In 15 Seconds
- A redundant way to say 'roughly approximate' or 'about.'
- Technically a grammatical error but very common in speech.
- Used to emphasize that an estimate is just a guess.
Meaning
This phrase is a redundant way of saying something is 'roughly approximate.' It's like saying 'about roughly'—it emphasizes that you're really just guessing.
Key Examples
3 of 6Cooking with a friend
La quantité de sel est à peu près approximative, fais au feeling !
The amount of salt is roughly approximate, just go by feel!
Estimating a budget in a meeting
Ce budget est encore à peu près approximatif pour le moment.
This budget is still roughly approximate for now.
Texting about arrival time
J'arrive dans 20 minutes, c'est à peu près approximatif hein !
I'll be there in 20 minutes, that's roughly approximate, okay!
Cultural Background
The French 'quart d'heure de politesse' (the polite 15 minutes) means that arrival times are always 'à peu près approximatifs'. Being exactly on time for a dinner party can actually be considered rude. In Quebec, you might hear 'pas mal' used in conjunction with 'à peu près' to mean 'pretty much about'. The redundancy is even more pronounced there. In the South, exaggeration is a linguistic art form. 'À peu près approximatif' might be used even when the speaker knows the exact number, just to sound more relaxed. Despite the casual use of this phrase, French engineers and scientists are world-renowned for precision. This creates a 'linguistic split' between their work life and their social life.
The 'Shrug' Technique
When saying this phrase, a slight shrug of the shoulders and a 'bof' sound makes you sound 100% more native.
Agreement Matters
Don't forget to add an 'e' to 'approximatif' if you're talking about a feminine noun like 'une heure' or 'une somme'.
In 15 Seconds
- A redundant way to say 'roughly approximate' or 'about.'
- Technically a grammatical error but very common in speech.
- Used to emphasize that an estimate is just a guess.
What It Means
This phrase is what language nerds call a pleonasm. It combines à peu près (about) with approximatif (approximate). Both words mean the same thing. When you use them together, you're doubling down on the uncertainty. It's like saying 'ATM machine' or 'tuna fish.' You are telling your listener that the information is not precise. In fact, it's very far from precise. It's a way to protect yourself from being wrong. If the numbers change, you can say you warned them!
How To Use It
You use this phrase as an adjective or an adverbial block. Usually, you place it after the thing you're describing. For example, you might say a price is à peu près approximatif. You can also use it to describe a time or a distance. It often follows the verb être. It sounds natural in spoken French but looks a bit messy in writing. Think of it as a verbal shrug. You're basically saying, 'Don't quote me on this!'
When To Use It
Use it when you're making a quick estimate with friends. It's perfect for planning a weekend trip. Use it when you're talking about something you don't care to measure exactly. It’s great for cooking if you don't use scales. It also works well when you're being a bit lazy. If someone asks for a specific date, and you aren't sure, throw this in. It signals that you're giving a ballpark figure. It's a very human way to speak.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in formal writing or academic papers. Your French teacher will likely circle it in red ink. It’s technically a grammatical error because of the redundancy. Don't use it in a job interview for an accounting role. It makes you sound like you don't value precision. In a legal contract, this phrase would be a nightmare. Stick to just approximatif or environ in serious settings. You want to sound professional, not like you're guessing in the dark.
Cultural Background
French speakers love and hate pleonasms. Phrases like monter en haut (to go up to the top) are common. Purists at the Académie Française find them annoying. However, everyday people use them for emphasis. Using à peu près approximatif shows a certain casualness. It reflects a relaxed attitude toward strict rules. It’s part of the 'living' French language that evolves on the streets. It’s a sign that you’re speaking like a local, not a textbook.
Common Variations
If you want to be more 'correct,' just use à peu près. If you want to sound more sophisticated, use approximatif. For a very casual vibe, try à la louche (by the ladleful). Another common one is plus ou moins (more or less). If you're really unsure, you can say au pif (by the nose). Each of these carries a slightly different level of 'guesswork.' But à peu près approximatif remains the king of redundant uncertainty.
Usage Notes
This is an informal collocation. It is technically redundant (a pleonasm) and should be avoided in formal writing, but it is very common in everyday spoken French to emphasize uncertainty.
The 'Shrug' Technique
When saying this phrase, a slight shrug of the shoulders and a 'bof' sound makes you sound 100% more native.
Agreement Matters
Don't forget to add an 'e' to 'approximatif' if you're talking about a feminine noun like 'une heure' or 'une somme'.
The Art of Vague
French people use this to avoid being 'wrong'. If you give an exact number and you're wrong, you're a liar. If you use this phrase, you're just 'approximatif'.
Examples
6La quantité de sel est à peu près approximative, fais au feeling !
The amount of salt is roughly approximate, just go by feel!
Used here to encourage a relaxed approach to a recipe.
Ce budget est encore à peu près approximatif pour le moment.
This budget is still roughly approximate for now.
A bit risky in a professional setting, but shows the numbers aren't final.
J'arrive dans 20 minutes, c'est à peu près approximatif hein !
I'll be there in 20 minutes, that's roughly approximate, okay!
The 'hein' adds a layer of casual confirmation.
Mes mesures étaient à peu près approximatives, donc l'étagère penche.
My measurements were roughly approximate, so the shelf is leaning.
Self-deprecating humor about a lack of precision.
Mes souvenirs de cette époque sont à peu près approximatifs.
My memories of that time are roughly approximate.
Used to describe the haziness of old memories.
C'est à 2 kilomètres, mais c'est à peu près approximatif.
It's 2 kilometers away, but that's roughly approximate.
Warning the person that the distance might be different.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'approximatif'.
Cette mesure est à peu près _________.
'Mesure' is a feminine singular noun.
Which sentence is appropriate for a formal business report?
Select the best option:
'Environ' is the standard formal term.
Match the French phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
All pairs are correctly matched.
Choose the best response for Marc.
Léa: 'Tu penses qu'il y aura du monde ?' Marc: '_________, peut-être une dizaine de personnes.'
Marc is making a guess, so the phrase of uncertainty fits best.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCette mesure est à peu près _________.
'Mesure' is a feminine singular noun.
Select the best option:
'Environ' is the standard formal term.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
All pairs are correctly matched.
Léa: 'Tu penses qu'il y aura du monde ?' Marc: '_________, peut-être une dizaine de personnes.'
Marc is making a guess, so the phrase of uncertainty fits best.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsTechnically, no. It is a pleonasm (redundancy). However, it is very common in spoken French.
Absolutely not. Use 'environ' or 'approximativement' instead.
'Environ' is more formal and usually used with numbers. 'À peu près' is more casual and can be used for qualities too.
It can. If you describe someone's work as 'à peu près approximatif', you are saying it is sloppy.
It sounds like 'ks', as in the English word 'taxi'.
Related Phrases
plus ou moins
synonymmore or less
grosso modo
similarroughly
à la louche
similarby the ladleful
au pif
similarby guess
