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A2 noun 10 min de lectura

sens unique

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos sens unique en 30 segundos
Explicación sens unique in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should recognize 'sens unique' as a basic traffic term. You might see it on signs or hear it when someone is giving you very simple directions. It is important to know that it means 'one-way.' At this stage, you don't need to worry about the metaphorical meanings. Focus on the physical reality: one street, one direction. You will likely learn it alongside other directional words like 'à gauche' (left), 'à droite' (right), and 'tout droit' (straight ahead). Think of it as a label for a type of street. If you are walking in a French city, knowing this term helps you understand why cars are only coming from one side when you cross the road. It is a masculine noun, so you use 'un' or 'le'. Even at A1, being able to point at a sign and say 'C'est un sens unique' is a great way to show you are paying attention to your surroundings in a French-speaking environment.
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At the A2 level, you are expected to use 'sens unique' in simple sentences and understand its role in basic navigation. You should be able to describe your neighborhood or a route using the phrase, such as 'Ma rue est en sens unique.' You also start to learn the difference between 'sens unique' (the road type) and 'sens interdit' (the 'no entry' sign). This is the level where you might first encounter the figurative use in very simple contexts, like a 'conversation à sens unique,' although the literal traffic meaning remains the priority. You should be comfortable with the prepositions 'à' and 'en' used with this phrase. For example, 'C'est une rue à sens unique' describes the street's permanent characteristic. You might also hear this in simple listening exercises involving driving instructions or city descriptions. Mastery at A2 means you can navigate a simple map and explain why you cannot turn down a certain street because of the one-way restriction.
By B1, you should be able to use 'sens unique' fluently in both literal and figurative contexts. You can describe complex traffic situations, such as explaining why traffic is congested because of a new 'sens unique' system in the city center. You will also use the term metaphorically to discuss social interactions, relationships, or business dealings. For example, you might say, 'J'ai l'impression que notre collaboration est à sens unique,' meaning you feel the work is not being shared equally. At this level, you understand the nuances of the word 'sens' (direction, meaning, or physical sense) and why it is used in this specific phrase. You are also expected to recognize related terms like 'double sens' and 'sens obligatoire' and use them to provide more detailed explanations. Your ability to use 'sens unique' in a variety of tenses and complex sentence structures (e.g., 'Si la rue n'avait pas été en sens unique, j'aurais pu faire demi-tour') shows a solid intermediate grasp of the language.
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At the B2 level, 'sens unique' becomes a tool for more sophisticated debate and analysis. You can use it to criticize policies, social structures, or communication styles. In an essay about urban planning, you might argue the pros and cons of 'la généralisation des sens uniques' in European capitals. Figuratively, you can use it to describe an 'argumentation à sens unique' (a biased or one-sided argument) during a formal discussion or presentation. You understand the stylistic impact of the phrase and can use it to add color to your speech. Your listening skills are advanced enough to catch the term in fast-paced radio reports or podcasts about social issues. You also understand the legal implications of the term in the 'Code de la Route' and can discuss driving laws in detail. At B2, you are not just using the word; you are using it to express subtle opinions about fairness, balance, and urban organization.
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At the C1 level, your use of 'sens unique' is nuanced and integrated into a broad, sophisticated vocabulary. You can use it in academic or professional writing to describe asymmetrical systems, whether in economics, linguistics, or sociology. For instance, you might analyze 'les flux migratoires à sens unique' or 'un transfert de technologie à sens unique.' You are aware of the historical evolution of urban traffic and can discuss the 'sens unique' in the context of 20th-century modernization versus 21st-century pedestrianization. You can also appreciate literary uses of the term, where an author might use 'sens unique' as a metaphor for the linear, irreversible nature of time or a character's obsession. Your pronunciation is near-native, correctly handling the final 's' in 'sens' to distinguish it from 'sans' or 'sang.' You can effortlessly switch between the literal and highly abstract meanings, using the phrase to add precision and rhetorical weight to your arguments.
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At the C2 level, 'sens unique' is a versatile element in your mastery of French idioms and technical jargon. You can use it with total spontaneity in any context, from a casual joke to a complex philosophical treatise. You might use it to describe the 'caractère à sens unique' of certain mathematical functions or the 'logique à sens unique' of a particular ideology. You are also familiar with rare or archaic uses and can play with the word's multiple meanings (direction vs. meaning) for punning or poetic effect. You can critique the term itself, perhaps discussing how the concept of 'sens unique' in urban design reflects changing social priorities. Your command of the language allows you to use 'sens unique' as part of a sophisticated rhetorical strategy, perhaps using it as a leitmotif in a long-form narrative or a persuasive speech. At this level, the term is no longer a 'vocabulary word' but a flexible conceptual tool in your extensive linguistic arsenal.
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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

sens unique en 30 segundos

  • A 'sens unique' is a one-way street in French cities, essential for driving and navigation.
  • It is a masculine noun phrase used with prepositions like 'à' or 'en' (e.g., une rue à sens unique).
  • Figuratively, it describes one-sided situations like unrequited love or unfair agreements.
  • The opposite is 'double sens,' and the 'no entry' sign at the other end is 'sens interdit'.

