At the A1 level, you learn that 'en baisse' is a way to say something is going down. You usually see it with the weather or prices. For example, if the weather was 20 degrees yesterday and it is 15 degrees today, the temperature is 'en baisse'. It is a fixed phrase, so you don't change the ending. You use it with the verb 'être' (to be). It is the opposite of 'en hausse', which means going up. Think of it like an arrow pointing down. You might see it on a sign in a shop that says 'Prix en baisse' to tell you things are cheaper now. It is a very useful phrase for basic descriptions of change in your daily life.
At the A2 level, you use 'en baisse' to describe more varied trends. You can talk about your school grades (tes notes), the number of people in a place, or your energy levels. You start to understand that it describes a 'state' of decline. You should be able to form simple sentences like 'Le chômage est en baisse' (Unemployment is down). You also learn to add simple adverbs like 'un peu' (a little) or 'très' (very) to describe the size of the drop. It's important to remember that 'baisse' is a noun here, but the whole phrase 'en baisse' acts like a description. You won't use it to mean 'at the bottom' (which is 'en bas'), but specifically 'moving towards the bottom'.
At the B1 level, you use 'en baisse' in more professional and social contexts. You might use it in a work presentation to discuss 'le chiffre d'affaires' (turnover) or 'la productivité'. You also learn to use it with comparison structures like 'en baisse par rapport à l'année dernière'. You start to distinguish it from synonyms like 'en diminution' or 'en recul'. For a B1 learner, it is important to use 'en baisse' to participate in discussions about current events, such as the environment or politics. You can describe the 'baisse de la pollution' or a 'baisse de la popularité'. You also recognize it in different tenses, like 'était en baisse' or 'sera en baisse'.
At the B2 level, you use 'en baisse' with greater nuance and precision. You can describe complex trends in society, such as 'la baisse du pouvoir d'achat' (the decline in purchasing power) and discuss the implications of such trends. You are comfortable using it in formal writing, such as essays or reports, and you know how to modify it with precise adverbs like 'sensiblement' (noticeably) or 'considérablement'. You understand the metaphorical uses, such as 'le moral des ménages est en baisse' (household morale is down). You also begin to see how it contrasts with more specific verbs like 's'effondrer' (to collapse) or 'péricliter' (to go to ruin), knowing when 'en baisse' is the appropriate neutral choice.
At the C1 level, 'en baisse' is a tool for sophisticated analysis. You use it to synthesize information from various sources. You might analyze why 'la ferveur religieuse est en baisse' or the systemic reasons for a 'baisse de la biodiversité'. You understand the stylistic choice of using a prepositional phrase ('en baisse') versus a verb ('baisser') to create a certain tone in your writing. You are also aware of idiomatic expressions and can use 'en baisse' in academic debates to describe the trajectory of a theory or a cultural movement. Your usage is flawless, and you can transition between 'en baisse', 'en déclin', and 'en régression' to capture the exact nature of the downward trend you are discussing.
At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'en baisse'. You can use it with subtle irony or within complex rhetorical structures. You recognize its use in classical literature versus modern economic journals. You can discuss the philological roots of the word and how the phrase has evolved in French history. You use it effortlessly in high-level professional environments, such as international conferences or legal proceedings, to describe trends with absolute clarity. You might explore the philosophical implications of a world where certain values are 'en baisse'. For a C2 speaker, 'en baisse' is not just a vocabulary item but a precise instrument used to measure and describe the shifting dynamics of the world with total accuracy and stylistic grace.

en baisse 30초 만에

  • 'En baisse' is a French phrase meaning 'decreasing' or 'on the decline', used primarily to describe trends in prices, weather, and statistics.
  • It is an invariable phrase, meaning it never changes its form regardless of whether the subject is masculine, feminine, singular, or plural.
  • Commonly used with the verb 'être' (to be), it provides a simple way to describe a downward movement without using complex verbs.
  • Its opposite is 'en hausse' (on the rise), and it is a staple of French news, financial reports, and daily weather forecasts.

The French locution en baisse is a fundamental expression used to describe a state of decline, reduction, or decrease. Linguistically, it functions as an adverbial phrase or a prepositional phrase acting as a predicate adjective, typically following the verb être (to be). Its primary purpose is to signal that a numerical value, a level of quality, or a general trend is moving downward compared to a previous point in time. In the context of the CEFR A2 level, learners encounter this phrase most frequently when discussing the weather, prices, or basic school performance. However, its utility extends far beyond simple descriptions, anchoring itself in the very heart of French economic and social discourse.

