Meaning
To make something function better or more efficiently.
Cultural Background
The 'DPE' (Diagnostic de Performance Énergétique) is a mandatory document for selling or renting property in France. It rates houses from A to G based on their energy performance. In Quebec, the influence of English is strong, so 'performance' is used very frequently, sometimes even in contexts where European French might prefer 'rendement'. There is a growing movement called 'Slow Management' that critiques the constant need to 'améliorer les performances', advocating for a more human-centric approach. The INSEP (Institut National du Sport, de l'Expertise et de la Performance) is the elite training center for French athletes, showing how central the word 'performance' is to high-level sport.
Use with Adverbs
To sound like a C1 speaker, pair it with adverbs: 'améliorer *considérablement* les performances' or 'améliorer *sensiblement* les performances'.
Not for People's Character
Never say you want to 'améliorer les performances' of your friend's personality. It sounds like you want to reprogram them.
Meaning
To make something function better or more efficiently.
Use with Adverbs
To sound like a C1 speaker, pair it with adverbs: 'améliorer *considérablement* les performances' or 'améliorer *sensiblement* les performances'.
Not for People's Character
Never say you want to 'améliorer les performances' of your friend's personality. It sounds like you want to reprogram them.
The 'Anglicisme' Debate
Some older French speakers still prefer 'rendement'. Using 'performance' shows you are part of the modern, international business culture.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Le nouvel ingénieur veut _______ les _______ du serveur.
This is the standard professional collocation for server optimization.
Which context is NOT appropriate for 'améliorer les performances'?
Où ne peut-on pas utiliser cette phrase ?
Emotions and pets are not 'optimized' using performance metrics in French.
Fill in the missing line in this business dialogue.
Manager: 'Nos chiffres sont en baisse.' Employé: 'Je sais, nous devons trouver une solution pour _______.'
In a business context, 'améliorer les performances' is the most professional way to address declining numbers.
Match the adjective to the type of performance.
1. Athlétique, 2. Énergétique, 3. Commerciale
These are the most common collocations for specific types of performance.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Améliorer vs. Optimiser
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLe nouvel ingénieur veut _______ les _______ du serveur.
This is the standard professional collocation for server optimization.
Où ne peut-on pas utiliser cette phrase ?
Emotions and pets are not 'optimized' using performance metrics in French.
Manager: 'Nos chiffres sont en baisse.' Employé: 'Je sais, nous devons trouver une solution pour _______.'
In a business context, 'améliorer les performances' is the most professional way to address declining numbers.
1. Athlétique, 2. Énergétique, 3. Commerciale
These are the most common collocations for specific types of performance.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, but it is very common in the plural when referring to a general set of metrics. Use the singular for one specific result (e.g., 'sa performance au marathon').
Yes, in informal or 'start-up' French, 'booster les performances' is very common, but avoid it in formal academic writing.
'Rendement' is usually a mathematical ratio (output/input), while 'performance' is a broader term for how well something functions.
Yes, 'performances scolaires' refers to a student's grades and academic achievements.
Only if you are talking about a phone, a game, or work. Otherwise, it's too formal for a casual text.
Absolutely. This is the standard way to talk about tuning or upgrading a car.
It refers to how much energy a building or appliance consumes. It's a very hot topic in France right now due to climate laws.
No, you can also use 'accroître', 'optimiser', 'développer', or 'augmenter'.
In English, yes. In French, 'une performance' can mean an artistic feat, but 'le jeu d'acteur' is used for acting quality.
Yes, politicians often talk about 'améliorer les performances de l'État' (making the government more efficient).
Related Phrases
Optimiser le rendement
similarTo get the most output from a specific input.
Gagner en efficacité
similarTo become more effective.
Booster les résultats
informalTo quickly increase results.
Dépasser ses limites
builds onTo go beyond one's limits.