The French term sens unique is a fundamental noun phrase that every traveler and learner must master early on. Literally translated, 'sens' means 'direction' or 'way,' and 'unique' means 'only' or 'single.' Therefore, a sens unique refers to a one-way street where vehicular traffic is legally permitted to move in only one direction. This is a ubiquitous feature of European urban planning, particularly in the narrow, winding streets of historic French cities like Paris, Lyon, or Bordeaux, where two-way traffic is physically impossible. Understanding this term is not just about vocabulary; it is about safety and navigation. When you see a blue square sign with a white arrow pointing up, you are entering a street designated as a sens unique. Conversely, if you see a red circle with a horizontal white bar, that is the 'Sens Interdit' (forbidden direction), which is the other end of a one-way street. In a broader, more abstract context, the term is used to describe situations that are one-sided. For instance, a conversation where only one person speaks or a relationship where only one person puts in effort can be described metaphorically as being 'à sens unique.' This dual utility—both as a literal traffic instruction and a figurative descriptor of imbalance—makes it a versatile addition to your French lexicon.

Literal Meaning
A one-way street or a single direction of travel.
Figurative Meaning
A one-sided situation, such as unrequited love or a non-reciprocal agreement.

Attention, cette rue est un sens unique, ne tournez pas à gauche.

The phrase is grammatically treated as a masculine noun phrase. You will most often encounter it preceded by the preposition 'en' (in) or 'à' (at/to), as in 'une rue en sens unique' or 'la circulation à sens unique.' It is important to note that while 'sens' can mean 'sense' (like the five senses), in the context of transport, it exclusively refers to the vector of movement. When driving in France, the GPS will often announce, 'Prenez la prochaine rue à sens unique.' Failing to recognize this can lead to a 'contravention' (fine) or, worse, a dangerous head-on collision. Beyond the road, the term appears in psychological and social discussions. A 'communication à sens unique' is a common critique of modern media or authoritarian leadership styles where feedback is not permitted. This versatility is why the term is introduced at the A2 level; it bridges the gap between basic survival French and the ability to express more complex social observations.

Leur amitié semble être à sens unique depuis quelques mois.

Signage
Look for the blue square sign with a white vertical arrow.

Using sens unique correctly requires an understanding of its prepositional environment. Most frequently, it follows the noun 'rue' (street) or 'voie' (lane/way). The most common construction is 'une rue à sens unique' or 'une rue en sens unique.' While both are used, 'à' often describes the characteristic of the street, while 'en' describes the state of traffic flow. For example, 'Le centre-ville est plein de rues à sens unique' (The city center is full of one-way streets). When you are giving directions, you might say, 'Continuez tout droit, mais faites attention, c'est un sens unique' (Go straight, but be careful, it's a one-way street). Here, the phrase acts as a predicate nominative, identifying the nature of the road. It is also common to see it used with the verb 'être,' as in 'Cette avenue est en sens unique' (This avenue is one-way).

Il est difficile de se garer car toutes les rues sont à sens unique.

Grammar Tip
The word 'sens' is masculine, so it is always 'le' or 'un' sens unique, never 'la'.

Transitioning to metaphorical usage, the phrase is almost always preceded by 'à.' If you want to describe a relationship where you give everything and receive nothing, you would say, 'C'est un amour à sens unique.' Similarly, in a business context, if a contract favors only one party, a negotiator might complain, 'Cet accord est à sens unique.' Notice how the phrase remains invariable; you don't typically pluralize 'unique' in this compound noun structure, though 'sens' remains the same in singular and plural. In writing, you might also see 'voie à sens unique' used in technical manuals or urban planning documents. For learners, the key is to pair it with the right nouns: 'rue,' 'route,' 'voie,' 'amour,' 'relation,' and 'communication.' By doing so, you ensure your French sounds natural and precise. Always remember that the adjective 'unique' follows 'sens,' adhering to the standard French rule of adjectives following nouns, especially in fixed expressions.