Economic Context
When reading a French newspaper like Le Monde or watching the news on TF1, you will inevitably hear that 'le chômage est en baisse' (unemployment is down) or 'le pouvoir d'achat est en baisse' (purchasing power is declining). It is the standard term for statistical drops.

Les températures hivernales sont en baisse cette semaine sur toute la France.

The word 'baisse' itself is a noun derived from the verb baisser, which means to lower or to let down. By adding the preposition 'en', the phrase describes a continuous state or a current trend. It is the direct opposite of en hausse (on the rise). For an English speaker, the best way to conceptualize this is to think of the phrase 'on the decline' or simply 'down'. If you are looking at a line graph and the line is pointing towards the bottom of the page, the subject of that graph is en baisse. This can apply to the popularity of a politician, the level of water in a reservoir, or the number of students in a classroom.

Educational Context
Teachers use this phrase on report cards to indicate that a student's performance has slipped. 'Tes résultats en mathématiques sont en baisse ce trimestre' indicates that the student needs to work harder to regain their previous level.

La fréquentation des cinémas est en baisse depuis l'arrivée des plateformes de streaming.

In everyday conversation, you might use it to talk about your energy levels or the mood of a group. 'Mon moral est un peu en baisse aujourd'hui' (My spirits are a bit low today). This versatility makes it one of the most productive phrases in the French language. It avoids the need for more complex verbs like décroître or diminuer in casual speech, providing a quick and clear way to convey a negative trajectory. Understanding 'en baisse' is essential for navigating French life, as it appears in everything from grocery store price tags ('Prix en baisse !') to complex sociological studies regarding demographic shifts.

Using en baisse correctly requires an understanding of its syntactic role. It almost always functions as an attribute of the subject, linked by a copular verb. The most common verb is être, but you will also see it with sembler (to seem), paraître (to appear), or rester (to remain). Because 'en baisse' is an invariable prepositional phrase, you do not need to worry about making it agree in gender or number with the subject. Whether you are talking about 'le prix' (masculine singular) or 'les ventes' (feminine plural), the form remains exactly the same.

Sentence Structure
[Subject] + [Verb] + en baisse. Example: 'La tension artérielle du patient est en baisse.' (The patient's blood pressure is falling.)

Depuis le mois dernier, les chiffres de la criminalité sont en baisse dans ce quartier.

To add nuance to the degree of the decrease, you can insert adverbs before 'en'. For example, 'en légère baisse' (slightly down) or 'en forte baisse' (sharply down). This allows for precise reporting. In professional settings, particularly in finance or logistics, you might see it used as a standalone label on a chart or a report header. If a company's revenue is 'en baisse constante', it indicates a worrying trend of continual decline. Conversely, if something was very high and is now 'en baisse', it might be seen as a positive development, such as 'la pollution est en baisse'.

Le niveau de l'eau dans le lac est en baisse à cause de la sécheresse prolongée.

When comparing two periods, French speakers often use the construction 'en baisse par rapport à' (down compared to). For example: 'Les profits sont en baisse par rapport à l'année dernière.' This is a crucial structure for business presentations and academic writing. It provides the necessary context for the decline. Furthermore, in the world of fashion or trends, one might say 'Cette tendance est en baisse', meaning it is becoming less popular or 'out of style'. The phrase is so versatile that it can be applied to abstract concepts like 'l'influence' or 'la motivation'. By mastering this phrase, you gain a powerful tool to describe the dynamics of change in any French-speaking environment.

The phrase en baisse is ubiquitous in French daily life, appearing in both formal media and informal conversations. If you turn on the radio in the morning to listen to the news (like France Info), you will hear it during the economic segment. Journalists use it to summarize the performance of the stock market (la Bourse). They might say, 'Le CAC 40 a terminé la séance en baisse de 0,5 %.' Here, it is used to quantify the exact amount of the drop. It is the language of statistics and reporting, providing a clear, objective assessment of movement.

The Weather Forecast
In the 'météo', the presenter will often say 'Les températures seront en baisse demain sur le nord du pays.' This is one of the first contexts where an A2 student will encounter the word.

Selon les derniers sondages, la popularité du Premier ministre est en baisse.

In a supermarket (le supermarché), look for bright red or yellow signs that scream 'Prix en baisse !'. This is a marketing tactic to attract customers by highlighting that the cost of certain items has been reduced. It is much more common than saying 'prix réduits' in this specific visual context. In a work environment, during a meeting, a manager might present a slide showing that 'la productivité est en baisse' or 'les coûts sont en baisse'. The former would be a cause for concern, while the latter would be a cause for celebration. This highlights how the emotional weight of the phrase depends entirely on what is decreasing.

