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A2 noun #4,000 más común 12 min de lectura

feu vert

Top 4,000

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos feu vert en 30 segundos

Explicación feu vert in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the literal meaning of 'feu vert.' This refers to the green traffic light you see on the street. You will learn it as part of basic vocabulary for transportation and city life. At this stage, you simply need to know that 'le feu est vert' means you can go, and 'le feu est rouge' means you must stop. You might use it in very simple sentences like 'Je traverse quand le feu est vert' (I cross when the light is green). It is important to remember that 'feu' is masculine, so we use 'le' and not 'la.' You don't need to worry about metaphorical meanings yet; just focus on the colors and basic traffic rules. Practice saying 'le feu vert' to master the silent 't' at the end of 'vert.' This level is about survival and basic communication, so knowing when it is safe to cross the road is a perfect use for this phrase. You might also see this in children's books or very simple driving instructions. The focus is on the physical object found at intersections.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'feu vert' in its most common figurative sense: getting permission. You should be able to understand and use the phrase 'donner le feu vert' (to give the green light). This is very useful for talking about daily life, school, or simple work tasks. For example, 'Ma mère m'a donné le feu vert pour aller au cinéma' (My mother gave me the green light to go to the movies). You are moving beyond the street and into social interactions. You should also recognize the phrase in the context of simple news stories or announcements. For instance, 'La ville donne le feu vert pour une fête' (The city gives the green light for a party). You should feel comfortable using it with common verbs like 'attendre' (to wait for) or 'avoir' (to have). At this level, you are building the bridge between the literal world of traffic and the metaphorical world of authorization. You should also be careful with basic grammar, ensuring that the adjective 'vert' agrees with the masculine noun 'feu.'

By the B1 level, you should be using 'feu vert' naturally in professional and social contexts. You can describe more complex situations involving authorization. You might discuss projects at work where you are 'en attente du feu vert' (waiting for the go-ahead). You should be able to use the phrase in different tenses, such as the passé composé ('Ils ont donné leur feu vert') or the future ('Ils donneront leur feu vert demain'). At B1, you also start to see the phrase in more varied media, like radio reports or business emails. You understand that receiving a 'feu vert' implies that a decision-making process has concluded. You might also begin to compare it with other words like 'autorisation' or 'permission,' choosing 'feu vert' when you want to sound more idiomatic and less formal. You should also be able to handle the plural 'feux verts' when talking about a series of traffic lights or multiple approvals. Your sentences will become longer and more descriptive, such as 'Le projet a enfin reçu le feu vert après une longue réunion avec les investisseurs.'

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At the B2 level, you understand the nuances of 'feu vert' in public discourse, politics, and economics. You will frequently encounter it in newspapers like 'Le Figaro' or 'Libération' when they discuss government actions or international diplomacy. You should be able to use it to describe complex approval chains. For example, 'Le gouvernement a donné son feu vert sous certaines conditions' (The government gave its green light under certain conditions). You understand that a 'feu vert' can be conditional or partial. You can also use the term in more abstract ways, such as 'donner le feu vert à une nouvelle ère' (to green-light a new era). At this stage, you should be able to distinguish between 'feu vert' and more formal synonyms like 'aval' or 'agrément' and use them appropriately based on the register of the conversation. You are also capable of using the phrase in the subjunctive mood, which is common after expressions of waiting or necessity: 'Il est nécessaire que le ministre donne son feu vert.' Your mastery of the term allows you to participate in debates about urban planning or corporate strategy where 'feux verts' are frequently discussed.

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At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated grasp of 'feu vert' and can use it with stylistic flair. You recognize it in high-level literature, complex editorial pieces, and technical reports. You understand the subtle implications of who gives the 'feu vert' and what it says about power dynamics in a given situation. You can use it in ironical or metaphorical ways, perhaps discussing a 'feu vert tacite' (a tacit green light) where no formal permission was given, but action was allowed to proceed anyway. You are comfortable using the phrase in complex grammatical structures and can integrate it into persuasive speech. For instance, 'Obtenir le feu vert n'est que la première étape d'un processus long et ardu.' You also understand the historical and cultural weight of the term in French administration. You can use it to discuss the 'green wave' (onde verte) in urban traffic management or the 'feu vert' in environmental policy with ease. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use 'feu vert' alongside its most formal counterparts without sounding repetitive, demonstrating a near-native command of the language's idioms.