La réunion n'était qu'une présentation à sens unique sans questions autorisées.

You will hear sens unique in a variety of real-world scenarios, most notably while driving or navigating. If you are using a GPS app like Waze or Google Maps in French, the voice guidance will frequently use this term to warn you about upcoming turns. In a car with a French driver, you might hear a sudden exclamation: 'Mince, c'est un sens unique !' (Darn, it's a one-way street!) when they realize they've missed a turn and cannot go back. In driving schools (auto-écoles), instructors emphasize 'la circulation en sens unique' as a specific topic for the 'Code de la Route' exam, focusing on how to position the car for a left turn (usually from the far left of the lane, unlike on two-way roads). Beyond the car, you'll hear it in city council meetings or news reports about urban development, such as 'Le maire a décidé de passer la rue de la République en sens unique pour favoriser les vélos.'

Le GPS dit de tourner à droite dans le sens unique.

In social contexts, the term is a staple of French emotional vocabulary. In 'chansons françaises' (French songs) or 'films romantiques,' the 'amour à sens unique' is a recurring theme, symbolizing the pain of unreciprocated feelings. You might hear a friend venting over coffee: 'J'en ai marre, notre relation est à sens unique.' This implies a deep sense of injustice and imbalance. In the workplace, during performance reviews or team meetings, a manager might encourage 'un dialogue qui n'est pas à sens unique,' emphasizing the need for two-way feedback. This cultural emphasis on reciprocity makes the figurative use of 'sens unique' particularly powerful. It’s also heard in political discourse to criticize laws or treaties that seem to benefit only one nation or group. Whether you are behind the wheel or in a deep conversation, 'sens unique' is a term that signals the flow—or the restriction—of movement and energy.

Daily Context
GPS navigation, driving lessons, and urban planning announcements.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with sens unique is confusing it with the sign they see at the other end of the street: 'Sens Interdit.' While 'sens unique' describes the street's function (one-way), 'sens interdit' is the prohibitive command (no entry). If you are looking for a one-way street, you are looking for a 'sens unique.' If you are about to drive the wrong way, you are facing a 'sens interdit.' Another common error is the gender. Many learners mistakenly use the feminine 'une' because 'rue' (street) is feminine, saying 'une sens unique.' However, 'sens' is masculine, so it must be 'un sens unique,' even if it is describing 'une rue.' The correct way to link them is 'une rue à sens unique.'

Common Error
Saying 'une sens unique' instead of 'un sens unique'.

Pronunciation also trips up many learners. The 's' at the end of 'sens' is generally pronounced in this specific phrase [sɑ̃s], which is different from 'sens' in some other contexts or the word 'sans' (without), which is pronounced [sɑ̃] without the final 's' sound. Mixing these up can lead to confusion, as 'sans unique' would mean 'without unique,' which makes no sense. Additionally, avoid literal translations like 'une rue de une voie' (a one-lane street) when you mean a one-way street. While technically descriptive, it is not the standard term. In figurative usage, don't forget the preposition 'à.' Saying 'notre amour est sens unique' is grammatically incomplete; it must be 'notre amour est à sens unique.' Finally, be careful not to confuse 'sens' with 'direction.' While they are synonyms, 'direction unique' is rarely used for traffic; 'sens unique' is the fixed, legal term. Stick to the established phrase to sound like a native speaker.

Faux: Je cherche une direction unique.
Juste: Je cherche un sens unique.

While sens unique is the standard term, there are several related words and alternatives depending on the context. In formal or technical traffic engineering, you might encounter 'voie à sens unique de circulation.' If you want to describe the opposite—a two-way street—the term is 'double sens.' For example, 'Cette rue est passée de double sens à sens unique.' If you are talking about a street that is very narrow and can only fit one car but allows traffic from both sides (where one car must pull over), that is often called 'circulation alternée' or simply described as a 'rue étroite.' In the figurative sense, alternatives to 'à sens unique' include 'unilatéral' (unilateral) or 'non réciproque' (non-reciprocal). 'Unilatéral' is more formal and often used in legal or political contexts, such as 'une décision unilatérale.'

Double Sens
The opposite of sens unique; a two-way street.
Unilatéral
A more formal synonym for 'à sens unique' in figurative contexts.