Le nombre d'accidents de la route est en baisse grâce aux nouveaux radars.

Finally, you will hear it in social commentary. Intellectuals and sociologists might discuss 'la baisse de la natalité' (the drop in birth rates) or 'la baisse du niveau scolaire' (the decline in educational standards). These are major topics of debate in France. By paying attention to this phrase, you can quickly identify the main point of a discussion: something is getting smaller, fewer, or lower. Whether it is the volume of a radio or the intensity of a storm, 'en baisse' is the go-to expression for describing the receding tide of any phenomenon.

Even though en baisse seems straightforward, English speakers often trip over a few specific hurdles. The most frequent error is the confusion between the adjective bas (low) and the noun baisse (decrease). A student might say 'Le prix est bas' to mean the price is low, which is correct. However, if they want to say the price is decreasing, they must say 'Le prix est en baisse'. Saying 'Le prix est en bas' would literally mean the price is physically located at the bottom, which makes no sense in a commercial context.

Preposition Pitfalls
Avoid saying 'dans la baisse' or 'par baisse'. The preposition 'en' is mandatory here to indicate a state. It is a fixed expression.

Faux: La température est dans la baisse. Correct: La température est en baisse.

Another common mistake is attempting to pluralize the phrase. Since 'en baisse' is a locution, it never takes an 's', even if the subject is plural. 'Les ventes sont en baisses' is incorrect; it must be 'Les ventes sont en baisse'. This is a relief for learners once they remember it, as it simplifies the grammar significantly. Furthermore, learners often confuse 'en baisse' with the verb 'baisser'. Remember that 'en baisse' describes a state (is down), while 'baisser' describes the action (to go down). You cannot say 'Il en baisse le rideau'; you must say 'Il baisse le rideau' (He lowers the curtain).

Faux: Mes notes sont bas. Correct: Mes notes sont en baisse (if they are dropping) or 'Mes notes sont basses' (if they are already low).

Lastly, be careful with the word order when using adverbs. The adverb should typically come between 'en' and 'baisse' for emphasis or immediately after. 'En forte baisse' is the standard way to say 'sharply down'. Placing the adverb elsewhere, like 'Fortement en baisse', is possible but less common in standard speech. By keeping these distinctions in mind—state vs. action, fixed preposition, and invariable form—you will avoid the most common traps that catch English-speaking learners of French.

While en baisse is the most versatile phrase for describing a decline, French offers several synonyms and alternatives that can add precision or a different 'register' to your speech. Depending on whether you are writing a formal report or chatting with a friend, you might choose a different term. The most direct synonym is en diminution. This is slightly more formal and is often used in scientific or technical contexts to describe a reduction in quantity. For example, 'une population en diminution' sounds more clinical than 'une population en baisse'.

En déclin vs En baisse
'En déclin' usually refers to a long-term, perhaps irreversible loss of power, health, or influence. An empire is 'en déclin', whereas the price of butter is merely 'en baisse'.

L'usage du tabac est en recul chez les jeunes adultes.

Another excellent alternative is en recul. This literally means 'in retreat' or 'moving back'. It is very common in political reporting to describe a party losing seats or a company losing market share. It implies that the subject is losing ground that it once held. If you want to describe a very sudden and dramatic drop, you might use en chute libre (in free fall). This is metaphorical and highly descriptive, used when a situation is spiraling out of control, such as a stock market crash or a total loss of public confidence.

Les exportations sont en diminution constante depuis trois mois.

In more casual speech, you might simply use verbs. Instead of 'Le prix est en baisse', you could say 'Le prix descend' or 'Le prix tombe'. However, these lack the nuanced 'state of being' that 'en baisse' provides. In academic writing, you might encounter décroissant (decreasing), which is the mathematical term. Understanding these nuances allows you to tailor your French to the situation. Whether you are describing a 'recul' of civil liberties or a 'diminution' of noise levels, you now have a palette of words to express the concept of downward movement with sophistication.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The word 'bassus' in Latin originally meant 'thick' or 'stumpy', but in Vulgar Latin, it shifted to mean 'low', replacing the classical Latin word 'humilis' in many contexts.

