (waste/trash). While they are related, they are not interchangeable. Gaspillage specifically implies the *act* of wasting or the *result* of being wasteful, usually involving something that could have been used productively. Déchet refers to the actual trash or physical waste material itself (like a plastic bottle). Another common error is using the word 'waste' in a medical or biological sense; in French, you would not use gaspillage to describe bodily waste—that would be excréments or déchets corporels. Understanding these nuances is key to avoiding awkward or confusing sentences.

Gaspillage vs. Perte: 'Perte' is a neutral loss (like losing keys), while 'gaspillage' implies a moral or practical failure to use something well.

Gaspillage vs. Déchet: 'Déchet' is the physical garbage in the bin. 'Gaspillage' is the action of putting perfectly good food in that bin.

Gender Errors: Forgetting that 'gaspillage' is masculine. It's 'le gaspillage', never 'la gaspillage'.

Faux : J'ai fait une grande gaspillage. Correct : J'ai fait un grand gaspillage.

Faux : Il y a trop de gaspillage dans la poubelle. Correct : Il y a trop de déchets dans la poubelle.

Faux : C'est un gaspillage de mes clés. Correct : C'est une perte de mes clés.

Faux : On doit réduire le gaspillage industriel (meaning trash). Correct : On doit réduire les déchets industriels.

Faux : Le gaspillage de sang (medical). Correct : L'hémorragie ou la perte de sang.

Another subtle mistake is using gaspillage when you actually mean consommation (consumption). While excessive consumption leads to waste, they are not the same thing. If you say 'le gaspillage d'énergie est élevé', it means people are using energy needlessly. If you mean people are just using a lot of it (perhaps for a good reason), use consommation. Additionally, learners often struggle with the preposition after gaspillage. It is almost always de. Do not use en or avec. Finally, watch out for the spelling; it's easy to forget the double 'l' or the 'i' after the 'p'. Pronunciation can also be tricky; the 'll' makes a 'y' sound (/ɡas.pi.jaʒ/), not an 'l' sound. By keeping these common pitfalls in mind, you can use the word with the precision of a native speaker and avoid the most common traps that English-speaking learners fall into.

French offers several synonyms and related terms for gaspillage, each with its own nuance. Choosing the right one depends on whether you want to emphasize the physical mess, the lost opportunity, or the moral failure. The most common alternative is le gâchis. While gaspillage is often used for resources (food, money, time), gâchis is more emotional and can describe a ruined situation or a wasted life. For example, 'C'est un gâchis !' might be said after a preventable tragedy. Another term is la déperdition, which is more technical and refers to the gradual loss of something like heat or information. Understanding these distinctions will greatly enrich your French vocabulary and allow you to express yourself more precisely.

Gaspillage vs. Gâchis: 'Gaspillage' is the act of wasting resources. 'Gâchis' is the resulting mess or the feeling of a wasted opportunity.

Gaspillage vs. Déperdition: 'Déperdition' is a technical loss (e.g., 'déperdition de chaleur'). 'Gaspillage' implies a human choice to waste.

Gaspillage vs. Prodigalité: 'Prodigalité' is a more literary term for excessive spending or generosity, often without the negative connotation of 'gaspillage'.

La déperdition d'énergie dans les vieux bâtiments est un problème sérieux.

Quel gâchis de voir ce beau projet s'arrêter faute de financement !

Sa prodigalité l'a mené à la ruine, mais il a toujours été généreux.

Il faut éviter la dilapidation des ressources de la planète.

La perte de temps est inévitable dans les transports en commun.

In addition to these, you might hear la dissipation, which usually refers to the wasting of energy or money through a lack of focus or a dissolute lifestyle. When discussing food specifically, les restes (leftovers) are what you have left, but throwing them away is le gaspillage. In formal or academic writing, you might encounter l'inefficience, which describes a lack of efficiency that leads to waste. Each of these words allows you to tailor your message to the specific type of waste you are discussing. For example, if you are writing an environmental essay, gaspillage and déperdition are your best bets. If you are writing a drama script, gâchis and dilapidation will provide more emotional weight. By learning these alternatives, you not only avoid repetition but also demonstrate a higher level of linguistic sophistication, showing that you understand the subtle shades of meaning that define the French language.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The word has become so central to French culture that France was the first country in the world to pass a law specifically named after it to ban food waste in supermarkets.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ɡas.pi.jaʒ/

US /ɡæs.pi.jɑʒ/

The stress in French is generally on the final syllable: gas-pi-LLAGE.

