At the A1 level, the most important thing to learn about au bord de is its basic physical meaning: 'by' or 'at the edge of' water. Beginners should focus on using it with simple, common nouns like 'la mer' (the sea), 'le lac' (the lake), and 'la piscine' (the swimming pool). At this stage, you don't need to worry about figurative meanings. Just think of it as a way to describe where you are during a vacation or a walk. The biggest challenge for A1 learners is the contraction of the word 'de' with the article that follows. Remember: 'au bord de la mer' (feminine) but 'au bord du lac' (masculine). If you can remember that 'de + le' becomes 'du', you have already mastered the hardest part of this phrase for beginners. Use it to describe your favorite places or where your house is located. It is a very useful phrase for basic introductions and travel descriptions.
Think of it as a 'where' word. If someone asks 'Où es-tu ?' (Where are you?), you can answer 'Je suis au bord de la mer.' It's a simple, complete thought. You will see this phrase a lot in early reading exercises about holidays. Don't confuse it with 'à côté de' (next to), which is more general. 'Au bord de' is specifically for when there is an edge, like where the land meets the water. Practice saying 'au bord de la rivière' and 'au bord du chemin' to get used to the sounds. The phrase is very common and will make your French sound much more authentic than just using 'près de' (near) all the time.
At the A2 level, you should start using au bord de with a wider variety of physical objects and begin to understand its role in giving more detailed descriptions. You might use it to describe the location of a car ('au bord de la route') or where someone is sitting ('au bord du lit'). You should also be comfortable with the plural form 'au bord des' (at the edge of the...). For example, 'au bord des falaises' (at the edge of the cliffs). At this level, you are expected to handle the gender of nouns more accurately, so pay close attention to whether you should use 'du', 'de la', or 'de l''. This phrase helps you add detail to your stories and makes your descriptions of nature or city life more vivid. You are moving beyond simple 'where' and starting to describe the 'how' of a scene.
You may also encounter the phrase in more varied contexts, such as describing a window ('au bord de la fenêtre') or a balcony. The key is to recognize that 'bord' implies a limit. If you are at the A2 level, try to incorporate this phrase into your writing when you describe your last trip or a beautiful landscape you saw. It's a great way to show you can use prepositional phrases correctly. Also, start noticing how it's used in simple news headlines or advertisements. You will see it often in 'immobilier' (real estate) ads for houses 'au bord de l'eau'. This is a very common 'selling point' in France, and knowing this phrase will help you understand advertisements and brochures much better.
As a B1 learner, you are ready to explore the figurative meanings of au bord de. This is where the phrase becomes truly interesting. You should start using it to describe emotional states or situations that are about to change. The most common idiom at this level is 'au bord des larmes' (on the verge of tears). You might also hear 'au bord de la crise de nerfs' (on the verge of a nervous breakdown). These expressions allow you to describe feelings with more depth and drama. In your writing and speaking, you can use 'au bord de' to indicate that a situation is critical or at a turning point. For example, 'Le projet est au bord de l'échec' (The project is on the brink of failure). This shows a higher level of linguistic maturity as you move from physical descriptions to abstract concepts.
Furthermore, you should begin to distinguish 'au bord de' from its synonyms like 'sur le point de' or 'à la lisière de'. While 'au bord de' is followed by a noun, 'sur le point de' is followed by a verb. Learning when to use each one will make your French much more precise. You should also be aware of the difference between 'au bord de' and 'à bord de' (on board), as this is a common listening comprehension trap in B1 exams. Practice using 'au bord de' in different tenses, like 'J'étais au bord du désespoir' (I was on the brink of despair). This will help you integrate the phrase into more complex narratives and discussions about social or personal issues.
At the B2 level, you should use au bord de with confidence in both formal and informal contexts. You will encounter it frequently in literature, news analysis, and professional discussions. In a B2 level essay, you might use it to describe a society 'au bord de la rupture' (on the verge of breaking) or an economy 'au bord du gouffre' (on the brink of the abyss). These are powerful metaphors that native speakers use to emphasize the gravity of a situation. You should also be able to recognize the stylistic nuance of using 'au bord de' versus more clinical terms. It adds a visual and emotional weight to your arguments. Your understanding of the phrase should now include its ability to set a tone—often one of tension, anticipation, or precariousness.