Another related term is 'sens obligatoire,' which you might see on signs indicating that you must go in a certain direction (often a blue circular sign with a white arrow). While 'sens unique' describes the road, 'sens obligatoire' describes the obligation of the driver. For pedestrians, you might see 'sens de la visite' in museums, which indicates the one-way path through the exhibits. In the realm of emotions, 'un amour non partagé' is a very common and slightly more poetic alternative to 'un amour à sens unique.' Understanding these nuances helps you choose the right word for the right level of formality. For daily conversation and driving, 'sens unique' remains the most reliable and frequently used term. It is a workhorse of the French language, balancing practical utility with expressive metaphorical depth.

Le musée a instauré un sens de la visite pour éviter les foules.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

In old French, 'sens' often referred to wisdom or reason, which is why 'bon sens' means common sense.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /sɑ̃s y.nik/
US /sɑ̃s ju.nik/
The stress is equal on both words, with a slight rise at the end of 'unique'.
Rima con
clinique technique physique lyrique magique tragique public chic
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing 'sens' like 'sans' (omitting the final S).
  • Pronouncing 'unique' like 'yoo-neek' with an English 'y' sound.
  • Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
  • Muffling the nasal 'en' in 'sens'.
  • Failing to link the 's' of 'sens' to the 'u' of 'unique' (though usually they are distinct).

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize on signs and in text.

Escritura 3/5

Requires correct preposition use (à/en).

Expresión oral 3/5

Final 's' pronunciation is key.

Escucha 2/5

Very common in navigation contexts.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

rue direction unique panneau voiture

Aprende después

sens interdit priorité rond-point feu rouge vitesse

Avanzado

unilatéral réciprocité asymétrie flux vecteur

Gramática que debes saber

Adjective Placement

Unique follows sens because it is a clarifying adjective.

Preposition 'à' for characteristics

Une rue à sens unique (A street with the characteristic of being one-way).

Preposition 'en' for state/mode

La rue est en sens unique (The street is currently in a one-way state).

Masculine Gender

Un sens unique (even if describing a feminine 'rue').

Final 's' pronunciation

Pronounce the 's' in 'sens' when it means direction.

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Ejemplos por nivel

1

C'est un sens unique.

It is a one-way street.

Simple identification using 'C'est'.

2

La rue est en sens unique.

The street is one-way.

Using 'en' to describe the state of the street.

3

Où est le sens unique ?

Where is the one-way street?

Asking a question with 'Où'.

4

Regarde le panneau sens unique.

Look at the one-way sign.

Imperative form of 'regarder'.

5

Je ne peux pas tourner, c'est un sens unique.

I cannot turn, it's a one-way.

Negation 'ne... pas'.

6

Il y a un sens unique ici.

There is a one-way street here.

Using 'Il y a'.

7

Le taxi prend le sens unique.

The taxi takes the one-way street.

Subject-verb-object structure.

8

C'est une petite rue à sens unique.

It is a small one-way street.

Adjective 'petite' before the noun.

1

Tournez à droite après le sens unique.

Turn right after the one-way street.

Preposition 'après'.

2

Est-ce que cette rue est à sens unique ?

Is this street one-way?

Question with 'Est-ce que'.

3

Mon vélo peut aller dans le sens unique.

My bike can go in the one-way street.

Modal verb 'pouvoir'.

4

Il y a beaucoup de sens uniques à Paris.

There are many one-way streets in Paris.

Plural form 'sens uniques'.

5

Ne prenez pas cette rue, c'est un sens unique.

Don't take this street, it's a one-way.

Negative imperative.

6

Le GPS dit que c'est un sens unique.

The GPS says it's a one-way.

Reporting speech with 'que'.

7

On ne peut pas reculer dans un sens unique.

One cannot reverse in a one-way street.

Indefinite pronoun 'on'.

8

C'est un amour à sens unique, malheureusement.

It's a one-sided love, unfortunately.

Introduction of figurative meaning.

1

Si tu entres dans ce sens unique, tu auras une amende.

If you enter this one-way street, you will get a fine.

First conditional (si + present + future).

2

La mairie a décidé de transformer cette avenue en sens unique.

The city hall decided to turn this avenue into a one-way.

Passé composé with 'décider de'.

3

Il est dangereux de conduire à contre-sens dans un sens unique.

It is dangerous to drive the wrong way in a one-way street.

Impersonal expression 'Il est + adjective'.

4

Cette communication à sens unique doit cesser dans l'entreprise.

This one-way communication must stop in the company.

Metaphorical use in a professional context.

5

J'ai dû faire un grand détour à cause d'un sens unique.

I had to take a long detour because of a one-way street.

Using 'à cause de' for cause.