Reimt sich auf

maquillage village triage grillage pillage feuillage habillage coquillage

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the 'll' as an 'l' sound instead of a 'y' sound.
Pronouncing the 'g' at the end like a hard 'g' instead of a soft 'zh'.
Missing the 'i' sound after the 'p'.
Stress on the first syllable.
Pronouncing the 'a' in 'gas' too much like an 'o'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

The word is common in news and on packaging, making it easy to recognize.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires correct spelling of the 'll' and 'age' ending.

Sprechen 3/5

The 'll' as 'y' sound can be tricky for beginners.

Hören 2/5

Distinguishing it from 'gâchis' in fast speech takes practice.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

nourriture argent temps jeter mauvais

Als Nächstes lernen

déchet recyclage écologie consommation durable

Fortgeschritten

obsolescence dilapidation halieutique systémique circulaire

Wichtige Grammatik

Nouns ending in -age are almost always masculine.

Le gaspillage, le garage, le voyage.

The preposition 'de' is used to specify the object of the waste.

Un gaspillage de temps.

The verb 'gaspiller' is a regular -er verb.

Nous gaspillons.

Adjectives follow the noun and agree in gender.

Un gaspillage massif.

Negative 'de' replaces 'un/une/des' after 'pas'.

Ne faites pas de gaspillage.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

C'est un gaspillage de nourriture.

It is a waste of food.

Simple subject-verb-object structure with 'un gaspillage de'.

Ne fais pas de gaspillage.

Don't waste (literally: don't do waste).

Imperative negative form using 'de' after the negation.

Quel gaspillage d'eau !

What a waste of water!

Exclamatory phrase using 'Quel' to match the masculine noun.

Le gaspillage est mauvais.

Waste is bad.

Basic descriptive sentence using the definite article 'le'.

Il y a du gaspillage ici.

There is waste here.

Use of 'il y a' followed by the partitive 'du'.

J'évite le gaspillage.

I avoid waste.

Present tense verb 'éviter' with a direct object.

C'est un petit gaspillage.

It's a small waste.

Adjective 'petit' placed before the noun.

Le pain n'est pas un gaspillage.

Bread is not a waste.

Negative structure 'ne...pas' with the indefinite article 'un'.

Nous devons réduire le gaspillage alimentaire.

We must reduce food waste.

Modal verb 'devoir' followed by the infinitive 'réduire'.

C'est un gaspillage d'argent inutile.

It's a useless waste of money.

Adjective 'inutile' modifying 'gaspillage'.

Il gaspille beaucoup de temps sur son téléphone.

He wastes a lot of time on his phone.

Verb form 'gaspille' with the quantifier 'beaucoup de'.

J'ai vu un rayon anti-gaspillage au magasin.

I saw an anti-waste section at the store.

Compound noun 'anti-gaspillage' used as an adjective.

Pourquoi fais-tu tout ce gaspillage ?

Why are you making all this waste?

Interrogative sentence with 'pourquoi' and demonstrative 'ce'.

Le gaspillage de papier est un problème au bureau.

Paper waste is a problem at the office.

Noun phrase as the subject of the sentence.

Elle ne veut pas gaspiller ses talents.

She doesn't want to waste her talents.

Negative modal 'ne veut pas' followed by infinitive 'gaspiller'.

C'est un gaspillage d'énergie de laisser la télé allumée.

It's a waste of energy to leave the TV on.

Impersonal 'C'est' followed by a noun phrase and an infinitive.

La lutte contre le gaspillage est devenue une priorité nationale.

The fight against waste has become a national priority.

Compound subject 'La lutte contre le gaspillage' with passé composé.

Il est choquant de voir un tel gaspillage dans les pays riches.

It is shocking to see such waste in rich countries.