You should also be comfortable with the phrase in more complex grammatical structures, such as within relative clauses or following specific verbs that require 'de'. For example, 'C'est une situation au bord de laquelle nous nous trouvons' (It is a situation on the edge of which we find ourselves). While slightly formal, this shows a high level of control over French syntax. You should also be aware of how 'au bord de' can be modified by adverbs like 'juste' or 'tout' (e.g., 'tout au bord de') to add even more precision to the location. At this level, you are not just using the phrase; you are manipulating it to suit your specific rhetorical needs, whether you are writing a formal report or having a heated debate about current events.
For C1 learners, au bord de is a tool for stylistic refinement. You should appreciate its use in classical and modern French literature to create atmosphere and existential depth. Authors like Camus or Hugo use the 'bord' as a symbolic space where the human meets the infinite or the unknown. In your own high-level writing, you can use this phrase to create similar effects. You should also be aware of more obscure or poetic alternatives like 'à l'orée de' or 'au seuil de' and know exactly when 'au bord de' is the better choice for its specific sense of a physical or metaphorical drop-off. Your usage should be flawless, including the subtle distinctions between 'en bord de' (often used for roads or coastlines) and 'au bord de'.
At this level, you should also be able to analyze the phrase's use in political rhetoric or philosophical texts. For instance, how does the metaphor of being 'au bord du gouffre' function in a speech about climate change? You can use the phrase to discuss complex thresholds in science, history, or psychology. Your ability to move seamlessly between the literal seaside and the metaphorical abyss is a hallmark of C1 proficiency. You should also be able to correct others' subtle misuses of the phrase, showing a deep internal logic of how locative prepositions function in French. The phrase is no longer a vocabulary item; it is a conceptual tool you use to navigate complex ideas.
At the C2 level, your mastery of au bord de is absolute and intuitive. You understand its every nuance, from its most mundane daily use to its most profound philosophical implications. You can use it to craft sophisticated wordplay or to evoke specific cultural references in your writing. You are aware of its history and its evolution within the French language. In a C2 context, you might use the phrase in a highly abstract way, perhaps in a dissertation on the limits of language itself: 'au bord du dicible' (on the edge of the speakable). This level of abstraction shows that you have fully integrated the concept of the 'bord' into your mental model of the French language.
Furthermore, you can distinguish between the various registers where this phrase appears and use it to mimic different styles of French, from the gritty realism of a police procedural to the airy prose of a travel writer. You understand how the phrase interacts with French prosody and rhythm in poetry and song. You can use it to create tension or relief in a narrative with perfect timing. For a C2 speaker, 'au bord de' is a small but essential part of a vast linguistic palette, used with the same ease and precision as a native speaker who has spent a lifetime observing the world from the edge of the sea, the edge of a road, or the edge of a great discovery.
The French expression au bord de is a foundational locative phrase that every learner must master. Primarily, it translates to 'at the edge of,' 'on the bank of,' or 'by the side of.' It is most frequently used to describe proximity to bodies of water, such as the sea, a river, or a lake. However, its utility extends far beyond mere geography. In French culture, the 'bord' represents a limit, a boundary, or a threshold. Whether you are standing on a cliff's edge or sitting on the side of a road, this phrase captures that specific point of transition between one space and another. It is deeply evocative, often conjuring images of French summer vacations (les vacances au bord de la mer) or peaceful walks along the Seine in Paris. Understanding this phrase requires recognizing that 'bord' literally means 'edge' or 'rim,' and the prepositional construction 'au' (a contraction of 'à' and 'le') combined with 'de' creates a specific relational link to the object that follows. It is a versatile tool for both descriptive prose and daily conversation.
- Physical Proximity
- Used to describe being physically located next to something, typically something with a defined limit or drop-off.
Nous avons passé tout l'été à lire au bord de la piscine.