발음 가이드

UK /ɑ̃ bɛs/
US /ɑ̃ bɛs/
The stress is equal on both words, with a slight emphasis on the 'baisse' as it is the content word.
라임이 맞는 단어
caisse laisse fesse messe tresse vitesse adresse tendresse
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing the 'n' in 'en' too clearly (it should be nasal).
  • Pronouncing the final 'e' in 'baisse' (it is silent).
  • Confusing the vowel in 'baisse' with 'bas' (which is /ba/).

난이도

독해 2/5

Very easy to recognize in news and signs.

쓰기 3/5

Requires remembering the preposition 'en' and the spelling of 'baisse'.

말하기 2/5

Simple to use with 'être', no complex conjugation needed.

듣기 2/5

Clear pronunciation, though the nasal 'en' must be distinguished.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

bas basse être le prix le temps

다음에 배울 것

en hausse augmenter diminuer la croissance le recul

고급

péricliter décroître s'effondrer un marasme la déflation

알아야 할 문법

Invariability of Prepositional Locutions

Les ventes (f. pl.) sont en baisse (no 's').

Using 'en' to indicate a state

Il est en colère, il est en forme, il est en baisse.

Adverb placement in locutions

En forte baisse (between preposition and noun).

Comparison with 'par rapport à'

Le prix est en baisse par rapport à hier.

Predicate adjective function

Subject + Copular Verb + en baisse.

수준별 예문

1

Le prix du lait est en baisse.

The price of milk is down.

Uses 'être' + 'en baisse'.

2

La température est en baisse ce soir.

The temperature is falling this evening.

'En baisse' describes the state of the temperature.

3

Regarde, les prix sont en baisse ici !

Look, the prices are down here!

Plural subject 'les prix' but 'en baisse' remains the same.

4

Le vent est en baisse maintenant.

The wind is dying down now.

Used for intensity of weather.

5

Ma note de français est en baisse.

My French grade is down.

Describes a negative trend in grades.

6

Le niveau de l'eau est en baisse.

The water level is falling.

Commonly used with liquids and levels.

7

Est-ce que le chômage est en baisse ?

Is unemployment down?

Interrogative form.

8

Le soleil descend, la lumière est en baisse.

The sun is going down, the light is fading.

Used for light intensity.

1

Les ventes de voitures sont en baisse ce mois-ci.

Car sales are down this month.

Standard business usage for A2.

2

Sa motivation est en baisse après l'examen.

His motivation is down after the exam.

Describes an abstract feeling.

3

Le nombre de touristes est en baisse à Paris.

The number of tourists is down in Paris.

'Le nombre de' + noun + 'est' (singular verb).

4

Les fruits sont en baisse de prix au marché.

Fruits are down in price at the market.

'En baisse de prix' is a common variant.

5

La fièvre de l'enfant est enfin en baisse.

The child's fever is finally going down.

Medical context.

6

La pollution est en baisse dans les grandes villes.

Pollution is down in big cities.

Environmental context.

7

Le moral de l'équipe est en baisse après la défaite.

The team's morale is down after the loss.

'Le moral' is a masculine noun.

8

La production d'électricité est en baisse.

Electricity production is down.

Industrial context.

1

Le pouvoir d'achat des Français est en baisse constante.

The purchasing power of the French is in constant decline.

Adds an adjective 'constante' to describe the trend.

2

La fréquentation des musées est en baisse par rapport à 2019.

Museum attendance is down compared to 2019.

Uses 'par rapport à' for comparison.

3

Les taux d'intérêt sont en baisse, c'est le moment d'acheter.

Interest rates are down, it's the time to buy.

Financial context.

4

La consommation de viande rouge est en baisse en Europe.

Red meat consumption is down in Europe.

Social trend context.

5

La tension entre les deux pays est enfin en baisse.

Tension between the two countries is finally decreasing.

Diplomatic context.

6

Le nombre d'abonnés au journal est en forte baisse.

The number of newspaper subscribers is in sharp decline.

Uses 'en forte baisse' for emphasis.

7

Sa popularité est en baisse selon les derniers sondages.

His popularity is down according to the latest polls.

Political context.

8

La qualité du service est en baisse dans cet hôtel.

The quality of service is declining in this hotel.

Qualitative context.

1

Les stocks de pétrole sont en baisse sensible cette semaine.

Oil stocks are down significantly this week.

Uses 'sensible' as an adjective modifying the state.

2

La natalité est en baisse dans la plupart des pays développés.

The birth rate is declining in most developed countries.

Demographic context.

3

L'inflation semble enfin être en baisse après des mois de hausse.

Inflation finally seems to be down after months of rising.

Uses 'sembler être' for nuance.

