à peu près approximatif

You use this phrase as an adjective or an adverbial block. Usually, you place it after the thing you're describing. For example, you might say a price is à peu près approximatif. You can also use it to describe a time or a distance. It often follows the verb être. It sounds natural in spoken French but looks a bit messy in writing. Think of it as a verbal shrug. You're basically saying, 'Don't quote me on this!'

Use it when you're making a quick estimate with friends. It's perfect for planning a weekend trip. Use it when you're talking about something you don't care to measure exactly. It’s great for cooking if you don't use scales. It also works well when you're being a bit lazy. If someone asks for a specific date, and you aren't sure, throw this in. It signals that you're giving a ballpark figure. It's a very human way to speak.

Avoid this phrase in formal writing or academic papers. Your French teacher will likely circle it in red ink. It’s technically a grammatical error because of the redundancy. Don't use it in a job interview for an accounting role. It makes you sound like you don't value precision. In a legal contract, this phrase would be a nightmare. Stick to just approximatif or environ in serious settings. You want to sound professional, not like you're guessing in the dark.

French speakers love and hate pleonasms. Phrases like monter en haut (to go up to the top) are common. Purists at the Académie Française find them annoying. However, everyday people use them for emphasis. Using à peu près approximatif shows a certain casualness. It reflects a relaxed attitude toward strict rules. It’s part of the 'living' French language that evolves on the streets. It’s a sign that you’re speaking like a local, not a textbook.

If you want to be more 'correct,' just use à peu près. If you want to sound more sophisticated, use approximatif. For a very casual vibe, try à la louche (by the ladleful). Another common one is plus ou moins (more or less). If you're really unsure, you can say au pif (by the nose). Each of these carries a slightly different level of 'guesswork.' But à peu près approximatif remains the king of redundant uncertainty.