Beyond the physical, au bord de takes on a powerful figurative meaning. It is the French equivalent of being 'on the verge of' or 'on the brink of.' This usage is common in emotional or situational contexts. For instance, one might be 'au bord des larmes' (on the verge of tears) or a company might be 'au bord de la faillite' (on the brink of bankruptcy). This duality makes the phrase essential for expressing both concrete locations and abstract states of being. When using it figuratively, it implies an imminent change or a critical point where one is about to transition into a new state. This nuance is vital for B1 and B2 learners who wish to move beyond simple descriptions into more complex emotional expression. It suggests a tension, a moment held just before an action or a collapse occurs.
- Figurative Threshold
- Used to indicate that someone or something is very close to experiencing a specific state, often a negative or intense one.
In literary contexts, authors use au bord de to create atmosphere. It isolates the subject against a vast background, such as the ocean or an abyss. This creates a sense of romanticism or existential reflection. In everyday speech, it is much more mundane, often used to give directions or describe where one lives. 'J'habite au bord de la route' implies living right next to the road, which might suggest noise or convenience. The choice of 'bord' over 'côté' (side) usually implies a more immediate or sharp boundary. While 'à côté de' is a general 'next to,' 'au bord de' specifically highlights the edge of the object mentioned. This precision is a hallmark of clear French communication.
L'entreprise est au bord de la rupture après ces scandales.
- Geographic Context
- Specifically used for rivers (les quais), seas (la plage), and cliffs (la falaise).
Il se tenait immobile au bord de l'abîme, contemplant le vide.
Finally, when discussing travel or real estate, you will see this phrase constantly. A hotel 'au bord de l'eau' is a prime selling point in France. It suggests luxury, tranquility, and direct access to nature. Whether you are describing a physical precipice or an emotional turning point, 'au bord de' provides the linguistic bridge to describe life at the limits. It is a phrase that balances between the serenity of a lakeside and the intensity of a nervous breakdown, proving that in French, location and emotion are often described with the same poetic precision.
Mastering au bord de requires a solid understanding of French prepositional contractions. Because the phrase ends in 'de', it must change based on the gender and number of the noun that follows. This is the most common area for errors among English speakers. If the following noun is masculine singular, 'de + le' becomes du. If it is feminine singular, it stays de la. If it starts with a vowel, it becomes de l'. And if it is plural, 'de + les' becomes des. These rules are non-negotiable and apply across all levels of French proficiency. For example, 'au bord du chemin' (masculine), 'au bord de la route' (feminine), 'au bord de l'océan' (vowel), and 'au bord des falaises' (plural). Practicing these variations is essential for natural-sounding speech.
- Grammar Rule: Contractions
- de + le = du | de + la = de la | de + l' = de l' | de + les = des.
Les enfants jouent au bord du ruisseau pendant que les parents se reposent.
Syntactically, the phrase usually functions as an adverbial phrase of place. It can be placed at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis or, more commonly, after the verb. In descriptive writing, placing it at the start helps set the scene: 'Au bord de la mer, le vent soufflait fort.' In conversation, it follows the verb to provide detail: 'Je me suis arrêté au bord de la route.' It can also modify a noun directly, acting like an adjective, although this is less common. For instance, 'une maison au bord de l'eau' (a house by the water). In this case, the phrase describes the noun 'maison'. Understanding these positions allows you to build more descriptive and complex sentences that flow naturally.
- Sentence Position
- Usually follows the verb (J'attends au bord de...) or starts the sentence for atmosphere (Au bord de...).
Another important aspect is the combination with verbs of movement versus verbs of state. When used with verbs like 'être' or 'habiter', it describes a static location. When used with verbs like 'aller', 's'approcher', or 's'arrêter', it describes the destination or the point of arrival. For example, 'Je vais au bord de la mer' implies the movement toward the coast. 'Je suis au bord de la mer' means you are already there. This distinction is important for conveying the correct intent of your action. Furthermore, in figurative usage, the verb often dictates the intensity. 'Se trouver au bord du gouffre' (to find oneself on the edge of the abyss) sounds more passive and desperate than 'Marcher au bord du gouffre' (walking on the edge), which implies a risky action being taken.
Elle s'est assise au bord de son lit, réfléchissant à son avenir.
