Meaning
Actively watching or searching for something, often an opportunity.
Cultural Background
The phrase is deeply linked to the French 'art de vivre' where being 'malin' (shrewd) is a valued trait. It's often used in the context of 'système D' (resourcefulness). In Quebec, the phrase is used frequently in business and technology circles, often as a direct equivalent to 'monitoring' or 'scouting'. In many West African countries, 'être à l'affût' can take on a more social meaning, referring to someone who is very aware of the social dynamics and 'palaver' in a community. Similar to France, but often used in the context of political compromise, where parties are 'à l'affût' of a signal from their coalition partners.
Use with 'moindre'
Pairing 'à l'affût' with 'le/la moindre' (the slightest) is a very common and native-sounding collocation. E.g., 'À l'affût de la moindre erreur.'
Avoid 'pour'
Never say 'à l'affût pour'. It's a common mistake for English speakers. Always use 'de'.
Meaning
Actively watching or searching for something, often an opportunity.
Use with 'moindre'
Pairing 'à l'affût' with 'le/la moindre' (the slightest) is a very common and native-sounding collocation. E.g., 'À l'affût de la moindre erreur.'
Avoid 'pour'
Never say 'à l'affût pour'. It's a common mistake for English speakers. Always use 'de'.
Business Context
In a French CV or cover letter, use this phrase to describe your 'veille technologique' (staying updated on tech).
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'à l'affût de' (remember contractions).
Les investisseurs sont toujours ___________ (le) moindres opportunités.
Opportunités is plural, so 'de + les' becomes 'des'.
Which situation best fits the use of 'à l'affût de'?
Choisissez la situation correcte :
'À l'affût' implies active, strategic vigilance.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: Tu as vu le nouveau smartphone ? B: Oui, je suis ___________ une baisse de prix pour l'acheter.
'À l'affût de' is the correct phrase, and 'de' becomes 'd'' before a vowel.
Match the register to the sentence.
Associez le registre à la phrase :
The noun form 'à l'affût' is neutral/formal, while the verb 'guetter' is more casual.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
À l'affût vs. Aux aguets
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLes investisseurs sont toujours ___________ (le) moindres opportunités.
Opportunités is plural, so 'de + les' becomes 'des'.
Choisissez la situation correcte :
'À l'affût' implies active, strategic vigilance.
A: Tu as vu le nouveau smartphone ? B: Oui, je suis ___________ une baisse de prix pour l'acheter.
'À l'affût de' is the correct phrase, and 'de' becomes 'd'' before a vowel.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
The noun form 'à l'affût' is neutral/formal, while the verb 'guetter' is more casual.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually yes, it implies being smart and ready. However, it can be negative if it implies someone is waiting for you to fail (à l'affût de la moindre erreur).
Yes, but be careful. 'À l'affût d'une femme' sounds predatory. 'À l'affût d'un expert' sounds professional.
'Aux aguets' is more about fear or defense. 'À l'affût' is more about opportunity or hunting.
Usually yes, like 'être', 'rester', or 'se tenir'.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a business meeting.
Yes, if the context is clear. 'Le chat attend, il est à l'affût.'
No, the 't' in 'affût' is always silent.
Yes, 'à l'affût d'une éclaircie' (looking for a break in the clouds).
Extremely. Journalists love it for describing investors or politicians.
Des affûts, but the expression 'à l'affût' stays singular.
Related Phrases
être aux aguets
similarTo be on the watch, often with a sense of anxiety or danger.
guetter
similarTo watch for something to appear.
faire le pied de grue
contrastTo wait standing up for a long time.
être sur le qui-vive
similarTo be on high alert.