4

La biodiversité est en baisse alarmante dans les zones tropicales.

Biodiversity is in alarming decline in tropical zones.

Uses 'alarmante' for strong emphasis.

5

Les investissements étrangers sont en baisse due à l'instabilité.

Foreign investments are down due to instability.

Explains the cause using 'due à'.

6

Le niveau scolaire est jugé en baisse par de nombreux experts.

Educational standards are judged to be declining by many experts.

Passive construction 'jugé en baisse'.

7

La criminalité est en baisse, mais le sentiment d'insécurité augmente.

Crime is down, but the feeling of insecurity is rising.

Contrast between statistical fact and feeling.

8

La visibilité est en baisse à cause du brouillard intense.

Visibility is decreasing because of the intense fog.

Physical/environmental context.

1

L'influence culturelle de cette nation est en baisse sur la scène mondiale.

The cultural influence of this nation is waning on the world stage.

High-level geopolitical analysis.

2

La ferveur militante est en baisse au sein du parti.

Militant fervor is declining within the party.

Abstract social analysis.

3

Les marges bénéficiaires de l'entreprise sont en baisse structurelle.

The company's profit margins are in structural decline.

Uses 'structurelle' to denote a deep, non-temporary issue.

4

La confiance des consommateurs est en baisse, ce qui freine la croissance.

Consumer confidence is down, which is slowing growth.

Economic causal link.

5

La pratique religieuse est en baisse constante depuis des décennies.

Religious practice has been in constant decline for decades.

Sociological trend over time.

6

L'intensité lumineuse des étoiles est en baisse selon ces observations.

The luminous intensity of the stars is decreasing according to these observations.

Scientific/astronomical context.

7

La rigueur intellectuelle semble en baisse dans les débats publics.

Intellectual rigor seems to be declining in public debates.

Philosophical/social critique.

8

Les précipitations sont en baisse drastique dans cette région aride.

Precipitation is in drastic decline in this arid region.

Uses 'drastique' for extreme cases.

1

L'hégémonie du dollar est-elle réellement en baisse ou est-ce un mirage ?

Is the hegemony of the dollar truly in decline or is it a mirage?

Rhetorical question in a high-level essay.

2

On observe une acuité visuelle en baisse chez les jeunes générations.

A decline in visual acuity is observed in younger generations.

Formal medical/sociological observation.

3

La prévalence de cette maladie est en baisse grâce à la vaccination massive.

The prevalence of this disease is declining thanks to mass vaccination.

Epidemiological context.

4

La verve de l'écrivain est en baisse dans son dernier opus.

The writer's verve is waning in his latest work.

Literary criticism.

5

La légitimité des institutions est en baisse, provoquant des crises sociales.

The legitimacy of institutions is declining, causing social crises.

Political philosophy context.

6

La teneur en oxygène de l'eau est en baisse, menaçant la faune marine.

The oxygen content of the water is decreasing, threatening marine life.

Technical environmental science.

7

Les capacités cognitives peuvent être en baisse avec l'âge.

Cognitive abilities can be in decline with age.

Gerontological context.

8

La rentabilité du secteur agricole est en baisse structurelle.

The profitability of the agricultural sector is in structural decline.

Macroeconomic analysis.

자주 쓰는 조합

être en baisse
en forte baisse
en légère baisse
en baisse constante
en baisse sensible
tendance en baisse
prix en baisse
moral en baisse
ventes en baisse
popularité en baisse

자주 쓰는 구문

Le chômage est en baisse.

— The standard way to report that the unemployment rate has decreased. It is a common headline in French news.

Bonne nouvelle : le chômage est en baisse ce mois-ci.

Les températures sont en baisse.

— Used in weather reports to say it will be colder. It indicates a drop in degrees Celsius.

Couvrez-vous bien, les températures sont en baisse.

Le moral est en baisse.

— Describes a feeling of sadness or lack of motivation. It can apply to an individual or a group.

Avec la pluie, le moral des troupes est en baisse.

Le niveau est en baisse.

— Often used as a social critique to say that standards (educational, cultural) are dropping.

Certains disent que le niveau scolaire est en baisse.

En baisse par rapport à...

— The standard structure for comparing a current decline to a previous period.

Les profits sont en baisse par rapport à l'an dernier.

Revoir à la baisse.

— To revise something downwards, like a budget or expectations. It is a very common business idiom.

Ils ont dû revoir leurs ambitions à la baisse.

Jouer à la baisse.

— A financial term meaning to speculate that prices will fall (short selling).