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At the C2 level, your understanding of 'feu vert' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can play with the term, using it in puns, wordplay, or complex rhetorical devices. You might analyze the use of the term in political speeches to show how leaders use the metaphor of 'movement' and 'permission' to influence public opinion. You are aware of the most obscure uses of the term, including its application in highly specialized fields like aerospace or advanced traffic engineering. You can effortlessly switch between the literal, figurative, and idiomatic uses of the word. For example, in a philosophical discussion about free will, you might use 'feu vert' as a metaphor for moral agency. You understand the register perfectly, knowing exactly when 'feu vert' provides the right amount of punchiness compared to the dry 'autorisation.' You can also identify and correct subtle misuses of the term in others' speech. Your ability to use 'feu vert' in any context—from a casual chat in a bistro to a formal presentation at the Académie Française—is complete and nuanced.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

feu vert en 30 segundos

Literally means a green traffic light on the road.
Commonly used figuratively to mean 'permission' or 'the go-ahead'.
It is a masculine noun: 'le feu vert'.
Used with verbs like 'donner' (to give) and 'recevoir' (to receive).

The French term feu vert literally translates to "green fire" but refers specifically to a green traffic light. In a broader, more common sense, it is used metaphorically to mean "the go-ahead," "permission," or "approval." Understanding this term is essential for both navigating French roads and navigating professional or social situations where consent is required. In France, the traffic light system evolved significantly over the 20th century, and the phrase has deeply embedded itself into the lexicon of daily life. When you are standing at a crosswalk in Paris, you wait for the feu vert for pedestrians. However, if you are proposing a new marketing strategy to your manager, you are waiting for their figurative feu vert to begin the campaign.

Literal Usage: Refers to the physical signal on the road. For example: "Le feu est passé au vert." (The light turned green.)
Figurative Usage: Refers to receiving authorization or a green light for a project or action. For example: "Nous attendons le feu vert de la direction." (We are waiting for the management's go-ahead.)

Dès que nous aurons le feu vert du client, nous pourrons commencer les travaux.

As soon as we have the green light from the client, we can start the work.

The cultural significance of the feu vert in France cannot be overstated. It represents the transition from stagnation to movement. In a bureaucratic society like France, receiving the feu vert often implies that all necessary paperwork, signatures, and stamps have been acquired. It is the final hurdle in many administrative processes. Unlike some English expressions that might use "okay" or "thumbs up," feu vert carries a specific weight of officiality. It suggests that the path is now clear and safe to proceed. This is why you will hear it in news broadcasts regarding government legislation or international treaties.

Le conducteur a accéléré dès qu'il a vu le feu vert.

The driver accelerated as soon as he saw the green light.

In professional settings, the phrase is often paired with verbs like donner (to give) or recevoir (to receive). If a project is stalled, employees might say they are "dans l'attente du feu vert" (waiting for the green light). This implies a hierarchical structure where someone in a position of authority must validate the next steps. It is also used in sports, particularly in racing, where the literal green light signals the start of the competition. In aviation, the feu vert is a literal signal from the control tower to the pilot. Even in medical contexts, a doctor might give the feu vert for a patient to resume physical activity after an operation.

Cultural Nuance: In France, people are generally law-abiding regarding traffic lights, though pedestrians in Paris might occasionally cross on a red light if no cars are coming. However, the figurative 'feu vert' is strictly respected in business hierarchy.

Le maire a donné son feu vert pour la construction du nouveau parc.

The mayor gave his green light for the construction of the new park.

Using feu vert correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement and the common verbs it associates with. As a masculine compound noun, it is preceded by masculine articles like le, un, or du. When used literally, it often follows the verb être or passer à. For example, "Le feu est vert" (The light is green) or "Le feu passe au vert" (The light is turning green). When used figuratively, the most common construction is "donner le feu vert à [quelqu'un] pour [quelque chose]" (to give the green light to someone for something).

Verb Association: Donner: To give authorization. "Le directeur a donné son feu vert."
Verb Association: Recevoir / Obtenir: To receive or get authorization. "J'ai enfin obtenu le feu vert."
Verb Association: Attendre: To wait for authorization. "Nous attendons le feu vert du ministère."

Après des mois de réflexion, le comité a donné le feu vert définitif.