6

Les cyclistes sont souvent autorisés à prendre les sens uniques à l'envers.

Cyclists are often allowed to take one-way streets the wrong way.

Passive voice 'sont autorisés'.

7

C'est une relation à sens unique où je fais tous les efforts.

It's a one-way relationship where I make all the effort.

Relative clause with 'où'.

8

Vérifiez bien le sens unique avant de vous engager.

Check the one-way direction carefully before entering.

Reflexive verb 's'engager'.

1

L'instauration de sens uniques a réduit les accidents en ville.

The introduction of one-way streets has reduced accidents in the city.

Noun 'instauration' from 'instaurer'.

2

Le débat était à sens unique, personne n'écoutait l'opposition.

The debate was one-sided; nobody listened to the opposition.

Imperfect tense for description.

3

On ne peut pas bâtir une amitié sur un échange à sens unique.

One cannot build a friendship on a one-way exchange.

Infinitive after 'pouvoir'.

4

Le flux de données est presque exclusivement à sens unique.

The data flow is almost exclusively one-way.

Adverb 'exclusivement'.

5

Bien que la rue soit en sens unique, les piétons ne font pas attention.

Although the street is one-way, pedestrians don't pay attention.

Subjunctive after 'bien que'.

6

Ce contrat me semble trop à sens unique pour être honnête.

This contract seems too one-sided to be honest.

Adverb 'trop' + adjective.

7

La circulation a été modifiée en sens unique pour l'été.

The traffic has been changed to one-way for the summer.

Passive voice in passé composé.

8

Il a une vision à sens unique de la situation géopolitique.

He has a one-sided view of the geopolitical situation.

Abstract noun 'vision'.

1

La topographie médiévale de la ville impose de nombreux sens uniques.

The city's medieval topography necessitates numerous one-way streets.

Verb 'imposer' meaning to necessitate.

2

L'information circule de manière à sens unique dans ce régime autoritaire.

Information flows in a one-way manner in this authoritarian regime.

Adverbial phrase 'de manière à'.

3

Il dénonce une mondialisation à sens unique qui appauvrit le Sud.

He denounces a one-way globalization that impoverishes the South.

Relative clause with 'qui'.

4

L'amour à sens unique est un trope classique de la littérature romantique.

Unrequited love is a classic trope of romantic literature.

Noun 'trope' from literary theory.

5

La rue, autrefois à double sens, est désormais un sens unique permanent.

The street, formerly two-way, is now a permanent one-way.

Adverb 'désormais'.

6

L'évolution technologique ne doit pas être un progrès à sens unique.

Technological evolution must not be a one-way progress.

Modal 'devoir' + negation.

7

Ce projet urbain privilégie les sens uniques pour élargir les trottoirs.

This urban project favors one-way streets to widen sidewalks.

Verb 'privilégier' (to favor).

8

Elle souffre d'une obsession à sens unique pour son travail.

She suffers from a one-sided obsession with her work.

Prepositional phrase 'pour son travail'.

1

L'irréversibilité du temps peut être perçue comme un sens unique existentiel.

The irreversibility of time can be perceived as an existential one-way street.

Philosophical use of the term.

2

L'asymétrie de l'information crée un marché à sens unique.

Information asymmetry creates a one-way market.

Economic terminology.

3

L'auteur explore la psyché d'un homme piégé dans un désir à sens unique.

The author explores the psyche of a man trapped in a one-sided desire.

Literary analysis.

4

La structure syntaxique de cette langue impose un sens unique de lecture.

The syntactic structure of this language imposes a single direction of reading.

Linguistic context.

5

Ce traité est perçu comme une concession à sens unique par l'opinion publique.

This treaty is perceived as a one-sided concession by public opinion.

Passive voice with 'perçu comme'.

6

La mise en sens unique du quartier a suscité de vives polémiques.

The conversion of the neighborhood to one-way traffic has sparked intense controversy.

Nominalization 'la mise en sens unique'.

7

Il s'agit d'un dialogue de sourds, une pure communication à sens unique.

It is a dialogue of the deaf, pure one-way communication.

Idiom 'dialogue de sourds'.

8

La flèche du temps est le sens unique ultime de notre univers.

The arrow of time is the ultimate one-way of our universe.

Scientific/Philosophical metaphor.

Colocaciones comunes

rue à sens unique
amour à sens unique
circulation à sens unique
en sens unique
panneau sens unique
communication à sens unique
relation à sens unique
mise en sens unique
flux à sens unique
décision à sens unique

Frases Comunes

C'est un sens unique.

