au large de 30초 만에
- Indicates a position away from the coast or shore.
- Essentially means 'offshore' or 'off the coast of'.
- Used in maritime, geographical, and weather contexts.
- Emphasizes distance from land.
Understanding "au large de"
The French prepositional phrase au large de is used to indicate a position or location that is a distance away from the coast or shore. It's the equivalent of 'off the coast of', 'offshore', or 'out at sea' in English. This phrase is particularly common in contexts related to maritime activities, geography, weather, and sometimes even in metaphorical senses to describe something removed from a central point of activity or attention.
- Literal Meaning
- Literally, 'au large' can mean 'out at sea' or 'broad', and 'de' means 'of'. So, it directly translates to being 'out at sea of' something, which effectively means away from its shore.
Le navire se trouve au large de la côte bretonne.
- Usage Contexts
- You'll frequently encounter au large de in discussions about:
- Geography and Navigation: Describing the location of islands, shipwrecks, or specific maritime zones.
- Weather Reports: Indicating where storms are forming or where sea conditions are rough.
- Marine Biology: Specifying the habitat of certain marine species.
- Military Operations: Referring to naval exercises or deployments.
- Tourism: Mentioning popular spots for diving or whale watching that are not near the shore.
Une tempête s'est formée au large de l'océan Indien.
It's important to distinguish au large de from phrases that mean 'near the coast' or 'along the coast'. The core meaning is always about being *away* from the shore, not adjacent to it.
Mastering "au large de" in Context
Using au large de correctly involves understanding its role as a prepositional phrase that sets a location relative to a coastline. It always requires a noun or pronoun following it to specify what coast or landmass it is away from.
- Basic Structure
- The fundamental structure is: [Subject] + [Verb] + au large de + [Place/Coast].
Le phare est situé au large de l'île.
- Examples in Action
-
- Maritime Navigation: "Le cargo a jeté l'ancre au large de Marseille pour attendre l'autorisation d'entrer dans le port." (The cargo ship dropped anchor offshore of Marseille to await authorization to enter the port.) This clearly indicates the ship is at sea, not docked.
- Environmental Science: "Des études ont montré une concentration de plastique au large de la Polynésie française." (Studies have shown a concentration of plastic offshore of French Polynesia.) This points to pollution occurring in the open sea area away from the islands.
- Tourism and Recreation: "Nous avons fait une excursion en bateau pour observer les baleines au large de la Gaspésie." (We took a boat trip to observe whales off the coast of Gaspésie.) The whale watching is happening in the sea, at a distance from the land.
- Historical Context: "La flotte s'est positionnée au large de l'ennemi pour préparer l'attaque." (The fleet positioned itself offshore of the enemy to prepare the attack.) This implies the fleet was at sea, facing the enemy's coast or position.
- Figurative Use (Less Common): While primarily literal, one might metaphorically say something is "au large de la réalité" (far from reality), though this is much rarer and depends heavily on context.
Une épave a été découverte au large de la côte amalfitaine.
Practice constructing sentences by imagining different coastal locations and placing objects or events 'au large de' them. Consider what kind of verbs typically accompany this phrase: 'se trouver', 'être situé', 'se former', 'naviguer', 'observer', etc.
Real-World Encounters with "au large de"
The phrase au large de is deeply embedded in French culture and communication, particularly in regions with significant coastlines or maritime traditions. You'll hear it most commonly in specific domains:
- Maritime and Coastal Life
- In coastal towns and cities across France, from Brittany to the French Riviera, locals, fishermen, and port authorities use au large de daily. Weather forecasts delivered on local radio or television will often mention conditions au large de a particular region. For instance, a sailor preparing to leave port might listen to the forecast saying, "La houle sera forte au large de Cherbourg." (The swell will be strong offshore of Cherbourg.)
Le chalutier pêchait au large de Saint-Malo.