After months of reflection, the committee gave the final green light.

One must be careful with the preposition used after the phrase. If you are giving the green light *to* a person, use à. If you are giving the green light *for* an action, use pour or à followed by an infinitive. For instance, "donner le feu vert pour le projet" or "donner le feu vert à l'exécution du plan." In casual conversation, you might simply say "C'est feu vert !" to indicate that everything is ready and approved, though this is slightly more colloquial. In more formal writing, sticking to the standard verbal phrases is recommended to maintain clarity and professionalism.

Tu ne peux pas partir en voyage sans le feu vert de tes parents.

You cannot go on a trip without your parents' green light.

When describing traffic, the phrase is often used with the plural in specific contexts, such as "une vague de feux verts" (a wave of green lights, often called a 'green wave' in traffic engineering). However, in the figurative sense, it is almost exclusively singular. You wouldn't give "several green lights" for one project; you give the single, definitive feu vert. If you are teaching someone to drive in France, you will frequently use the command: "Regarde le feu, il est vert !" (Look at the light, it's green!). This demonstrates the word's primary, physical utility before one masters its metaphorical applications in business and law.

La Commission Européenne a donné son feu vert au rachat de l'entreprise.

The European Commission gave its green light to the company's takeover.

You will encounter feu vert in a variety of environments, ranging from the mundane to the highly formal. On the streets of any French-speaking city, the literal use is constant. Pedestrians wait for the little green man signal, but drivers watch the feu tricolore (three-colored light) to see if it is vert. If you are taking the French driving test (le permis de conduire), your examiner will be watching closely to see how you react to a feu vert—for instance, checking if you verify that the intersection is clear even when you have the right of way. In this context, the word is purely functional and essential for safety.

In the News: Journalists often use it regarding legislation. "Le Sénat donne le feu vert à la nouvelle loi."
In Business: Managers use it to signal the start of operations. "On a le feu vert pour lancer la production."
In Sports: Referees or officials might use it for the start of a race.

Les autorités sanitaires ont donné leur feu vert pour la commercialisation du vaccin.

Health authorities gave their green light for the marketing of the vaccine.

In the corporate world of La Défense in Paris, the feu vert is the holy grail of project management. You might hear it in a meeting: "On attend le feu vert de la compta" (We're waiting for the green light from accounting). This highlights the collaborative and often bureaucratic nature of French work culture, where different departments must all align before action is taken. Furthermore, in the medical field, the term is used when a patient is cleared for discharge or to resume normal life. "Le chirurgien m'a donné le feu vert pour reprendre le sport" (The surgeon gave me the green light to restart sports). It conveys a sense of relief and progress.

Le réalisateur attend le feu vert du studio pour commencer le tournage.

The director is waiting for the studio's green light to start filming.

Interestingly, in the context of environmental discussions, feu vert can sometimes take on a double meaning, referring to both permission and 'green' ecological initiatives. However, this is usually a play on words. In day-to-day life, if you're asking a friend if you can do something, you might ask, "Tu me donnes le feu vert ?" (Do you give me the go-ahead?). It's a versatile phrase that bridges the gap between formal authorization and informal agreement. Whether you are listening to the radio, reading a newspaper like Le Monde, or just walking down the street, you will hear and see this phrase constantly.

Le feu est passé au vert, tu peux y aller !

The light turned green, you can go!

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is trying to translate the phrase "green light" literally as "lumière verte." While lumière does mean light, in the context of traffic or authorization, French exclusively uses feu (fire). Saying "donner la lumière verte" sounds like you are literally handing someone a green-colored lamp and will likely confuse a native speaker. Another common error is gender-related. Because feu is masculine, the adjective vert must also be masculine. Beginners sometimes mistakenly say "feu verte," adding an 'e' because they might be thinking of other feminine nouns like la route or la voiture. Always keep it masculine: le feu vert.

Mistake: Lumière verte: Incorrect literal translation from English. Use 'feu vert' instead.
Mistake: Feu verte: Incorrect gender agreement. 'Feu' is masculine.
Mistake: Donner un feu vert: While not strictly wrong, 'donner LE feu vert' is much more common when referring to a specific project.

Faux : J'attends la lumière verte.
Juste : J'attends le feu vert.