— It's a one-way street.

Ne tourne pas là, c'est un sens unique !

Une rue à sens unique.

— A one-way street.

C'est une rue à sens unique très étroite.

Amour à sens unique.

— Unrequited love.

L'amour à sens unique est le thème de ce poème.

Passer en sens unique.

— To become one-way.

Le boulevard va passer en sens unique le mois prochain.

À contre-sens.

— The wrong way (in a one-way).

Il roulait à contre-sens dans un sens unique.

Prendre un sens unique.

— To enter a one-way street.

Vous devez prendre le sens unique sur 200 mètres.

Sens unique de circulation.

— One-way traffic flow.

Le sens unique de circulation est indiqué par la flèche.

Dialogue à sens unique.

— One-sided dialogue.

La conférence n'était qu'un dialogue à sens unique.

Système à sens unique.

— One-way system.

Le nouveau système à sens unique perturbe les habitants.

Dans le sens unique.

— In the one-way direction.

Garez-vous dans le sens unique.

Se confunde a menudo con

sens unique vs Sens interdit

The 'no entry' sign. People often mix up the name of the street type with the prohibitive sign.

sens unique vs Aller simple

A one-way ticket for travel (train, plane). 'Sens unique' is for roads.

sens unique vs Sans unique

A common spelling error; 'sans' means 'without', 'sens' means 'direction/sense'.

Modismos y expresiones

"Amour à sens unique"

— Loving someone who does not love you back.

Il vit un amour à sens unique depuis des années.

informal/neutral
"Conversation à sens unique"

— A talk where only one person is actually communicating or contributing.

C'était une conversation à sens unique, il n'écoutait rien.

neutral
"Rue à sens unique (figurative)"

— A situation where no compromise or return is possible.

Cette négociation est une rue à sens unique.

neutral
"Prendre la vie en sens unique"

— To have a very narrow or fixed perspective on life.

Il prend la vie en sens unique, sans jamais changer d'avis.

informal
"Un billet à sens unique"

— Often used for a 'one-way ticket' (aller simple), but figuratively for a situation with no return.

C'est un billet à sens unique vers l'échec.

neutral
"Sens unique de l'histoire"

— The idea that history is moving inevitably in one direction.

Certains croient au sens unique de l'histoire vers le progrès.

academic
"Marché à sens unique"

— A market dominated by buyers or sellers only.

C'est un marché à sens unique en faveur des acheteurs.

business
"Information à sens unique"

— Propaganda or news without opposing views.

La dictature utilise l'information à sens unique.

political
"Effort à sens unique"

— When only one person in a team or couple is trying.

Je suis fatigué de cet effort à sens unique.

neutral
"Logique à sens unique"

— Flawed logic that only looks at one side of an argument.

Son raisonnement suit une logique à sens unique.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

sens unique vs Direction

Both can mean where something is going.

'Sens' is the legal/fixed orientation of a road; 'Direction' is the general path or destination.

Quelle est la direction pour Lyon ? vs Cette rue est un sens unique.

sens unique vs Voie

Both relate to roads.

'Voie' is the physical lane or path; 'Sens unique' is the rule governing it.

Il y a trois voies sur l'autoroute.

sens unique vs Signe

Related to traffic signs.

'Signe' is a gesture or mark; 'Panneau' is the physical traffic sign.

Il me fait un signe de la main.

sens unique vs Unique

Can mean 'only' or 'special'.

In 'sens unique', it strictly means 'one/single'.

C'est un bijou unique (special) vs un sens unique (one-way).

sens unique vs Sens (meaning)

Same spelling and pronunciation.

One refers to logic/definition, the other to physical orientation.

Quel est le sens de ce mot ?

Patrones de oraciones

A1

C'est un [sens unique].

C'est un sens unique.

A2

La rue est en [sens unique].

La rue est en sens unique.

B1

Une rue à [sens unique].

J'habite une rue à sens unique.

B1

C'est un amour à [sens unique].

C'est un amour à sens unique.

B2

La mise en [sens unique] de...

La mise en sens unique de la place.

C1

Un flux à [sens unique].

C'est un flux d'informations à sens unique.

C2

Le caractère à [sens unique] de...

Le caractère à sens unique du temps.

C2

Dialogue à [sens unique].

C'est un pur dialogue à sens unique.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

sens (sense/direction)
unicité (uniqueness)

Verbos

sensibiliser (to sensitize)
unifier (to unify)

Adjetivos

unique (unique/single)
sensible (sensitive)
sensoriel (sensory)

Relacionado

sens interdit
double sens
aller simple
direction
trajet
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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Common in daily life, driving, and emotional discussions.