- News and Current Events
- When reporting on maritime incidents like shipwrecks, rescue operations, or the discovery of submerged objects, news anchors and journalists frequently use au large de. A report might state: "Une opération de sauvetage a été lancée au large de la Corse suite au naufrage d'un voilier." (A rescue operation was launched offshore of Corsica following the shipwreck of a sailboat.)
Des débris ont été repérés au large de l'île d'Oléron.
- Geographical and Scientific Discussions
- In documentaries about marine life, oceanography, or the geology of coastlines, you'll often hear experts describe phenomena or habitats au large de specific locations. For example, a marine biologist might explain, "Les récifs coralliens sont particulièrement riches au large de la Martinique." (The coral reefs are particularly rich offshore of Martinique.)
Even in casual conversations among people who live near the sea or have maritime interests, au large de is a natural and common expression. It's the standard way to refer to any significant distance out from the shore.
Avoiding Pitfalls with "au large de"
While seemingly straightforward, learners can sometimes misuse au large de, often by confusing it with prepositions that indicate proximity to the coast or simply using it in contexts where it doesn't fit. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:
- Confusing with Proximity
-
Mistake: Using au large de when you mean 'near the coast' or 'along the coast'.
Example of Mistake: "Le restaurant est au large de la plage." (Incorrect - implies the restaurant is out at sea.)
Correct Usage: The restaurant is likely 'près de la plage' (near the beach) or 'sur la côte' (on the coast).
Correct Sentence: "Le restaurant est près de la plage." or "Le restaurant est sur la côte."
Incorrect: Le village est au large de la mer.
- Incorrect Prepositional Contractions
-
Mistake: Forgetting that 'de' contracts with definite articles ('le', 'les') or possessive adjectives.
Example of Mistake: "Le bateau navigue au large de le port." (Grammatically awkward/incorrect)
Correct Sentence: "Le bateau navigue au large du port." (The boat sails offshore of the port.)
Example of Mistake: "L'île est au large de les côtes françaises." (Incorrect)
Correct Sentence: "L'île est au large des côtes françaises." (The island is offshore of the French coasts.)
Incorrect: La bouée est au large de la mer.
- Overuse in Non-Maritime Contexts
-
Mistake: Applying the 'away from' concept to non-geographical or non-maritime situations where it doesn't fit.
Example of Mistake: "Il se sentait au large de ses responsabilités." (Unnatural and awkward. While 'au large' can sometimes mean 'at ease' or 'at liberty', combining it with 'de ses responsabilités' isn't standard.)
Better Expression: "Il se sentait libéré de ses responsabilités." (He felt freed from his responsibilities.) or "Il prenait ses distances avec ses responsabilités." (He was distancing himself from his responsibilities.)
To avoid these errors, consistently associate au large de with the sea, ocean, large bodies of water, and their proximity to land. Visualize a boat sailing away from the beach.
Exploring Alternatives to "au large de"
While au large de is the most precise term for indicating a position offshore, French offers other expressions that might be used depending on the nuance and context. Understanding these alternatives helps in choosing the most appropriate phrase.
- 'Au large de' vs. 'En mer'
-
'Au large de' (Offshore of): This phrase specifies a location relative to a particular coast or landmass. It's about being away from *that specific shore*.
'En mer' (At sea / At sea level): This is a more general term indicating that someone or something is in the sea or ocean, without necessarily specifying its distance from a particular coast. It simply means 'in the water'.
Example:
- 'Au large de': "Le navire de guerre patrouille au large de la côte syrienne." (The warship patrols offshore of the Syrian coast.) - Specific location relative to Syria.
- 'En mer': "Les pêcheurs sont restés en mer toute la nuit." (The fishermen stayed at sea all night.) - General statement about being on the water.
'Au large de' implies distance from a specific coast.
- 'Au large de' vs. 'Près de' / 'À proximité de'
-
'Au large de' (Offshore of): As established, this means a significant distance away from the coast.
'Près de' (Near) / 'À proximité de' (In the vicinity of): These phrases indicate closeness to something, including a coast.