Il a décidé de jouer à la baisse sur le marché de l'or.

Une tendance à la baisse.

— A general direction or movement toward lower values.

On observe une tendance à la baisse du tabagisme.

Les prix sont en baisse.

— A common phrase in retail and economy indicating cheaper costs.

Les prix de l'immobilier sont enfin en baisse.

La tension est en baisse.

— Can refer to physical blood pressure or metaphorical stress in a situation.

Après la réunion, la tension est enfin en baisse.

자주 혼동되는 단어

en baisse vs en bas

Means 'downstairs' or 'at the bottom' physically. 'En baisse' refers to a trend or value.

en baisse vs basse

The feminine adjective for 'low'. 'La table est basse' (The table is low) vs 'La température est en baisse' (The temperature is falling).

en baisse vs baisser

The verb. 'Je baisse le son' (I turn down the sound) vs 'Le son est en baisse' (The sound is decreasing).

관용어 및 표현

"Revoir ses ambitions à la baisse"

— To lower one's expectations or goals because they were too high or unrealistic.

Après son échec, il a dû revoir ses ambitions à la baisse.

Neutral/Professional
"Être en chute libre"

— To be decreasing extremely rapidly and without control, like an object falling through the air.

La monnaie nationale est en chute libre.

Informal/Journalistic
"Avoir le moral dans les chaussettes"

— While not using 'baisse', this is the idiomatic equivalent of 'moral en baisse' (to be very depressed).

Depuis qu'elle est partie, il a le moral dans les chaussettes.

Informal
"Mettre les voiles à la baisse"

— A rare nautical metaphor for reducing effort or speed.

L'entreprise met les voiles à la baisse pour l'hiver.

Literary
"Jouer la baisse"

— To bet against something, usually in financial markets.

Les traders jouent la baisse du pétrole.

Professional
"La baisse de garde"

— To lower one's guard or become less vigilant.

Il ne faut pas accepter une baisse de garde face au virus.

Neutral
"Tirer les prix vers le bas"

— To force prices to drop, often through intense competition.

Les discounters tirent les prix vers le bas.

Business
"Une baisse de régime"

— A temporary drop in energy, speed, or productivity.

J'ai eu une petite baisse de régime après le déjeuner.

Informal
"La traversée du désert"

— Often associated with a 'popularité en baisse', referring to a long period of political obscurity.

Après sa défaite, il a commencé sa traversée du désert.

Political
"Faire baisser pavillon"

— To force someone to give in or admit defeat (literally lowering a flag).

L'armée a fini par faire baisser pavillon à l'ennemi.

Literary

혼동하기 쉬운

en baisse vs bas

They both come from the same root meaning low.

Bas is an adjective describing height or level. En baisse is a phrase describing a movement or trend downward.

Le plafond est bas, mais le prix est en baisse.

en baisse vs diminuer

They mean the same thing.

Diminuer is a verb (action). En baisse is a state (description).

Le bruit diminue. Le bruit est en baisse.

en baisse vs reculer

Both imply moving backward or downward.

Reculer is a physical movement backward. En baisse is a statistical decrease.

La voiture recule. Le chômage est en baisse.

en baisse vs tomber

Both can mean to go down.

Tomber is sudden and often physical (to fall). En baisse is gradual and trend-based.

La pluie tombe. La température est en baisse.

en baisse vs décliner

Both mean to decrease.

Décliner is often used for health, empires, or invitations. En baisse is more common for numbers and prices.

Sa santé décline. Ses revenus sont en baisse.

문장 패턴

A1

Le [Nom] est en baisse.

Le prix est en baisse.

A2

Les [Noms] sont en baisse.

Les températures sont en baisse.

B1

[Sujet] est en [Adverbe] baisse.

Le chômage est en légère baisse.

B2

[Sujet] est en baisse par rapport à [Période].

Les ventes sont en baisse par rapport au mois dernier.

C1

On observe une [Nom] en baisse.

On observe une natalité en baisse.

C1

Malgré la [Nom], le [Sujet] reste en baisse.

Malgré la pub, les ventes restent en baisse.

C2

[Sujet] s'inscrit dans une tendance en baisse.

Le profit s'inscrit dans une tendance en baisse structurelle.

C2

La [Nom] étant en baisse, il faut agir.

La vigilance étant en baisse, il faut agir.