Impersonal 'Il est [adjectif] de' structure.

Les restaurants cherchent des solutions pour éviter le gaspillage.

Restaurants are looking for solutions to avoid waste.

Plural subject with the verb 'chercher' and a purpose clause.

On peut transformer les restes pour limiter le gaspillage.

We can transform leftovers to limit waste.

Use of 'on' (we) and the infinitive 'transformer'.

C'est un véritable gaspillage de ressources précieuses.

It is a true waste of precious resources.

Adjective 'véritable' adds emphasis to the noun.

Le gaspillage alimentaire représente des tonnes de nourriture jetées.

Food waste represents tons of food thrown away.

Verb 'représenter' connecting the subject to a quantity.

Avez-vous des conseils pour réduire le gaspillage à la maison ?

Do you have any tips for reducing waste at home?

Inversion question form with 'Avez-vous'.

Le gaspillage de l'espace est une erreur d'urbanisme.

The waste of space is an urban planning error.

Abstract use of 'gaspillage' in a professional context.

La loi impose aux supermarchés de lutter contre le gaspillage.

The law requires supermarkets to fight against waste.

Verb 'imposer à [quelqu'un] de [faire quelque chose]'.

Ce projet est un gaspillage de fonds publics sans précédent.

This project is an unprecedented waste of public funds.

Demonstrative 'Ce' and complex noun phrase 'fonds publics'.

Il dénonce le gaspillage inhérent au système de consommation actuel.

He denounces the waste inherent in the current consumption system.

Adjective 'inhérent' followed by the preposition 'à'.

Le gaspillage des compétences est un frein à la croissance économique.

The waste of skills is a brake on economic growth.

Metaphorical use of 'frein' (brake) in an economic context.

Nous assistons à un gaspillage massif de biodiversité.

We are witnessing a massive waste of biodiversity.

Verb 'assister à' (to witness) with a noun phrase.

Le gaspillage peut être évité grâce à une meilleure gestion.

Waste can be avoided thanks to better management.

Passive voice 'peut être évité' with 'grâce à'.

C'est un gaspillage de temps que de discuter sans agir.

It is a waste of time to discuss without acting.

Complex 'que de' structure for emphasis.

Le gaspillage énergétique des bâtiments anciens est préoccupant.

The energy waste of old buildings is worrying.

Adjective 'préoccupant' matching the masculine subject.

L'éradication du gaspillage systémique est un impératif écologique.

The eradication of systemic waste is an ecological imperative.

Formal vocabulary like 'éradication' and 'impératif'.

On ne saurait tolérer un tel gaspillage de ressources en temps de crise.

One cannot tolerate such a waste of resources in times of crisis.

Use of 'on ne saurait' for formal impossibility.

Le gaspillage intellectuel est la conséquence d'un système éducatif rigide.

Intellectual waste is the consequence of a rigid educational system.

Abstract noun 'conséquence' with an adjective-noun pair.

La réduction du gaspillage s'inscrit dans une démarche d'économie circulaire.

The reduction of waste is part of a circular economy approach.

Pronominal verb 's'inscrire dans' (to be part of).

Le gaspillage des deniers publics soulève souvent l'indignation des contribuables.

The waste of public money often raises the indignation of taxpayers.

Formal term 'deniers publics' for public money.

Lutter contre le gaspillage demande une prise de conscience collective.

Fighting against waste requires a collective awareness.

Infinitive as the subject of the sentence.

Le gaspillage de chaleur est minimisé par l'isolation thermique.

Heat waste is minimized by thermal insulation.

Passive voice with the agent introduced by 'par'.

Un gaspillage effréné de ressources mène inévitablement à la pénurie.

An unbridled waste of resources inevitably leads to scarcity.

Adjective 'effréné' and adverb 'inévitablement'.

Le gaspillage, paroxysme de l'ère consumériste, menace l'équilibre planétaire.

Waste, the pinnacle of the consumerist era, threatens the planetary balance.

Apposition and elevated vocabulary like 'paroxysme'.

Il fustige le gaspillage éhonté des élites déconnectées des réalités.

He castigates the shameless waste of elites disconnected from reality.