Example:
- 'Au large de': "Les dauphins ont été aperçus au large de la baie." (The dolphins were spotted offshore of the bay.)
- 'Près de': "Les dauphins ont été aperçus près de la baie." (The dolphins were spotted near the bay.) - This could mean they are close to the shore of the bay.
'Près de' indicates closeness, 'au large de' indicates distance from shore.
- 'Au large de' vs. 'Le long de'
-
'Au large de' (Offshore of): Distance away from the coast.
'Le long de' (Along): This indicates movement or position parallel to something, such as a coastline.
Example:
- 'Au large de': "La plateforme pétrolière est située au large de la côte atlantique." (The oil platform is located offshore of the Atlantic coast.)
- 'Le long de': "Nous avons fait une promenade le long de la côte." (We took a walk along the coast.)
While 'en mer' is a common alternative for general 'at sea' situations, au large de is irreplaceable when you need to pinpoint a location relative to a specific coastline.
재미있는 사실
The word 'large' itself comes from the Latin 'largus', meaning 'abundant' or 'plentiful'. This root is also found in English words like 'largesse' (generosity) and 'large'. The sense of 'spaciousness' inherent in 'large' is key to understanding 'au large de' as being in a vast, open area.
발음 가이드
- Pronouncing the 'r' too lightly.
- Not differentiating the open 'a' in 'large'.
- Pronouncing 'au' as a simple 'o'.
수준별 예문
Le bateau est loin de la terre.
The boat is far from the land.
Simple sentence structure, basic vocabulary.
On voit la côte de loin.
We see the coast from afar.
Use of 'de loin' for 'from afar'.
La mer est grande.
The sea is big.
Basic adjective usage.
Il y a des poissons dans l'eau.
There are fish in the water.
Basic existential sentence 'il y a'.
Le soleil est sur la mer.
The sun is on the sea.
Simple preposition 'sur'.
Le bateau va vers la mer.
The boat goes towards the sea.
Use of 'vers' for direction.
C'est loin de la plage.
It's far from the beach.
Simple statement of distance.
Je regarde la mer.
I look at the sea.
Basic verb and direct object.
Le navire est positionné au large de la ville.
The ship is positioned offshore of the town.
Introduction of 'au large de' with a specific place.
On a vu des phoques au large de la côte.
We saw seals offshore of the coast.
Use of plural noun and past tense.
La météo annonce du vent au large.
The weather forecast announces wind offshore.
Use of 'au large' as a general location.
Les plongeurs explorèrent la zone au large.
The divers explored the offshore area.
Past tense and descriptive noun phrase.
Une île se trouve au large de la péninsule.
An island is located offshore of the peninsula.
Use of 'se trouver' to indicate location.
Le phare guide les bateaux au large.
The lighthouse guides boats offshore.
Verb 'guider' and general offshore context.
Ils ont jeté l'ancre au large de la baie.
They dropped anchor offshore of the bay.
Idiomatic expression 'jeter l'ancre'.
Le courant est fort au large.
The current is strong offshore.
Adjective describing a natural phenomenon.
Le pétrolier a dévié de sa route pour se tenir au large de la zone de conflit.
The oil tanker deviated from its route to stay offshore of the conflict zone.
Complex sentence with subordinate clauses and specific vocabulary.
Des scientifiques étudient la migration des baleines au large des Açores.
Scientists are studying whale migration offshore of the Azores.
Use of present continuous and a specific geographical location.
La visibilité était réduite au large en raison du brouillard.
Visibility was reduced offshore due to fog.
Use of past tense passive and reason clause.
L'épave du navire repose au large de la côte bretonne.
The ship's wreck lies offshore of the Breton coast.
Precise geographical reference and past participle.
Les garde-côtes surveillent la zone au large pour prévenir la pêche illégale.
The coast guard monitors the offshore area to prevent illegal fishing.
Purpose clause with 'pour'.
Une nouvelle ferme éolienne sera installée au large des côtes néerlandaises.