- Verbal Associations
- Commonly used with: être, habiter, s'arrêter, s'asseoir, se promener.
Le pays était au bord de la guerre civile avant les négociations.
Lastly, consider the 'de' versus 'du' distinction in generalities. If you are talking about 'the edge of water' in a general sense, you might use 'au bord de l'eau'. If you are talking about a specific edge, the article remains specific. In most cases, 'au bord de' is followed by a definite article (le, la, l', les) because we are usually referring to the edge of a specific, known entity. Mastering the flow between the physical 'bord' and the emotional 'bord' will elevate your French from basic to nuanced, allowing you to describe both the world around you and the world within you with equal clarity.
In France, you will hear au bord de daily, particularly during the summer months. It is the quintessential phrase for vacation planning. Radio advertisements will frequently tout 'votre séjour au bord de la mer' or 'votre camping au bord du lac.' In this context, it isn't just a preposition; it's a lifestyle indicator. It suggests leisure, relaxation, and the quintessential French 'art de vivre.' If you listen to weather reports (la météo), the presenters will often talk about temperatures 'au bord de la Manche' (by the English Channel) or 'au bord de la Méditerranée.' It is the standard way to reference coastal regions without necessarily using the word 'côte' (coast), which feels slightly more geographic or administrative.
- Travel & Tourism
- Standard terminology for hotels, campsites, and vacation spots located near water.
Rien n'est plus relaxant qu'un petit café au bord de la Seine à Paris.
In the news and political discourse, au bord de takes on its more serious, figurative tone. Journalists often report on nations 'au bord de la crise' or economies 'au bord du gouffre.' This usage creates a sense of urgency and drama. When you hear this on France Info or read it in Le Monde, it's meant to signal a tipping point. It is a powerful rhetorical device because it visualizes the danger—one step further and everything falls. This makes it a favorite for headline writers. Similarly, in sports commentary, a team might be 'au bord de l'élimination' (on the brink of elimination), which heightens the stakes for the listeners. This versatility across registers—from the beach to the boardroom—is what makes it so ubiquitous.
- News & Media
- Used to describe critical situations, economic crises, or imminent failures.
In literature and cinema, the phrase is used to evoke emotion. Think of French 'Nouvelle Vague' films where characters often find themselves 'au bord de la mer,' staring into the distance during a moment of existential crisis. It provides a natural boundary that forces internal reflection. Songs also use it frequently; the 'bord' is a place of waiting, of longing, or of saying goodbye. 'Au bord de l'eau' is a common song title and a recurring motif in French poetry (like that of Baudelaire or Verlaine). It represents the limit of the human world and the beginning of the infinite sea. For a learner, hearing this phrase in a song or a film should immediately trigger a sense of 'being at a limit,' whether physical or emotional.
Dans le film, le protagoniste se retrouve au bord de la falaise, hésitant à sauter.
- Artistic Motif
- Frequently used to symbolize reflection, transition, and the boundary between the known and unknown.
La foule attendait patiemment au bord de la route le passage du Tour de France.
Finally, in daily life, you'll hear it in the most mundane ways: 'Ne reste pas au bord du trottoir !' (Don't stay on the edge of the sidewalk!) shouted by a parent to a child. Or 'Il a garé sa voiture au bord du fossé' (He parked his car by the ditch). It is a phrase that navigates between the profound and the practical. Whether you are discussing a grand philosophical precipice or simply telling someone where you parked, 'au bord de' is the linguistic glue that holds the concept of 'edges' together in the French language.
One of the most frequent and confusing mistakes for English speakers is the mix-up between au bord de and à bord de. While they sound remarkably similar, their meanings are entirely different. 'Au bord de' means 'at the edge of' (outside, looking in or next to), while 'à bord de' means 'on board' (inside a vehicle like a ship, plane, or train). Saying 'Je suis à bord de la mer' would imply you are literally inside the water or on a ship named 'The Sea,' whereas 'Je suis au bord de la mer' means you are on the beach. This one-letter difference (a vs au) is a classic trap in listening comprehension and speaking exams. Always remember: 'au' is for the edge, 'à' is for being inside the craft.