Confusing the plural form is another potential pitfall. In English, we might say "the lights are green," but in French, if you are talking about a single traffic signal, it is always singular: "le feu est vert." If you say "les feux sont verts," you are referring to multiple traffic lights along a road. Additionally, learners sometimes forget the preposition au when the light changes. It is "passer au vert," not "passer vert." The au indicates the transition to the state of being green. Using the wrong preposition can make your French sound disjointed or robotic.

Faux : Le feu est passé vert.
Juste : Le feu est passé au vert.

Lastly, be careful with the register. While feu vert is widely used, in extremely formal legal documents, you might see more precise terms like autorisation préalable or agrément. Using feu vert in a supreme court ruling might be considered slightly too metaphorical, though it is perfectly acceptable in high-level journalism. Conversely, in very slangy French, you might hear "C'est carré" or "C'est bon," but feu vert remains the most standard and versatile way to express the concept of the go-ahead across all social classes.

Faux : Elle a donné son feu verte.
Juste : Elle a donné son feu vert.

Depending on the context, you might want to use synonyms for feu vert to avoid repetition or to change the tone of your sentence. The most direct synonym for the figurative meaning is l'autorisation (authorization). This is a standard, slightly more formal word. Another common alternative is l'accord (agreement or consent). For example, "J'ai l'accord de mon patron" is very similar to "J'ai le feu vert de mon patron," though accord focuses more on the consensus reached rather than the signal to start. In a business context, you might also hear le go (the go), which is an anglicism frequently used in French startups and tech companies.

L'autorisation: More formal and precise. Used in legal or administrative contexts.
Le blanc-seing: A more advanced term meaning 'carte blanche' or full authority to act as one sees fit.
Le signal de départ: Focuses on the timing of the start, often used in sports or projects.

Le projet a reçu l'aval du comité de direction.

The project received the endorsement/backing of the steering committee.

Another sophisticated alternative is l'aval. To give one's aval to something means to endorse or support it. While feu vert is the permission to proceed, aval is the moral or professional backing of the idea. If you are looking for an idiom, you might use donner carte blanche. This is stronger than feu vert; it means giving someone total freedom to do whatever they want. In contrast, feu vert usually applies to a specific, pre-defined action. In the literal sense of traffic, you might hear le signal vert, though this is much more technical and less common in daily speech.

Il nous a donné son consentement pour publier l'article.

He gave us his consent to publish the article.

In Quebec, you might occasionally hear different variations, but feu vert remains standard across the Francophonie. When writing, varying these terms can make your prose more engaging. For instance, instead of using feu vert three times in a paragraph about a business deal, you could switch to approbation or feu de signalisation (for the literal light). Understanding these nuances helps you move from an A2 learner to a B1/B2 speaker who can express the same idea with different shades of meaning. Each alternative carries its own weight and level of formality, allowing you to tailor your speech to your audience.

Nous avons reçu l'approbation finale du conseil.

We received the final approval from the board.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

Before electricity, 'feux' were literal fires or gas lamps used for signaling in maritime and military contexts. The shift to electric traffic lights kept the word 'feu'.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /fø vɛʁ/

US /fø vɛr/

The stress is balanced, but slightly more emphasis falls on the 'vert' at the end of the phrase.

Rima con

air fer mer hier clair cher verre guerre

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 't' at the end of 'vert'. It must be silent.
Pronouncing 'feu' like 'foo' (it's a rounded 'e' sound).
Making 'vert' sound like 'vurt' (keep it like the English word 'air').
Stress on the first syllable only.
Adding an 'e' sound to the end of 'vert' (verte).

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as it looks like its English equivalent.

Escritura 2/5

Requires remembering the masculine gender and silent 't' in 'vert'.

Expresión oral 2/5

Must avoid pronouncing the 't' and ensure 'feu' is not 'foo'.

Escucha 1/5

Commonly used and usually clear in context.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

feu vert donner recevoir attendre

Aprende después

feu rouge autorisation permis accord aval

Avanzado

blanc-seing agrément homologation quitus assentiment

Gramática que debes saber

Masculine noun agreement

Le feu est vert (not verte).

Preposition 'au' with 'passer'

Le feu passe au vert.

Contraction 'du' (de + le)

Le feu vert du patron.

Silent final consonants

The 't' in vert is silent.

Compound noun formation

Feu + vert forms a specific semantic unit.

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Ejemplos por nivel

Le feu est vert, tu peux traverser.