Verb 'fustiger' and adjective 'éhonté'.

Le gaspillage de l'être est peut-être la plus grande tragédie humaine.

The wasting of the self is perhaps the greatest human tragedy.

Philosophical use of 'gaspillage' with 'l'être'.

La lutte contre le gaspillage ne doit pas être un simple vernis marketing.

The fight against waste must not be a mere marketing veneer.

Metaphorical use of 'vernis' (veneer/varnish).

Le gaspillage endémique des ressources halieutiques est alarmant.

The endemic waste of fishery resources is alarming.

Technical adjective 'halieutiques' (related to fishing).

On assiste à un gaspillage de données privées à l'échelle mondiale.

We are witnessing a waste of private data on a global scale.

Abstract use of 'gaspillage' in the digital realm.

Le gaspillage de temps, ce voleur de vie, est souvent sous-estimé.

The waste of time, that life-thief, is often underestimated.

Poetic apposition 'ce voleur de vie'.

L'optimisation des flux vise à éradiquer tout gaspillage opérationnel.

Flow optimization aims to eradicate all operational waste.

Business terminology like 'optimisation des flux'.

Häufige Kollokationen

gaspillage alimentaire

gaspillage d'argent

gaspillage de temps

gaspillage d'énergie

lutte contre le gaspillage

éviter le gaspillage

réduire le gaspillage

gaspillage de ressources

quel gaspillage !

zéro gaspillage

Häufige Phrasen

Halte au gaspillage

— A slogan used to call for an end to wasting resources.

Halte au gaspillage dans nos cantines scolaires !

Anti-gaspillage

— Used to describe measures or products that prevent waste.

J'ai acheté des légumes anti-gaspillage.

Faire du gaspillage

— The act of being wasteful in a general sense.

Arrête de faire du gaspillage avec ton argent.

Un pur gaspillage

— Something that is completely and utterly a waste.

C'est un pur gaspillage de talent.

Gaspillage massif

— Waste on a very large or systemic scale.

Le gaspillage massif de plastique pollue les océans.

Sensibiliser au gaspillage

— To raise awareness about the issue of wasting.

Il faut sensibiliser les enfants au gaspillage.

Gaspillage inutile

— Waste that serves no purpose and could have been easily avoided.

Évitons ce gaspillage inutile de papier.

Loi anti-gaspillage

— The specific French law aimed at reducing waste.

La loi anti-gaspillage impose de nouvelles règles.

Gaspillage de l'eau

— The act of using more water than necessary.

Le gaspillage de l'eau est grave en été.

Chasser le gaspillage

— To actively look for and eliminate instances of waste.

L'entreprise veut chasser le gaspillage à tous les niveaux.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

gaspillage vs déchet

Déchet is the physical trash; gaspillage is the act of wasting something useful.

gaspillage vs perte

Perte is a general loss (like losing keys); gaspillage implies a moral or practical failure.

gaspillage vs gâchis

Gâchis is more emotional and refers to a ruined situation or opportunity.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"C'est donner de la confiture aux cochons"

— To waste something good on someone who can't appreciate it.

Lui offrir ce vin cher, c'est donner de la confiture aux cochons.

informal

"Jeter l'argent par les fenêtres"

— To waste money recklessly.

Avec toutes ces dépenses, il jette l'argent par les fenêtres.

neutral

"Perdre son temps"

— To waste one's time on something unproductive.

Ne perds pas ton temps avec ce projet inutile.

neutral

"C'est un coup d'épée dans l'eau"

— A wasted effort that produces no result.

Toutes ses recherches ont été un coup d'épée dans l'eau.

neutral

"Gâcher sa vie"

— To waste one's life or potential.

Il est en train de gâcher sa vie avec ces mauvaises fréquentations.

neutral

"Brûler la chandelle par les deux bouts"

— To waste one's health or money by living too fast.

Il brûle la chandelle par les deux bouts et finira par s'épuiser.

neutral

"Faire table rase"

— Sometimes used when wasting the past to start over, though usually positive.

Ils ont fait table rase de leurs anciennes méthodes.

neutral

"Mettre à la poubelle"

— To waste something by literally or figuratively throwing it away.