- Confusion with 'À Bord'
- Mistaking 'au bord de' (at the edge) for 'à bord de' (on board a vehicle).
Correct: Je suis au bord de l'avion (on the wing/edge). Incorrect: Je suis à bord de l'avion (inside, which is what you usually mean).
Another common error involves the misuse of prepositions when describing proximity. Students often try to translate 'by the' literally, leading to constructions like 'par la mer' or 'près de la mer.' While 'près de' (near) is grammatically correct, it lacks the specific nuance of 'au bord de.' 'Près de la mer' could mean you are in a town five miles from the coast. 'Au bord de la mer' means you can see the water and touch the sand. Using 'au bord de' when you mean 'near' can be misleading, and vice versa. Furthermore, English speakers sometimes forget the necessary contractions (du, des). Saying 'au bord de le lac' is a jarring mistake for a native speaker. The contraction is mandatory, and failing to use it is a clear sign of a beginner level.
- Vagueness vs. Precision
- Using 'près de' (near) when the situation requires the precision of 'au bord de' (right at the edge).
Figurative usage also presents challenges. English speakers might try to translate 'on the edge' as 'sur le bord,' which is physically possible (e.g., 'sur le bord de la table') but doesn't work for the idiomatic 'on the verge of.' For example, 'sur le bord des larmes' is incorrect; it must be 'au bord des larmes.' The preposition 'au' (at the) is what gives it the idiomatic sense of being at a threshold. Using 'sur' (on) makes it too literal and often incorrect in French. Additionally, be careful with 'en bord de.' While you might see 'en bord de mer' on road signs or in real estate ads, 'au bord de' is the more standard and versatile version for general speech and writing. 'En bord de' is often used as an adjective-like phrase (e.g., une route en bord de mer).
Faux: Il est sur le bord de pleurer. Vrai: Il est au bord de larmes.
- Preposition Errors
- Using 'sur' instead of 'au' for figurative expressions of being 'on the verge'.
Attention: Ne dites pas au bord de le chemin, dites au bord du chemin.
Finally, the plural form 'au bord des' is often forgotten in phrases like 'au bord des larmes.' Because 'larmes' (tears) is almost always plural, the contraction 'des' is essential. Learners often default to 'de la larme' or 'de larmes,' which sounds unnatural. By paying close attention to these small prepositional and contractual details, you can avoid the most common pitfalls and use 'au bord de' with the confidence of a native speaker.
While au bord de is incredibly common, French offers several synonyms and alternatives that can add precision or variety to your speech. The most direct alternative for general proximity is près de (near) or à côté de (next to). However, as discussed, these lack the specific 'edge' connotation. If you want to describe being right next to something but not necessarily at an edge, 'à côté de' is safer. For example, 'Je suis assis à côté de toi' (I am sitting next to you) is correct, while 'au bord de toi' would be nonsensical unless you were a very small insect on a giant's shoulder. Understanding the physical boundaries of the objects involved is key to choosing the right word.
- Au bord de vs. À côté de
- 'Au bord de' implies an edge or limit; 'À côté de' is a general term for proximity or side-by-side positioning.
La chaise est à côté de la table, mais le verre est au bord de la table.
For specific types of 'edges,' French has more specialized vocabulary. When talking about a forest or a wood, the term à la lisière de is much more elegant and precise. It specifically refers to the border between a forest and open land. Similarly, when talking about the bank of a river, you might hear sur la rive or sur les berges. These terms are more geographic. 'Au bord de la rivière' is perfectly fine, but 'sur les berges de la Seine' sounds more descriptive and sophisticated. In a maritime context, sur le littoral refers to the coastline in a broader, more environmental or administrative sense. Using these alternatives shows a higher level of vocabulary and a deeper understanding of French nuance.
- Specialized Edges
- Forests: à la lisière de | Rivers: sur la rive / les berges | Coastline: sur le littoral.