The light is green, you can cross.

Simple present tense with the verb 'être'.

Regarde le feu vert !

Look at the green light!

Imperative form of 'regarder'.

La voiture avance au feu vert.

The car moves forward at the green light.

Preposition 'au' before 'feu vert'.

Il n'y a pas de feu vert ici.

There is no green light here.

Negative construction 'ne... pas de'.

Le petit bonhomme est au feu vert.

The little man is at the green light.

Refers to the pedestrian signal.

J'attends le feu vert.

I am waiting for the green light.

Direct object 'le feu vert' after 'attendre'.

Le feu vert est en bas.

The green light is at the bottom.

Describing the position of the light.

Est-ce que le feu est vert ?

Is the light green?

Question using 'est-ce que'.

Mon père a donné son feu vert pour la fête.

My father gave his green light for the party.

Figurative use meaning permission.

Nous avons le feu vert du professeur.

We have the teacher's green light.

Possessive 'du professeur'.

Elle attend le feu vert pour commencer son travail.

She is waiting for the green light to start her work.

Infinitive 'commencer' after 'pour'.

Le directeur donne son feu vert à ce projet.

The director gives his green light to this project.

Indirect object 'à ce projet'.

Ils n'ont pas encore reçu le feu vert.

They haven't received the green light yet.

Passé composé with 'encore'.

Tu as mon feu vert, vas-y !

You have my green light, go ahead!

Informal imperative 'vas-y'.

Le médecin a donné son feu vert pour le sport.

The doctor gave his green light for sports.

Medical clearing context.

On attend le feu vert de la mairie.

We're waiting for the town hall's green light.

Administrative context.

Le comité de direction a enfin donné le feu vert au nouveau budget.

The management committee finally gave the green light to the new budget.

Adverb 'enfin' placed after the auxiliary verb.

Dès que nous aurons le feu vert, nous lancerons la campagne.

As soon as we have the green light, we will launch the campaign.

Future tense 'aurons' and 'lancerons'.

Il est risqué de commencer sans le feu vert officiel.

It is risky to start without the official green light.

Adjective 'officiel' agreeing with 'feu'.

Le projet est bloqué car nous n'avons pas le feu vert de la banque.

The project is blocked because we don't have the bank's green light.

Causal conjunction 'car'.

Elle a obtenu le feu vert pour son voyage d'études.

She obtained the green light for her study trip.

Verb 'obtenir' in the passé composé.

Nous espérons recevoir le feu vert avant la fin de la semaine.

We hope to receive the green light before the end of the week.

Infinitive 'recevoir' after 'espérons'.

Le client a donné son feu vert pour les modifications du design.

The client gave his green light for the design modifications.

Plural noun 'modifications'.

Sans le feu vert de mon patron, je ne peux rien faire.

Without my boss's green light, I can't do anything.

Negative 'ne... rien'.

Le gouvernement a donné son feu vert à la construction de la nouvelle autoroute.

The government gave its green light to the construction of the new highway.

Formal political context.

Les autorités sanitaires ont donné leur feu vert après des tests rigoureux.

Health authorities gave their green light after rigorous tests.

Plural possessive 'leur' for 'autorités'.

L'UE pourrait donner son feu vert à cette fusion d'entreprises.

The EU could give its green light to this corporate merger.

Conditional mood 'pourrait'.

Bien qu'il ait reçu le feu vert, il hésite encore à agir.

Although he received the green light, he still hesitates to act.

Subjunctive mood 'ait reçu' after 'bien que'.

Le maire a donné le feu vert pour le festival, malgré les plaintes.

The mayor gave the green light for the festival, despite the complaints.

Prepositional phrase 'malgré les plaintes'.

Il faut que la commission donne son feu vert avant demain midi.

The commission must give its green light before tomorrow noon.

Subjunctive 'donne' after 'il faut que'.

Le feu vert de la Bourse a permis une hausse des actions.

The Stock Exchange's green light allowed for a rise in shares.

Noun 'hausse' meaning increase.

Nous attendons un feu vert définitif de la part des investisseurs.

We are waiting for a definitive green light from the investors.

Phrase 'de la part de' meaning from.

L'obtention du feu vert réglementaire est un préalable indispensable à toute exploitation.

Obtaining regulatory green light is an essential prerequisite for any operation.

Nominalization 'L'obtention'.