어휘 가족

명사

la baisse (the drop/decrease)
le baissement (rare: the act of lowering)

동사

baisser (to lower, to go down)
abaisser (to pull down, to humble)
rabattre (to pull down/fold back)

형용사

bas (low)
basse (low - feminine)
baissier (referring to a falling market)

관련

le bas (the bottom)
la bassesse (lowliness/meanness)
le bassin (basin)
abaissé (lowered)
un rabais (a discount)

사용법

frequency

Extremely frequent in news, economy, and weather reports.

자주 하는 실수
  • Les prix sont en baisses. Les prix sont en baisse.

    The phrase 'en baisse' is invariable; it never takes an 's'.

  • La température est dans la baisse. La température est en baisse.

    You must use the preposition 'en', not 'dans la'.

  • Le prix est bas (when meaning 'falling'). Le prix est en baisse.

    'Bas' means the price is already low. 'En baisse' means it is currently decreasing.

  • Le chômage baisse par rapport à l'année dernière. Le chômage est en baisse par rapport à l'année dernière.

    While 'baisse' (verb) is okay, 'en baisse' is the preferred way to describe the state of a statistical trend.

  • Une forte baisse de la moral. Une forte baisse du moral.

    'Moral' (spirits/mood) is masculine. 'Morale' (ethics) is feminine. 'Le moral est en baisse' is about mood.

Stay Invariable

Never add an 's' to 'baisse' in the phrase 'en baisse'. It acts like an adverbial phrase and doesn't agree with the subject.

The 'En' Rule

Remember that many French trends use 'en'. 'En hausse', 'en baisse', 'en croissance'. This makes them easy to group together.

Weather Reports

If you hear 'en baisse' on the news, grab a coat! It almost always refers to the temperature dropping.

Professional Nuance

Use 'en légère baisse' to sound more professional and precise in meetings when a drop isn't serious.

Look for Signs

In French shops, 'Prix en baisse' is a signal for a bargain. It's a key phrase for any shopper.

Flowing Sounds

Practice the transition from the nasal 'en' to the 'b' sound. It should be one smooth breath.

Compare Correctly

Always use 'par rapport à' to compare. 'En baisse par rapport au mois dernier' is the gold standard for comparisons.

Avoid 'Bas'

Don't say 'Le prix est bas' if you mean it is currently dropping. 'Bas' is a fixed state; 'en baisse' is a movement.

Vary Your Words

If you've used 'en baisse' once, try 'en diminution' or 'en recul' to make your writing more interesting.

The 'B' for Bottom

Think of the 'B' in 'Baisse' as standing for 'Bottom'. Things that are 'en baisse' are heading for the bottom.

암기하기

기억법

Think of an 'ENvelope' falling 'BAck' to the 'SE' (sea). EN-BAISSE. It sounds like 'on bless', and a decrease in prices is a 'blessing'.

시각적 연상

Imagine a red arrow pointing down on a price tag. The arrow is shaped like the letter 'E' (for en) and 'B' (for baisse).

Word Web

chute diminution recul bas baisser hausse prix température

챌린지

Try to find three things in your life right now that are 'en baisse' (e.g., your phone battery, the coffee in your cup, your stress level) and say them out loud in French.

어원

The phrase comes from the noun 'baisse', which is derived from the verb 'baisser'. This verb comes from the Vulgar Latin 'bassiare', which is based on the adjective 'bassus' meaning 'low' or 'short'.

원래 의미: To bring something closer to the ground or to be in a low position.

Romance (Latin root).

문화적 맥락

Be careful when using 'en baisse' to describe people or their abilities, as it can sound insulting or overly critical if not used carefully.

English speakers use 'down' or 'on the decline'. 'En baisse' is more formal than 'down' but less formal than 'in a state of diminution'.

Le chômage est en baisse (A famous recurring political promise in France). The song 'La Baisse' by various French hip-hop artists often refers to social decline. Economic reports from INSEE (the French national statistics bureau).

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Economy

  • Le chômage est en baisse.
  • Le pouvoir d'achat est en baisse.
  • Les taux sont en baisse.
  • Le chiffre d'affaires est en baisse.

Weather

  • Les températures sont en baisse.
  • La pression atmosphérique est en baisse.
  • L'ensoleillement est en baisse.
  • Le vent est en baisse.

Education

  • Tes notes sont en baisse.
  • Le niveau général est en baisse.
  • L'attention des élèves est en baisse.
  • La fréquentation scolaire est en baisse.

Health

  • Ma tension est en baisse.
  • Sa fièvre est en baisse.
  • Les cas de grippe sont en baisse.
  • Mon moral est en baisse.

Retail

  • Prix en baisse !
  • Les tarifs sont en baisse.
  • La consommation est en baisse.
  • Le stock est en baisse.