In figurative contexts, sur le point de is a very strong alternative to au bord de. While 'au bord de' is followed by a noun (au bord de la crise), 'sur le point de' is followed by a verb (sur le point de craquer). If you want to say you are 'about to' do something, 'sur le point de' is often the better choice. Another figurative synonym is à deux doigts de (literally 'two fingers away from'), which is used for very close calls. For instance, 'Il était à deux doigts de gagner' (He was inches away from winning). This adds a more colloquial and vivid touch to your French. Finally, à l'orée de is a poetic way to say 'at the threshold of,' often used for time or new eras, like 'à l'orée du vingt-et-unième siècle.'
Nous sommes sur le point de découvrir la vérité sur cette affaire.
- Figurative Alternatives
- Sur le point de (+ verb): about to | À deux doigts de: inches away from | À l'orée de: at the dawn/threshold of.
Le village se situe à la lisière de la forêt domaniale.
In summary, while 'au bord de' is your reliable 'all-purpose' phrase for edges and brinks, don't be afraid to branch out. Use 'à la lisière' for woods, 'sur la rive' for rivers, and 'sur le point de' for imminent actions. This variety will make your French sound more natural, precise, and sophisticated, allowing you to tailor your language to the specific environment or situation you are describing.
مثالها بر اساس سطح
J'aime marcher au bord de la mer.
I like walking by the sea.
Feminine: de la mer.
Il y a un grand lac, et nous sommes au bord du lac.
There is a big lake, and we are by the lake.
Masculine: de + le = du lac.
Le chat dort au bord de la fenêtre.
The cat is sleeping on the edge of the window.
Feminine: de la fenêtre.
Nous mangeons au bord de la piscine.
We are eating by the pool.
Feminine: de la piscine.
Ma maison est au bord de la route.
My house is by the road.
Feminine: de la route.
L'hôtel se trouve au bord de l'eau.
The hotel is by the water.
Vowel: de + l'eau.
Les enfants jouent au bord du ruisseau.
The children are playing by the stream.
Masculine: du ruisseau.
Il s'arrête au bord du chemin.
He stops at the edge of the path.
Masculine: du chemin.
Il a garé sa voiture au bord du trottoir.
He parked his car at the edge of the sidewalk.
Masculine: du trottoir.
Elle s'est assise au bord de son lit pour réfléchir.
She sat on the edge of her bed to think.
Masculine noun 'lit', but 'de son' is used.
Le village est construit au bord d'une falaise.
The village is built on the edge of a cliff.
Indefinite article: d'une falaise.
Ne cours pas au bord de la terrasse !
Don't run on the edge of the terrace!
Feminine: de la terrasse.
Nous avons trouvé un petit café au bord du canal.
We found a little cafe by the canal.
Masculine: du canal.
Il y a des fleurs sauvages au bord des champs.
There are wild flowers at the edge of the fields.
Plural: de + les = des champs.
Elle regarde le coucher du soleil au bord de l'océan.
She watches the sunset by the ocean.
Vowel: de l'océan.
Le chien attend son maître au bord de la porte.
The dog waits for its master by the door.
Feminine: de la porte.
Elle était au bord des larmes après avoir entendu la nouvelle.
She was on the verge of tears after hearing the news.
Figurative idiom: always plural 'des larmes'.
L'entreprise est au bord de la faillite à cause de la crise.
The company is on the brink of bankruptcy because of the crisis.
Figurative use with a noun.
Il se sentait au bord de l'épuisement total.
He felt on the verge of total exhaustion.
Figurative use with an abstract noun.
Nous sommes au bord d'une grande découverte scientifique.
We are on the brink of a great scientific discovery.
Figurative use with 'une'.
Elle est restée au bord de la route, attendant de l'aide.
She stayed by the side of the road, waiting for help.
Physical use in a narrative context.
Le pays semblait être au bord de la révolution.
The country seemed to be on the brink of revolution.
Figurative use in political context.
Il s'est arrêté au bord du précipice pour admirer la vue.
He stopped at the edge of the precipice to admire the view.
Physical use with a strong noun 'précipice'.
Elle était au bord de la panique quand elle a perdu ses clés.
She was on the verge of panic when she lost her keys.
Figurative use for emotional state.
Le gouvernement est au bord de la démission face aux manifestations.
The government is on the verge of resigning in the face of the protests.
Abstract usage in formal news reporting.