Le ministre a donné un feu vert de principe, mais les détails restent à régler.

The minister gave a green light in principle, but the details remain to be settled.

Idiom 'de principe' (in principle).

Ce feu vert tacite a permis aux négociations de progresser rapidement.

This tacit green light allowed negotiations to progress quickly.

Adjective 'tacite' (implied/silent).

Après avoir pesé le pour et le contre, ils ont fini par donner le feu vert.

After weighing the pros and cons, they finally gave the green light.

Perfect infinitive 'après avoir pesé'.

Le projet ne saurait voir le jour sans le feu vert des autorités de régulation.

The project cannot see the light of day without the green light from the regulatory authorities.

Formal 'ne saurait' construction.

Ils ont donné le feu vert malgré les incertitudes économiques persistantes.

They gave the green light despite persistent economic uncertainties.

Complex noun phrase 'incertitudes économiques persistantes'.

Le feu vert accordé par le tribunal a surpris de nombreux observateurs.

The green light granted by the court surprised many observers.

Past participle 'accordé' as an adjective.

Il est impératif que nous obtenions le feu vert avant d'engager des frais supplémentaires.

It is imperative that we obtain the green light before incurring additional costs.

Subjunctive 'obtenions' after 'il est impératif que'.

Le feu vert octroyé par les instances supérieures a déclenché une vague d'optimisme sur les marchés.

The green light granted by the higher authorities triggered a wave of optimism in the markets.

High-level verb 'octroyer'.

Sous la pression de l'opinion publique, le gouvernement a fini par donner son feu vert aux réformes.

Under pressure from public opinion, the government finally gave its green light to the reforms.

Prepositional phrase 'sous la pression de'.

L'absence de feu vert explicite n'a pas empêché la poursuite des activités clandestines.

The absence of an explicit green light did not prevent the continuation of clandestine activities.

Antonym 'absence' and adjective 'explicite'.

Le feu vert donné à cette initiative marque un tournant décisif dans la politique étrangère du pays.

The green light given to this initiative marks a decisive turning point in the country's foreign policy.

Metaphor 'tournant décisif'.

Il aura fallu des années de lobbying pour obtenir enfin ce précieux feu vert.

It will have taken years of lobbying to finally obtain this precious green light.

Future perfect 'aura fallu'.

Le feu vert est conditionné par le respect strict des normes de sécurité environnementale.

The green light is conditioned on strict compliance with environmental safety standards.

Passive voice 'est conditionné'.

Donner le feu vert à un tel projet sans étude d'impact préalable serait une aberration.

Giving the green light to such a project without a prior impact study would be an aberration.

Conditional 'serait' and noun 'aberration'.

Le feu vert du Conseil de Sécurité est l'ultime étape avant le déploiement des troupes.

The Security Council's green light is the final step before the deployment of troops.

Formal international relations context.

Colocaciones comunes

donner le feu vert

recevoir le feu vert

attendre le feu vert

obtenir le feu vert

passer au feu vert

feu vert définitif

feu vert officiel

donner son feu vert à

un feu vert de principe

être au feu vert

Frases Comunes

C'est feu vert.

— Everything is ready to go; approval is granted.

Pour le voyage, c'est feu vert !

Attendre le feu vert.

— To be in a state of suspension waiting for permission.

On ne peut pas bouger, on attend le feu vert.

Au premier feu vert.

— At the very first opportunity or signal to start.

Il est parti au premier feu vert.

Donner un feu vert tacite.

— To allow something to happen without saying yes out loud.

La police a donné un feu vert tacite à la manifestation.

Brûler le feu vert.

— This is a play on 'brûler le feu rouge' (to run a red light), sometimes used to mean rushing into things.

N'allez pas trop vite, ne brûlez pas le feu vert.

Feu vert pour tout le monde.

— Everyone has permission to proceed.

C'est feu vert pour tout le monde, on commence !

Le feu vert de la direction.

— Specific approval from the management.

On attend toujours le feu vert de la direction.

Avoir le feu vert.

— To be in possession of permission.

J'ai le feu vert, je commence demain.

Mettre au feu vert.

— To switch a signal or status to 'go'.

Ils ont mis tous les indicateurs au feu vert.

Demander le feu vert.

— To ask for permission.

Je vais demander le feu vert à mon épouse.