Il a mis son avenir à la poubelle.

informal

"S'en mordre les doigts"

— To regret a waste or a mistake deeply.

Il s'en mord les doigts d'avoir gaspillé cette chance.

informal

"C'est du gâchis"

— A very common way to say 'it's a waste'.

Tout ce pain jeté, c'est vraiment du gâchis.

neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

gaspillage vs déchet

Both relate to waste.

Déchet is the object in the bin. Gaspillage is the reason it's in the bin.

Sortir les déchets vs. Arrêter le gaspillage.

gaspillage vs gâchis

They are very close synonyms.

Gâchis is more informal and emotional, often used for situations rather than resources.

Quel gâchis de talent !

gaspillage vs perte

Both involve losing something.

Perte can be accidental; gaspillage is usually due to poor management or choice.

Une perte de mémoire vs. Un gaspillage de temps.

gaspillage vs dilapidation

Both mean wasting money.

Dilapidation is much more formal and usually refers to large amounts of wealth.

La dilapidation des fonds publics.

gaspillage vs consommation

Consumption leads to waste.

Consommation is the act of using; gaspillage is using more than needed.

La consommation d'eau vs. Le gaspillage d'eau.

Satzmuster

C'est un gaspillage de [nom].

C'est un gaspillage de pain.

Il ne faut pas [verbe] pour éviter le gaspillage.

Il ne faut pas trop acheter pour éviter le gaspillage.

La lutte contre le gaspillage de [nom] est [adjectif].

La lutte contre le gaspillage de l'eau est cruciale.

Bien que le gaspillage soit [adjectif], nous continuons à...

Bien que le gaspillage soit évitable, nous continuons à polluer.

Le gaspillage de [nom] témoigne d'un manque de...

Le gaspillage de ressources témoigne d'un manque de vision.

Sous l'égide de la lutte contre le gaspillage, on voit apparaître...

Sous l'égide de la lutte contre le gaspillage, on voit apparaître de nouveaux modèles.

Pas de gaspillage !

Pas de gaspillage à table !

On gaspille trop de [nom].

On gaspille trop de temps.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

gaspilleur (m)

gaspilleuse (f)

Verben

gaspiller

Adjektive

gaspillé

gaspilleur

Verwandt

gâchis

déchet

perte

consommation

économie

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Very high, especially in environmental and economic contexts.

Häufige Fehler

La gaspillage → Le gaspillage
Gaspillage is masculine, not feminine.
Gaspillage en temps → Gaspillage de temps
The correct preposition is always 'de'.
Using 'gaspillage' for physical trash. → Déchets
Gaspillage is the act; déchets are the objects.
Pronouncing the 'll' like 'l'. → /ɡas.pi.jaʒ/
The 'll' must sound like a 'y'.
Using 'gaspillage' for losing keys. → Perte
Losing something by accident is a 'perte', not 'gaspillage'.

Tipps

Masculine Ending

Remember that almost all French nouns ending in -age are masculine. This will help you remember it's 'le gaspillage'.

The 'De' Rule

Always use 'de' or 'd'' after 'gaspillage' when specifying what is being wasted. 'Gaspillage d'argent', 'Gaspillage de pain'.

Loi Anti-Gaspillage

Knowing about the French law against food waste gives you a great talking point in conversations about the environment.

Soft Ending

The final 'ge' is a soft 'zh' sound, like the 's' in 'pleasure'. Don't pronounce it like a hard 'g'.

Use Synonyms

Use 'gâchis' for emotional situations and 'gaspillage' for resources to sound more like a native speaker.

Quel Gaspillage !

Memorize this phrase as a single unit. It's the perfect reaction to seeing something wasted.

Visual Cues

When you see a bin, think of 'déchets', but when you see someone throw away a good sandwich, think 'gaspillage'.

Be Mindful

In France, bread is rarely wasted. Use 'gaspillage' to show you respect this cultural norm.

News Keywords

Listen for 'gaspillage' in news segments about 'écologie' or 'pouvoir d'achat' (purchasing power).

