approximativement juste
approximativement right
Literally: {"approximativement":"approximately","juste":"right\/just"}
In 15 Seconds
- Means 'approximately right' or 'close enough'.
- Use for estimations and non-critical information.
- Avoid in formal or high-stakes situations.
- It's a relaxed way to admit slight inaccuracy.
Meaning
This phrase means something is close to the correct answer, but not perfectly precise. Think of it as 'good enough for now' or 'in the ballpark'. It carries a vibe of casual accuracy, where exactness isn't the top priority.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about a movie time
Le film commence `approximativement juste` à 20h.
The movie starts approximately right at 8 PM.
Giving directions to a tourist
Le musée est `approximativement juste` au bout de cette rue.
The museum is approximately right at the end of this street.
Estimating attendance at a small gathering
Il y avait `approximativement juste` 30 personnes.
There were approximately right 30 people.
Cultural Background
The French value 'la précision', but they also love 'le débat'. Using this phrase allows you to agree with someone without ending the conversation, leaving room for further nuance. In Quebec, you might hear 'c'est pas mal ça' more often in informal speech, but 'approximativement juste' remains perfectly understood in formal settings. Swiss French speakers are known for their precision. Using 'approximativement juste' might be seen as a sign of honesty—admitting that a number isn't perfect. Similar to France, but Belgians might use 'ça peut aller' (that can go/that works) as a more casual synonym.
Use it to be polite
If someone is slightly wrong, use this phrase to validate them before correcting the small detail. It saves face!
Watch the 's'
Remember that 'juste' is an adjective. If you are talking about 'les résultats' (plural), you must write 'justes'.
In 15 Seconds
- Means 'approximately right' or 'close enough'.
- Use for estimations and non-critical information.
- Avoid in formal or high-stakes situations.
- It's a relaxed way to admit slight inaccuracy.
What It Means
This French phrase, approximativement juste, is your go-to for when something is *almost* right. It's not spot-on perfect, but it's close enough to be useful. Imagine you're guessing a number in a game; you might be approximativement juste. It’s like saying 'in the ballpark' or 'more or less correct'. It’s a relaxed way to acknowledge it’s not 100%, but it’ll do!
How To Use It
You use approximativement juste when precision isn't the main goal. It’s perfect for estimations, rough calculations, or when you’re not quite sure of the exact figure. Think about sharing a story where you don't remember every single detail. You can say, 'It happened approximativement juste last year.' It’s a flexible phrase that fits many everyday situations. It’s like your verbal shrug of 'close enough!'
Real-Life Examples
- Travel: 'The train station is
approximativement justearound this corner.' You’re not 100% sure, but you’re pointing in the right general direction. - Work: 'The project deadline is
approximativement justenext Friday.' Maybe it’s the 14th, maybe the 15th, but it’s definitely around then. - Shopping: 'This shirt costs
approximativement juste€20.' You remember the price range, but not the exact cent. - Estimates: 'There were
approximativement juste50 people at the party.' You didn’t count, but it felt like about fifty.
When To Use It
Use approximativement juste when you want to convey a sense of approximation without sounding overly vague. It’s great for informal chats with friends, casual work discussions, or when giving directions. It’s also useful when you're trying to recall information but aren't 100% certain. It adds a touch of realism, admitting you're not a walking encyclopedia. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a gentle nod: 'Yeah, about that...'
When NOT To Use It
Avoid approximativement juste in formal settings where precision is key. Think legal documents, scientific reports, or financial statements. You wouldn't tell your boss the budget is approximativement juste $10,000 if they need an exact figure! Also, steer clear when giving critical instructions, like medical dosages or emergency procedures. Being 'approximately right' in those situations could be a recipe for disaster. It's not for when you *must* be exactly right.
Common Mistakes
Learners often struggle with knowing when to be precise versus approximate. Sometimes, they might use approximativement juste when a more exact term is needed, or vice versa. It's like wearing a tuxedo to a picnic – usually the wrong fit!
approximativement juste at 3 PM.'
✓'The meeting is exactly at 3 PM.' (Precision needed)
approximativement juste $5 left.'
✓'I have only $5 left.' (Exact amount known)
approximativement juste my height.'
✓'He is about my height.' (More natural phrasing for comparison)
Similar Expressions
Environ: Means 'around' or 'about'. Very common for estimations.À peu près: Also means 'approximately' or 'more or less'.Quasi: Means 'almost' or 'nearly'. Implies being very close, often closer thanapproximativement juste.Plus ou moins: Literally 'more or less'. Very informal and common.
Common Variations
While approximativement juste is standard, you might hear slight variations. Sometimes, people might just say approximativement or juste on its own, relying on context. You could also hear à peu près juste, which emphasizes the 'almost right' aspect even more. It's like adding an extra sprinkle of 'almost there!' to your sentence. These variations often depend on regional accents or personal speaking habits.