Se confunde a menudo con

feu vert vs feu rouge

The opposite; means stop or refusal.

feu vert vs lumière verte

An incorrect anglicism for 'feu vert'.

feu vert vs être au vert

Sometimes means being in the countryside, not just having permission.

Modismos y expresiones

"Donner le feu vert"

— To authorize or approve a project or action.

Le maire a donné le feu vert pour le festival.

Neutral

"Recevoir le feu vert"

— To get the go-ahead from an authority.

L'équipe a reçu le feu vert pour le lancement.

Neutral

"Être au vert"

— While literally 'to be in the green' (like in nature), it can sometimes mean everything is cleared.

Tous les voyants sont au vert.

Neutral

"Passer au vert"

— To transition from a state of waiting to a state of action.

Le projet va enfin passer au vert.

Informal

"Vague verte"

— A series of traffic lights that stay green for a vehicle (green wave).

J'ai eu une vague verte tout le long du trajet.

Neutral

"Le feu vert de principe"

— Approval that is given in theory but might change based on details.

C'est un feu vert de principe, rien n'est signé.

Formal

"Attendre au feu vert"

— To hesitate even when permission is granted.

Pourquoi tu n'avances pas ? Tu attends au feu vert ?

Informal

"Obtenir le feu vert in extremis"

— To get permission at the very last moment.

Nous avons obtenu le feu vert in extremis.

Neutral

"Un feu vert conditionnel"

— Permission that depends on certain rules being met.

C'est un feu vert conditionnel au respect du budget.

Formal

"Donner son propre feu vert"

— To decide for oneself to proceed.

Il a fini par donner son propre feu vert à l'idée.

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

feu vert vs feu

Can mean fire, light, or late (deceased).

In this context, it specifically means a signal light.

Le feu brûle dans la cheminée VS Le feu est vert.

feu vert vs vert

Sounds like 'ver' (worm), 'vers' (towards/verse), and 'verre' (glass).

Context usually clarifies, but 'vert' is the color.

Un verre de vin vert.

feu vert vs lumière

General word for light.

Lumière is natural or ambient light; feu is a functional signal light.

La lumière du soleil VS Le feu tricolore.

feu vert vs signal

Synonym for signal.

Signal is more technical; feu is the everyday word.

Un signal sonore VS Le feu vert.

feu vert vs autorisation

Synonym for permission.

Autorisation is more formal; feu vert is more idiomatic.

J'ai l'autorisation officielle.

Patrones de oraciones

Le feu est [couleur].

Le feu est vert.

[Personne] donne son feu vert.

Maman donne son feu vert.

Attendre le feu vert de [quelqu'un].

J'attends le feu vert de mon patron.

Donner le feu vert à [quelque chose].

Le conseil a donné le feu vert à la fusion.

Un feu vert [adjectif].

Un feu vert tacite.

Sous réserve du feu vert de...

Sous réserve du feu vert de la commission.

Octroyer un feu vert.

Les autorités ont octroyé un feu vert.

Le feu vert est conditionné par...

Le feu vert est conditionné par les résultats.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

le feu

la verdure

le verdissement

Verbos

verdir

verdoyer

Adjetivos

vert

verte

verdâtre

Relacionado

le feu rouge

le feu orange

le feu tricolore

la signalisation

l'autorisation

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written French.

Errores comunes

La lumière verte → Le feu vert
Using 'lumière' instead of 'feu' is a literal translation from English and is incorrect.
Le feu verte → Le feu vert
Incorrect gender agreement. 'Feu' is masculine, so 'vert' must be masculine.
Donner le feu vert sur le projet → Donner le feu vert pour le projet
The preposition 'sur' is often used by English speakers, but 'pour' or 'à' is correct.
J'attends pour le feu vert → J'attends le feu vert
The verb 'attendre' takes a direct object in French, no 'pour' is needed.
Le feu est passé vert → Le feu est passé au vert
You must use 'au' to indicate the change of state.

Consejos

Gender Check

Always remember 'feu' is masculine. This is a common point of failure for English speakers.

Avoid Anglicisms

Never say 'lumière verte' for permission. It marks you immediately as a non-native speaker.

The 'Feu Vert' Chain

If you see a cat on a green sign in France, it's the 'Feu Vert' auto-center. Good for remembering the word!