A new wind farm will be installed offshore of the Dutch coast.
Future tense and specific technological context.
Les touristes préfèrent souvent nager au large des plages moins fréquentées.
Tourists often prefer to swim offshore of less crowded beaches.
Comparative adjective and preference.
Le signal GPS était faible au large, loin de toute antenne relais.
The GPS signal was weak offshore, far from any relay antenna.
Use of 'loin de' and negation.
Les autorités ont émis une alerte météo concernant des conditions potentiellement dangereuses au large de la Méditerranée.
The authorities issued a weather alert concerning potentially dangerous conditions offshore of the Mediterranean.
Formal vocabulary, complex sentence structure, use of 'concernant'.
L'étude écologique a révélé une biodiversité remarquable au large des îles Galápagos.
The ecological study revealed remarkable biodiversity offshore of the Galapagos Islands.
Sophisticated vocabulary ('écologique', 'biodiversité'), specific location.
Le navire de recherche s'est positionné au large pour déployer ses sonars et cartographier le fond marin.
The research vessel positioned itself offshore to deploy its sonars and map the seabed.
Infinitive clauses of purpose, technical terms.
Les vestiges d'une ancienne civilisation romaine ont été découverts au large de la Sicile.
The remains of an ancient Roman civilization were discovered offshore of Sicily.
Historical context, passive voice.
La navigation dans ces eaux au large de l'Arctique présente des défis considérables en raison des icebergs.
Navigation in these waters offshore of the Arctic presents considerable challenges due to icebergs.
Abstract noun ('navigation'), challenging environment description.
Une nouvelle réglementation vise à protéger les écosystèmes marins situés au large des côtes européennes.
New regulations aim to protect marine ecosystems located offshore of the European coasts.
Formal language ('réglementation', 'écosystèmes'), infinitive clause of purpose.
Les pêcheurs artisanaux expriment leurs inquiétudes quant à l'impact des activités industrielles au large.
Artisanal fishermen express their concerns about the impact of industrial activities offshore.
Expressing concerns, abstract concepts ('impact', 'activités industrielles').
Le tourisme durable encourage l'observation des mammifères marins au large, dans leur habitat naturel.
Sustainable tourism encourages the observation of marine mammals offshore, in their natural habitat.
Specific concept ('tourisme durable'), emphasis on natural habitat.
La cartographie bathymétrique a révélé des formations géologiques inexplorées au large de la Fosse des Mariannes.
Bathymetric mapping revealed unexplored geological formations offshore of the Mariana Trench.
Highly specialized vocabulary ('bathymétrique', 'formations géologiques'), specific extreme location.
Les fluctuations de la température de surface de la mer au large des côtes de la Californie influencent les schémas météorologiques régionaux.
Fluctuations in sea surface temperature offshore of the California coast influence regional weather patterns.
Complex scientific concepts, cause-and-effect relationships.
La délimitation des zones économiques exclusives au large des archipels soulève souvent des questions géopolitiques complexes.
The delimitation of exclusive economic zones offshore of archipelagos often raises complex geopolitical questions.
Legal and political terminology ('délimitation', 'zones économiques exclusives', 'géopolitiques').
L'exploitation des ressources minières sous-marines au large des zones habitées suscite des débats environnementaux intenses.
The exploitation of underwater mineral resources offshore of inhabited areas sparks intense environmental debates.
Economic and environmental issues, abstract nouns ('exploitation', 'débats').
Les courants océaniques profonds, situés au large des continents, jouent un rôle crucial dans la régulation du climat mondial.
Deep ocean currents, located offshore of the continents, play a crucial role in regulating global climate.
Complex scientific processes, abstract concepts ('régulation du climat').
L'étude de la faune benthique au large des plateaux continentaux révèle des adaptations uniques à la pression et à l'obscurité.
The study of benthic fauna offshore of the continental shelves reveals unique adaptations to pressure and darkness.
Specialized biological terms ('faune benthique', 'plateaux continentaux'), detailed description of adaptations.