Il a vécu toute sa vie au bord de l'abîme, prenant des risques constants.
He lived his whole life on the edge of the abyss, taking constant risks.
Metaphorical usage for a risky lifestyle.
La négociation est au bord de la rupture.
The negotiation is on the brink of breaking down.
Figurative use for a process.
Elle se tenait au bord de la scène, prête à entrer.
She stood at the edge of the stage, ready to enter.
Specific physical location in a professional context.
Le glacier est au bord de la fonte totale.
The glacier is on the verge of melting completely.
Environmental context.
Il était au bord de la folie après des semaines d'isolement.
He was on the edge of madness after weeks of isolation.
Psychological figurative use.
L'équipe est au bord de l'élimination dans ce tournoi.
The team is on the brink of elimination in this tournament.
Sports context.
Nous avons campé au bord d'une rivière sauvage.
We camped by a wild river.
Descriptive use with an adjective.
L'humanité se trouve au bord d'un changement de paradigme sans précédent.
Humanity finds itself on the brink of an unprecedented paradigm shift.
High-level abstract philosophical usage.
Le poète aimait s'isoler au bord de la falaise pour écrire.
The poet liked to isolate himself at the edge of the cliff to write.
Literary context.
Le traité est au bord de la caducité si aucun accord n'est trouvé.
The treaty is on the verge of becoming obsolete if no agreement is found.
Formal legal/political vocabulary.
Elle a senti son cœur au bord de l'explosion tant l'émotion était forte.
She felt her heart on the verge of exploding, the emotion was so strong.
Poetic figurative usage.
Le navire dérivait au bord des eaux territoriales.
The ship was drifting at the edge of territorial waters.
Technical geographic usage.
Il se complaisait dans cette mélancolie, toujours au bord du néant.
He wallowed in this melancholy, always on the edge of nothingness.
Existential/philosophical usage.
Le projet de loi est au bord de l'adoption définitive.
The bill is on the verge of final adoption.
Legislative context.
Ils ont construit leur nid au bord du précipice, défiant la gravité.
They built their nest on the edge of the precipice, defying gravity.
Metaphorical use for a risky endeavor.
L'œuvre de Proust nous place souvent au bord de la réminiscence pure.
Proust's work often places us on the edge of pure reminiscence.
Literary analysis/high-level abstraction.
La civilisation est-elle au bord de l'effondrement systémique ?
Is civilization on the brink of systemic collapse?
Sociological/academic inquiry.
Il s'agit d'une zone grise, au bord de la légalité.
It is a gray area, on the edge of legality.
Legal/ethical nuance.
Sa pensée vacillait, au bord de l'indicible.
His thought wavered, on the edge of the unspeakable.
Philosophical/linguistic limit.
L'écosystème est au bord de la rupture de son équilibre homéostatique.
The ecosystem is on the verge of breaking its homeostatic balance.
Scientific/academic terminology.
Ce film nous maintient au bord de notre siège pendant deux heures.
This movie keeps us on the edge of our seats for two hours.
Idiomatic expression adapted to French context.
Le silence régnait, au bord de la rupture.
Silence reigned, on the verge of breaking.
Atmospheric literary usage.
Il a placé son entreprise au bord de l'innovation radicale.
He placed his company on the cutting edge of radical innovation.
محتوای مرتبط
عبارات مرتبط
واژههای بیشتر nature
à ciel ouvert
B1Open-air, under the open sky.
à fleur d'eau
B1همسطح با آب.
à l'abri de
B1عبارت 'à l'abri de' به معنای محافظت شدن در برابر چیزی مضر یا ناخوشایند است. به عنوان مثال، می توان زیر سقف از باران در امان بود.
à l'approche de
B1با نزدیک شدن به؛ در آستانه.
à l'aube
B1در سپیدهدم؛ هنگام سحر.
à l'écart de
B1دور از یا جدا از چیزی یا کسی بودن.
à l'état sauvage
B1In the wild; in an untamed state.
à l'extérieur de
A2خارج از چیزی.
à l'intérieur de
A2Inside of; within.
à pas lents
B1با گامهای آهسته؛ با آرامش و درنگ حرکت کردن.