Silent T

The 't' in 'vert' is silent. If you pronounce it, people might think you're saying 'verte' (feminine).

Prepositions

Use 'donner le feu vert À' for people and 'POUR' for actions.

Vowel Distinction

Practice the difference between 'feu' (light) and 'fou' (crazy) to avoid confusion.

Figurative vs Literal

In professional emails, 'feu vert' is perfectly acceptable and very common.

Green Fire

Think of a green fire that lights the way forward.

Subjunctive

Remember to use the subjunctive after 'il faut que' when giving or receiving a 'feu vert'.

Asking for Permission

Asking 'Est-ce que j'ai le feu vert ?' is a polite but direct way to seek approval.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'Green Fire' (Feu Vert) that doesn't burn you, but lets you drive through it. Fire means light, Green means Go.

Asociación visual

Imagine a giant green 'GO' button shaped like a flame (feu) on top of a traffic pole.

Word Web

traffic permission green light go approval road start

Desafío

Try to use 'feu vert' in a sentence about a hobby you want to start, then in a sentence about driving to the store.

Origen de la palabra

The phrase comes from the combination of 'feu' (from Latin 'focus', meaning hearth/fire) and 'vert' (from Latin 'viridis', meaning green). It entered the French language as a technical term for railway and later road signals in the early 20th century. The first traffic light in Paris was installed in 1923 at the corner of Rue de Rivoli and Boulevard de Sébastopol.

Significado original: A literal green flame or light used for signaling.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral and widely used term.

Directly equivalent to the English idiom 'to give the green light.'

The French automotive chain 'Feu Vert'. The film 'Feu Vert' (1954). Commonly used in French political cartoons to show government approval.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Driving

Le feu est vert.
Passer au feu vert.
S'arrêter au feu rouge.
Le feu passe au vert.

Business

Donner le feu vert au projet.
Attendre le feu vert de la direction.
Obtenir le feu vert financier.
Recevoir le feu vert du client.

Family

Demander le feu vert aux parents.
Avoir le feu vert pour sortir.
Donner son feu vert pour le voyage.
Attendre le feu vert de maman.

Medical

Le médecin donne le feu vert.
Feu vert pour le sport.
Recevoir le feu vert pour la sortie.
Attendre le feu vert chirurgical.

Politics

Le Sénat donne son feu vert.
Feu vert pour la nouvelle loi.
Le gouvernement attend le feu vert de l'UE.
Un feu vert de principe.

Inicios de conversación

"Est-ce que tu as déjà reçu le feu vert pour ton nouveau projet ?"

"Qu'est-ce que tu ferais si tu avais le feu vert pour voyager n'importe où ?"

"Est-ce qu'il est difficile d'obtenir le feu vert de tes parents pour sortir ?"

"À ton avis, pourquoi le gouvernement a-t-il donné son feu vert à cette loi ?"

"Est-ce que le feu est souvent vert quand tu conduis en ville ?"

Temas para diario

Décrivez une fois où vous avez dû attendre le feu vert pour quelque chose d'important.

Imaginez que vous recevez le feu vert pour changer de carrière. Que feriez-vous ?

Pourquoi est-il important d'attendre le feu vert avant de commencer un grand projet ?

Racontez une histoire qui commence par : 'Le feu est passé au vert et j'ai réalisé que...'

Qui est la personne qui vous donne généralement le feu vert dans votre vie ?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No. 'Feu' is masculine, so it is always 'le feu vert'. 'Vert' does not take an 'e' unless it modifies a feminine noun.

Yes, it is standard throughout the French-speaking world, including Quebec, although they also use 'lumière' more often for traffic lights in casual speech.

The literal opposite is 'feu rouge' (red light). Figuratively, you can say 'un refus' or 'une interdiction'.

Yes, 'les feux verts'. For example, 'Tous les feux sont au vert pour le projet', meaning everything is ready.

Both are possible, but 'le feu vert' is more common when referring to a specific authorization.

Not exactly. 'Feu vert' is permission for a specific thing. 'Carte blanche' is total freedom to do as you wish.

No, it is used for actions or projects. You give a person the 'feu vert' to *do* something.

It is neutral. It can be used in business, news, and daily conversation.

It rhymes with the English word 'air'. The 'v' is soft and the 't' is completely silent.

It comes from the early 20th-century traffic signals where green was chosen to represent 'go' or 'safe'.

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