La préservation des habitats marins au large des zones touristiques est devenue une priorité pour de nombreuses ONG.
The preservation of marine habitats offshore of tourist areas has become a priority for many NGOs.
Environmental protection context, formal vocabulary ('préservation', 'ONG').
Les archéologues sous-marins explorent les épaves antiques au large de la Grèce, vestiges d'une histoire millénaire.
Underwater archaeologists explore ancient shipwrecks offshore of Greece, remnants of a millennia-old history.
Historical and archaeological context, descriptive appositive phrase.
La modélisation des flux de chaleur au large des dorsales médio-océaniques révèle des processus géodynamiques d'une complexité inouïe.
The modeling of heat flows offshore of the mid-ocean ridges reveals geodynamic processes of incredible complexity.
Highly advanced scientific and technical vocabulary, abstract concepts.
L'analyse des sédiments marins au large des côtes antarctiques fournit des indices précieux sur les paléoenvironnements passés.
The analysis of marine sediments offshore of the Antarctic coasts provides valuable clues about past paleoenvironments.
Specialized scientific analysis, use of 'indices précieux'.
Les enjeux de souveraineté maritime au large des territoires contestés nécessitent une diplomatie prudente et une veille stratégique constante.
The stakes of maritime sovereignty offshore of disputed territories require careful diplomacy and constant strategic monitoring.
Complex geopolitical and legal terminology, abstract concepts ('enjeux', 'souveraineté', 'veille stratégique').
La dispersion des microplastiques au large des grands fleuves influence durablement la chimie des océans et la santé des écosystèmes pélagiques.
The dispersion of microplastics offshore of major rivers durably influences ocean chemistry and the health of pelagic ecosystems.
Environmental science, complex cause-and-effect, sophisticated vocabulary ('durablement', 'pélagiques').
La prospection de ressources énergétiques au large des zones de subduction est une entreprise à haut risque technologique et environnemental.
The prospecting for energy resources offshore of subduction zones is an undertaking of high technological and environmental risk.
Technical terminology ('prospection', 'zones de subduction'), nuanced description of risk.
Les variations saisonnières de la productivité primaire au large des plateaux continentaux sont étroitement liées aux cycles de nutriments.
Seasonal variations in primary productivity offshore of the continental shelves are closely linked to nutrient cycles.
Advanced ecological and oceanographic concepts ('productivité primaire', 'cycles de nutriments').
L'évolution morphologique des littoraux soumis à l'érosion marine au large des régions volcaniques est un sujet d'étude constant pour les géomorphologues.
The morphological evolution of coastlines subjected to marine erosion offshore of volcanic regions is a constant subject of study for geomorphologists.
Highly specific scientific field ('morphologique', 'littoraux', 'géomorphologues'), complex sentence structure.
La gestion intégrée des zones côtières et des espaces maritimes au large vise à concilier développement économique et préservation environnementale.
The integrated management of coastal zones and offshore maritime spaces aims to reconcile economic development and environmental preservation.
Policy and management terminology ('gestion intégrée', 'concilier'), abstract goals.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
— Offshore of the islands.
Nous avons fait de la plongée au large des îles Baléares.
— Offshore (when the reference is clear from context).
La tempête se déplace vers le sud au large.
— To navigate offshore of.
Les voiliers aiment naviguer au large des côtes méditerranéennes.
— To be situated offshore of.
La plateforme pétrolière est située au large du Nigeria.
— Offshore of the ocean (often implies a specific part of the ocean relative to land).
Des recherches sont menées au large de l'océan Atlantique pour étudier les courants.
— Offshore of international waters (implies a zone beyond national jurisdiction but still relative to a coast).
Le navire suspect a été intercepté au large des eaux internationales.
— Offshore of the sea (less common, usually redundant as 'au large' implies the sea).
Cette formulation est rarement utilisée car 'au large' implique déjà la mer.
— Offshore of the continent.
Les vents dominants au large du continent influencent le climat.