Errores comunes
  • Une sens unique → Un sens unique

    The noun 'sens' is masculine.

  • Je prends une direction unique → Je prends un sens unique

    While 'direction unique' is understandable, 'sens unique' is the standard term for roads.

  • Un billet sens unique → Un aller simple

    'Sens unique' is for streets; 'aller simple' is for tickets.

  • La rue est sens unique → La rue est en sens unique

    You need the preposition 'en' or 'à' for the sentence to be grammatically complete.

  • Pronouncing 'sens' as 'sans' → Pronounce the final 's'

    'Sans' [sɑ̃] means 'without'; 'Sens' [sɑ̃s] means 'direction'.

Consejos

Gender Agreement

Always remember 'sens' is masculine. Don't let the feminine 'rue' confuse you into saying 'une sens unique'.

The Final S

Pronounce the final 's' to sound like a native. [sahnss] not [sahn].

Metaphorical Use

Use it to describe one-sided conversations or relationships to sound more advanced (B1/B2 level).

Look for the Arrow

In France, look for the blue square sign. It's your green light to enter a sens unique.

Sens Interdit

Never enter a street with a red circle and white bar; that's the 'wrong' end of a sens unique.

Preposition Choice

Use 'à' when the phrase follows a noun directly (e.g., une rue à sens unique).

GPS Cues

Listen for 'Prenez la rue à sens unique' in your navigation app to practice hearing it in context.

Bikes and One-Ways

Watch out for cyclists! They often have permission to go 'à contre-sens' in one-way streets in France.

Synonyms

For formal writing, consider 'unilatéral' instead of 'à sens unique'.

Visual Aid

Associate 'unique' with 'one' and 'sens' with 'sense' (direction). One sense, one way.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Sense' + 'Unique'. It's the 'Unique' (Only) 'Sense' (Direction) you can go.

Asociación visual

Imagine a giant blue square with one single white arrow pointing to the sky. There is no arrow pointing down.

Word Web

traffic sign one-way street direction car GPS city

Desafío

Try to find three 'sens unique' signs on a map of a French city like Paris or Nice.

Origen de la palabra

From the Old French 'sens' (meaning, direction), derived from Latin 'sensus' (perception, feeling), and 'unique' from Latin 'unicus' (only, single).

Significado original: A single direction of perception or movement.

Romance (Latin-based).

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities, but be careful using the figurative term in relationships as it can be very heavy or accusatory.

In the UK/US, we say 'one-way street'. The French term is more literal about the 'sense' or 'direction'.

'Amour à sens unique' - common song title French driving code manuals Parisian city planning maps

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Driving

  • Tournez dans le sens unique
  • Attention au sens interdit
  • C'est un sens unique ?
  • Le GPS indique un sens unique

Relationships

  • C'est un amour à sens unique
  • Notre relation est à sens unique
  • Je fais tous les efforts
  • Ce n'est pas réciproque

Urban Planning

  • Mise en sens unique
  • Plan de circulation
  • Fluidifier le trafic
  • Zone piétonne

Communication

  • Dialogue à sens unique
  • Manque d'écoute
  • Monologue
  • Échange d'idées

Legal/Business

  • Accord à sens unique
  • Contrat léonin
  • Décision unilatérale
  • Clauses abusives

Inicios de conversación

"Est-ce qu'il y a beaucoup de rues à sens unique dans ta ville ?"

"As-tu déjà pris un sens unique à contre-sens par erreur ?"

"Que penses-tu d'un amour à sens unique ? Est-ce possible de le vivre longtemps ?"

"Préfères-tu les rues à double sens ou les sens uniques pour conduire ?"

"Est-ce que tu trouves que la communication sur les réseaux sociaux est souvent à sens unique ?"

Temas para diario

Décris une fois où tu t'es perdu dans une ville à cause d'un sens unique.

Réflexion : Est-ce que le progrès technologique est un sens unique ou peut-on revenir en arrière ?

Écris une courte histoire sur un personnage qui vit dans une rue à sens unique et ne peut jamais rentrer chez lui directement.

Analyse une relation (amicale ou amoureuse) qui te semble être à sens unique.

Imagine une ville du futur sans voitures. Y aurait-il encore des sens uniques ?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It is masculine: 'un sens unique'. This is because 'sens' is a masculine noun. Even when describing a feminine 'rue', we say 'une rue à sens unique'.