대화 시작하기

"As-tu remarqué que les prix des fruits sont en baisse au marché cette semaine ?"

"Penses-tu vraiment que le niveau scolaire est en baisse, ou est-ce juste une impression ?"

"Mon moral est un peu en baisse avec ce temps gris, et toi ?"

"Est-ce que le chômage est en baisse dans ta région en ce moment ?"

"La fréquentation de ce restaurant semble en baisse, tu ne trouves pas ?"

일기 주제

Décris une tendance dans ton pays qui est actuellement en baisse (économie, mode, etc.).

Parle d'une fois où tes notes étaient en baisse et comment tu as réagi.

Est-ce que tu penses que la pollution est en baisse dans ta ville ? Pourquoi ?

Réfléchis à un moment où ton enthousiasme pour un projet était en baisse.

Analyse pourquoi la lecture de livres papier pourrait être en baisse chez les jeunes.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, 'en baisse' is an invariable locution. Even if you are talking about many things (like 'les prix'), it remains 'en baisse'. This is a common rule for prepositional phrases in French used as adjectives.

No, that is incorrect. You must use the preposition 'en'. While 'dans' can mean 'in', the fixed idiomatic expression for 'on the decline' is always 'en baisse'.

'Baisser' is a verb. You conjugate it: 'Les prix baissent'. 'En baisse' is a state used with a verb like 'être': 'Les prix sont en baisse'. They convey the same meaning but have different grammatical roles.

It depends on the context! 'Le chômage est en baisse' (Unemployment is down) is positive. 'Mes notes sont en baisse' (My grades are down) is negative. It simply describes a downward direction.

You say 'en forte baisse'. You can also say 'en baisse sensible' for a noticeable drop or 'en chute libre' for a very dramatic, uncontrolled drop.

Yes, but usually to describe their morale, energy, or popularity. 'Il est en baisse' doesn't mean anything on its own; you'd say 'Sa popularité est en baisse'.

Yes. 'L'année dernière, les prix étaient en baisse.' You just conjugate the verb 'être' in the appropriate tense.

The direct opposite is 'en hausse'. For example: 'Les prix sont en hausse' (Prices are rising) vs 'Les prix sont en baisse' (Prices are falling).

Not usually. If a person gets shorter, you wouldn't say they are 'en baisse'. You would use 'en baisse' for levels, like 'le niveau de l'eau'.

It is neutral to formal. It is perfectly fine to use in a casual conversation about the weather, but it is also the standard term used in professional economic reports.

셀프 테스트 185 질문

writing

Translate to French: 'The prices are down.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to French: 'The temperature is falling.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to French: 'My grades are down this trimester.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to French: 'Unemployment is in sharp decline.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to French: 'Is popularity down?'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to French: 'Sales are down compared to last year.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to French: 'His morale is down today.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to French: 'There is a constant decline in the birth rate.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to French: 'Profits are down by 10 percent.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to French: 'We must revise our expectations downwards.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'en baisse' and 'météo'.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'en baisse' and 'chômage'.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'en baisse' and 'moral'.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'en baisse' and 'ventes'.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe a graph showing a downward trend in French.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The intensity of the storm is decreasing.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Crime is down in this neighborhood.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Interest rates are down.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The quality of air is in decline.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The stock market ended down.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say in French: 'The prices are down.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say in French: 'The temperature is falling.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say in French: 'Sales are down.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say in French: 'My energy is down.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say in French: 'Unemployment is down.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say in French: 'Popularity is down.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say in French: 'The level is down.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say in French: 'Prices are in sharp decline.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say in French: 'Morale is down.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say in French: 'Inflation is down.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say in French: 'Profits are down.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say in French: 'The water level is down.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say in French: 'The wind is dying down.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say in French: 'The fever is down.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say in French: 'Pollution is down.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say in French: 'Visibility is down.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say in French: 'Production is down.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say in French: 'The stock is down.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say in French: 'Birth rate is down.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say in French: 'The light is fading.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Les prix sont en baisse.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'La température est en baisse.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Le chômage est en baisse.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Les ventes sont en baisse.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Le moral est en baisse.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'La popularité est en baisse.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'En baisse de 10 %.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'En forte baisse.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'En légère baisse.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Par rapport à l'an dernier.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'La natalité est en baisse.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Les taux sont en baisse.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Le niveau est en baisse.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'La fièvre est en baisse.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'La Bourse est en baisse.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 185 correct

Perfect score!

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