관용어 및 표현
— To be at ease, to feel free, to be unburdened. This is a figurative use where 'au large' suggests a sense of spaciousness and freedom, away from constraints.
Après avoir rendu son rapport, il se sentait enfin au large.
Figurative/Neutral— To set someone free, to release someone from obligations or confinement.
La fin de son contrat l'a mis au large.
Figurative/Neutral— To set sail, to leave, to escape. Literally, to head out to sea. Figuratively, to leave a situation or place, often to escape something.
Face à la crise, l'entreprise a décidé de prendre le large et de se relocaliser.
Literal/Figurative/Neutral— The open sea, the deep sea. Used as a noun, it refers to the vast expanse of the ocean away from the coast.
Les marins connaissent bien les dangers du large.
Maritime/Neutral— A wind blowing from the sea towards the land.
Un vent de large soufflait sur la plage, apportant la fraîcheur.
Maritime/Neutral— To be generous, magnanimous, or broad-minded.
Il est toujours large d'épaules quand il s'agit d'aider ses amis.
Figurative/Neutral— To sleep in late, feeling relaxed and free (figurative use of 'au large' for ease).
Le dimanche, j'aime faire la grasse matinée au large.
Figurative/Informal— To be free from one's worries, to feel unburdened.
En vacances, il naviguait au large de ses soucis.
Figurative/Poetic— To feel lighthearted, joyful, and free.
Quand il est avec ses enfants, il a le cœur au large.
Figurative/Expressive— To leave something behind, to forget about it, to move on.
Il a décidé de laisser ses problèmes au large et de commencer une nouvelle vie.
Figurative/Neutral어휘 가족
명사
동사
형용사
관련
암기하기
기억법
Imagine a large ship ('un large bateau') sailing far away from the coast ('au large de la côte'). The word 'large' helps you remember the vastness of the sea, and 'de la côte' tells you it's away from land.
시각적 연상
Picture a vast, open ocean with a single, large ship sailing far from a visible coastline. The ship is 'au large' (offshore) 'de la côte' (of the coast).
Word Web
챌린지
Try to describe five different scenarios involving boats or maritime activities using 'au large de' and specifying a different coastal location each time.
어원
The phrase 'au large de' derives from the adjective 'large' which, in Old French, meant 'spacious', 'vast', or 'free'. The expression 'au large' originally referred to being in a spacious area, away from confined spaces. When applied to the sea, it naturally came to mean being in the vast, open sea, away from the shore.
원래 의미: In Old French, 'large' meant spacious, ample, or free. 'Au large' thus meant in a spacious area, implying freedom from confinement.
Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Gallo-Romance > FrenchSummary
Use 'au large de' when you want to specify a location or event that is a distance away from a coast or shore, meaning 'offshore'. For example, 'Le phare est situé au large de l'île' (The lighthouse is located offshore of the island).
- Indicates a position away from the coast or shore.
- Essentially means 'offshore' or 'off the coast of'.
- Used in maritime, geographical, and weather contexts.
- Emphasizes distance from land.
관련 콘텐츠
nature 관련 단어
à ciel ouvert
B1Open-air, under the open sky.
à fleur d'eau
B1수면에 닿을 듯 말 듯.
à l'abri de
B1'à l'abri de'라는 표현은 비나 바람과 같이 해롭거나 불쾌한 것으로부터 보호받는 것을 의미합니다. 예를 들어, 지붕 아래에서 비를 피할 수 있습니다.
à l'approche de
B1~이 다가옴에 따라; ~을 앞두고.
à l'aube
B1새벽에; 날이 샐 무렵에.
à l'écart de
B1~에서 떨어져서, ~에서 소외되어라는 뜻입니다.
à l'état sauvage
B1In the wild; in an untamed state.
à l'extérieur de
A2~의 바깥쪽에.
à l'intérieur de
A2Inside of; within.
à pas lents
B1느린 걸음으로. 한 걸음 한 걸음 천천히 움직이는 모양새.