Yes, in the phrase 'sens unique', the 'S' is almost always pronounced [sɑ̃s]. This helps distinguish it from the word 'sans' (without).

The sign for entering a one-way street is a blue square with a white arrow pointing up. The sign at the other end is a red circle with a white bar (Sens Interdit).

No, for a one-way ticket (train, bus, plane), you should use 'un aller simple'. 'Sens unique' is specifically for roads or metaphorical one-sidedness.

The opposite is 'une rue à double sens'.

Both are used. 'À sens unique' is more common as an adjective (une rue à sens unique), while 'en' is used for the state (la rue est en sens unique).

In many French cities, yes, if there is a 'sauf vélos' (except bikes) sign. This is called a 'double sens cyclable'.

It means unrequited love, where one person loves the other, but the feeling is not returned.

The plural is 'des sens uniques'. Note that 'sens' does not change because it already ends in 's', but 'unique' takes an 's'.

Yes, it is extremely common in daily life, especially if you live in a city or drive.

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Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas

writing

Write a sentence in French describing your street as a one-way street.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Translate: 'It is a one-way street, don't turn left.'

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writing

Explain the difference between 'sens unique' and 'sens interdit' in French.

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writing

Use 'amour à sens unique' in a poetic sentence.

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writing

Write a formal sentence about a city council decision to make a street one-way.

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writing

Translate: 'One-way communication is not effective for a team.'

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writing

Create a dialogue between a driver and a GPS about a one-way street.

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writing

Describe a 'sens unique' sign in French.

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writing

Write a sentence using the plural 'sens uniques'.

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writing

Translate: 'The arrow of time is a one-way street.'

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writing

Use 'à contre-sens' and 'sens unique' in the same sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence about a non-reciprocal friendship.

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writing

Translate: 'The museum has a one-way path for visitors.'

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writing

Explain why 'sens' is masculine in 'sens unique'.

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writing

Write a sentence about a 'sens unique' in a medieval city.

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writing

Translate: 'The contract is too one-sided.'

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writing

Use the adverb 'uniquement' in a sentence related to a one-way street.

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writing

Describe the consequences of ignoring a 'sens unique'.

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writing

Write a sentence about a 'sens unique' and a 'vélo'.

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writing

Translate: 'A one-way dialogue is just a monologue.'

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speaking

Pronounce: 'Un sens unique'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'This street is one-way.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Ask: 'Is it a one-way street?'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Warn someone: 'Careful, one-way street!'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'I live on a one-way street.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce the plural: 'Des sens uniques'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Unrequited love is hard.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain a sign: 'The blue sign means one-way.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'The GPS says to take the one-way.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Don't go the wrong way.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Describe a conversation: 'It was a one-way dialogue.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'The street became one-way yesterday.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'There are many one-way streets here.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Ask for directions: 'Is there a one-way street nearby?'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'I hate driving in one-way streets.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'The museum path is one-way.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Pronounce clearly: 'Sens' vs 'Sans'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'This relationship is one-sided.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Look at the one-way sign.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'The arrow of time is a one-way.'

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen to the GPS: 'Tournez à gauche dans la rue à sens unique.' Where do you turn?

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listening

Listen: 'Pardon, Monsieur, c'est un sens unique.' What is the speaker doing?

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listening

Listen: 'J'en ai marre de cet amour à sens unique.' What is the speaker's emotion?

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listening

Listen: 'Le panneau indique un sens unique sur 500 mètres.' How long is the one-way?

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listening

Listen: 'La mairie va multiplier les sens uniques.' What is the city hall going to do?

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listening

Listen: 'Attention aux vélos qui arrivent à contre-sens.' What should you watch for?

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listening

Listen: 'C'est une communication à sens unique, sans réponse possible.' Can you reply?

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listening

Listen: 'Prenez le sens unique puis la première à droite.' What do you do after the one-way?

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listening

Listen: 'Le sens unique est bloqué par un camion.' Why is it blocked?

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listening

Listen: 'Il y a un sens unique juste après le pont.' Where is the one-way?

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listening

Listen: 'Notre contrat n'est pas à sens unique, rassurez-vous.' Is the contract fair?

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listening

Listen: 'Le sens de la visite est fléché en rouge.' What color are the arrows?

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listening

Listen: 'C'est un sens unique, vous ne pouvez pas faire demi-tour.' Can you turn around?

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listening

Listen: 'Le sens unique a été instauré l'année dernière.' When was it established?

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listening

Listen: 'Je cherche le début du sens unique.' What is the person looking for?

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/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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