Formal Contexts

In essays, pair 'gaspillage' with verbs like 'éradiquer' (eradicate) or 'enrayer' (to stop/check) for a more academic tone.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'GAS' and 'PILL'. If you spill gas on a pill, you've wasted both. Gaspillage is the act of wasting.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a giant trash can filled with perfectly good, shiny golden apples. This visual contrast represents the 'gaspillage' of something valuable.

Word Web

nourriture argent temps énergie environnement poubelle économie écologie

Herausforderung

Write three sentences about things you wasted this week using 'gaspillage de [nom]'. Then, write three ways you will avoid it next week.

Wortherkunft

The word 'gaspillage' comes from the verb 'gaspiller', which appeared in the 16th century. It is believed to be derived from the Old French word 'gaspe', meaning a handful or a bundle of something, possibly related to the idea of scattering things carelessly. Another theory suggests a link to the dialectal word 'gasper', meaning to swallow or gulp down greedily.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To squander or dissipate resources through greed or lack of care.

Romance (French)

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when accusing someone of 'gaspillage' as it can be taken as a strong moral criticism of their lifestyle or habits.

In English-speaking countries, we often just say 'waste', but 'gaspillage' has a more specific moral and social connotation in France, often linked to the 'Zero Waste' movement.

Loi Garot (the 2016 anti-food waste law) Too Good To Go (app frequently associated with the word) The documentary 'Global Gâchis'

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

At the dinner table

Ne fais pas de gaspillage.
Finis ton assiette.
C'est du gaspillage de jeter ça.
On peut garder les restes.

At the supermarket

Où est le rayon anti-gaspillage ?
C'est en promotion pour éviter le gaspillage.
Je n'achète que le nécessaire.
Stop au gaspillage alimentaire.

At work

C'est un gaspillage de temps.
Il faut réduire le gaspillage de papier.
Cette réunion est inutile.
Optimisons nos ressources.

Discussing the environment

Le gaspillage énergétique est un problème.
Luttons contre le gaspillage.
Il faut changer nos habitudes.
La loi anti-gaspillage est nécessaire.

Personal finance

C'est un gaspillage d'argent.
Je regrette cet achat.
Économisons au lieu de gaspiller.
Quel gâchis de dépenser autant.

Gesprächseinstiege

"Que penses-tu du gaspillage alimentaire dans les supermarchés ?"

"As-tu des astuces pour éviter le gaspillage à la maison ?"

"Est-ce que tu trouves que les gens font trop de gaspillage d'argent aujourd'hui ?"

"Penses-tu que la loi anti-gaspillage est efficace en France ?"

"Quel est, selon toi, le pire type de gaspillage ?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Décrivez une situation où vous avez fait du gaspillage et comment vous vous êtes senti.

Quelles mesures votre ville pourrait-elle prendre pour réduire le gaspillage ?

Pourquoi est-il important de lutter contre le gaspillage de temps dans notre vie quotidienne ?

Imaginez un monde sans aucun gaspillage. À quoi ressemblerait-il ?

Écrivez une lettre à un ami pour le convaincre de réduire son gaspillage d'énergie.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Gaspillage is a masculine noun. You should always use 'le' or 'un' with it. For example, 'le gaspillage alimentaire'.

Gaspillage refers to the act of wasting something that was useful. Déchet refers to the physical trash or garbage that is thrown away. You reduce gaspillage to produce fewer déchets.

The most common term is 'le gaspillage alimentaire'. It is used in laws, news, and daily conversation.

Yes, 'un gaspillage de temps' is very common and correct. It implies that the time was used poorly or irresponsibly.

The verb is 'gaspiller', which means 'to waste'. It is a regular -er verb, conjugated like 'parler'.

It means 'anti-waste'. It is used as an adjective to describe products, laws, or behaviors that prevent waste.

They are very similar, but 'gâchis' is more informal and often carries more emotional weight, like when a situation is ruined.

The 'll' is pronounced like a 'y' sound (as in 'yes'). So it sounds like 'gas-pi-yaj'.

It is less common than the singular but can be used in formal reports to refer to different types or instances of waste.

The best opposites are 'économie' (saving/careful use) or 'optimisation' (efficient use).

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