Memory Trick
Imagine a judge, looking very serious (juste - right/just), but whispering to their clerk, 'The verdict is... approximativement... correct!' They're *almost* sure, but not 100%. The judge is trying to be fair (juste), but the evidence is a bit fuzzy (approximativement). It’s a mental image of a slightly uncertain, but generally correct, decision. It's funny because judges are supposed to be definitive!
Quick FAQ
- Is
approximativement justeformal? Not really, it’s more for casual chats. - Can I use it for numbers? Yes, especially for estimates!
- What if I need to be exact? Use
exactementorprécisément. - Is it like 'kind of right'? Exactly! It’s that 'good enough' feeling.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits comfortably in neutral to informal registers. It's perfect for everyday chats, texting, or casual work discussions where precision isn't the highest priority. Avoid it in formal reports or critical instructions where `exactement` or `précisément` are necessary. The key is that the context implies approximation is acceptable.
Use it to be polite
If someone is slightly wrong, use this phrase to validate them before correcting the small detail. It saves face!
Watch the 's'
Remember that 'juste' is an adjective. If you are talking about 'les résultats' (plural), you must write 'justes'.
The 'Flou' Factor
French people often prefer being 'approximativement juste' in social settings to avoid appearing like a 'monsieur je-sais-tout' (know-it-all).
Examples
12Le film commence `approximativement juste` à 20h.
The movie starts approximately right at 8 PM.
You're not 100% sure of the exact minute, but it's around 8 PM.
Le musée est `approximativement juste` au bout de cette rue.
The museum is approximately right at the end of this street.
You're guiding them generally, not with exact landmarks.
Il y avait `approximativement juste` 30 personnes.
There were approximately right 30 people.
You didn't count, but it felt like about thirty.
My new bookshelf turned out `approximativement juste` like the picture! 😉
Mon étagère est sortie approximativement juste comme sur la photo ! 😉
It's not identical, but the resemblance is good enough to be proud.
Pour battre ce boss, il faut attaquer `approximativement juste` après sa troisième attaque.
To beat this boss, you need to attack approximately right after its third attack.
Timing is crucial, but 'around that moment' is sufficient advice.
Mon expérience sur ce type de projet est `approximativement juste` de 5 ans.
My experience on this type of project is approximately right 5 years.
You want to sound confident but acknowledge a slight rounding.
Le lancement est prévu pour `approximativement juste` le mois prochain.
The launch is planned for approximately right next month.
This is acceptable when the exact date isn't fixed yet.
✗ Le coût final était `approximativement juste` de 15 000 euros.
✗ The final cost was approximately right 15,000 euros.
A financial report requires exact figures, not approximations.
✗ Il est arrivé `approximativement juste` à l'heure.
✗ He arrived approximately right on time.
'On time' implies exactness. Use `exactement` or `pile`.
J'ai attendu `approximativement juste` une éternité pour mon café ce matin !
I waited approximately right an eternity for my coffee this morning!
Clearly an exaggeration for humorous effect, emphasizing the long wait.
Le résultat n'est pas `approximativement juste` ce que j'espérais.
The result is not approximately right what I was hoping for.
It's close, but not quite hitting the mark of expectations.
Ajoute `approximativement juste` une pincée de sel.
Add approximately right a pinch of salt.
A 'pinch' is already an approximation, so this fits well.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the adjective 'juste'.
Tes estimations sont approximativement ______.
The noun 'estimations' is plural, so you must add an 's' to 'juste'.
Which sentence is the most natural for a neutral business context?
To confirm a colleague's rough calculation, you say:
'Kif-kif' is too slang, and 'exactement faux' is a contradiction.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Il y a environ 50 invités ? B: Oui, c'est ___________ _____.
This is the standard collocation to confirm a rough number.
Match the phrase to the best situation.
When would you say 'approximativement juste'?
This is a low-stakes estimation where 'close enough' is acceptable.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTes estimations sont approximativement ______.
The noun 'estimations' is plural, so you must add an 's' to 'juste'.
To confirm a colleague's rough calculation, you say:
'Kif-kif' is too slang, and 'exactement faux' is a contradiction.
A: Il y a environ 50 invités ? B: Oui, c'est ___________ _____.
This is the standard collocation to confirm a rough number.
When would you say 'approximativement juste'?
This is a low-stakes estimation where 'close enough' is acceptable.
🎉 Score: /4
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it's usually for numbers, ideas, or descriptions. Saying a person is 'approximativement juste' sounds like you are judging their morality or their size in a weird way.
A little bit. In a text, you'd probably just write 'C'est à peu près ça' or 'C'est environ ça'.
'Juste' often implies a better 'fit' or precision, while 'correct' is more about following rules or being error-free.
No, in this specific collocation, it only refers to accuracy.
Related Phrases
à peu près
synonymAbout / roughly
globalement correct
similarOverall correct
pile-poil
contrastExactly / spot on
dans les clous
similarWithin the rules/estimates
