In 15 Seconds
- Building logical guesses about the future based on data.
- Commonly used in business, weather, and project planning.
- Implies a structured, thoughtful approach to predicting outcomes.
Meaning
It means to develop or build a set of predictions about the future based on current data or trends. Think of it as mapping out what is likely to happen next so you can be prepared.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
Nous devons créer des prévisions pour le prochain trimestre.
We need to create forecasts for the next quarter.
Talking about the weather
Il est difficile de créer des prévisions précises avec ce vent.
It is difficult to create accurate forecasts with this wind.
Texting a friend about a party
Je crée des prévisions : 100% de chances qu'on s'amuse !
I'm making forecasts: 100% chance we have fun!
Cultural Background
The French have a long history of 'dirigisme' (state-led economic planning), making forecasting a central part of public life. This phrase is heavily associated with the meticulous nature of French administration and the importance of 'la rentrée' (the return in September) when all national forecasts are updated.
The 'Faire' Shortcut
If 'créer' feels too heavy, most French people just say 'faire des prévisions' in daily life. It's the 'jeans and t-shirt' version of the phrase.
Don't be a Wizard
Avoid using this for supernatural predictions. If you tell a French person you are 'créant des prévisions' with a crystal ball, they will think you are a very confused scientist.
In 15 Seconds
- Building logical guesses about the future based on data.
- Commonly used in business, weather, and project planning.
- Implies a structured, thoughtful approach to predicting outcomes.
What It Means
Imagine you are a detective looking at clues. You use these clues to see the future. That is créer des prévisions. It is not just a wild guess. It is a calculated look ahead. You are building a map for what comes next. It implies you have done some homework first.
How To Use It
You usually use this in a professional or organized setting. It works perfectly with words like budgétaires (budgetary) or météorologiques (weather). Just pair créer with des prévisions. It sounds smart and organized. You can also use faire if you want to be simpler. It is a very active way to talk about the future.
When To Use It
Use it in a meeting about sales. Use it when talking about the climate. Even use it when planning a big party with many guests. If you are looking at trends, this is your phrase. It shows you are thinking ahead. It is great for sounding professional during a presentation.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for magic. If you are reading tea leaves, use prédire l'avenir. Prévisions are for data, not crystal balls. Also, avoid it for tiny, everyday guesses. Predicting if your friend will be late is just a pari (bet). Don't use it if you're just guessing what's for dinner.
Cultural Background
The French value la prévoyance (foresight). Being prepared is a sign of intelligence in France. In French schools, logic and planning are huge. This phrase reflects that love for structure. Even the national weather service, Météo-France, is a daily conversation staple for everyone.
Common Variations
You might hear établir des prévisions. This sounds even more official. Faire des prévisions is the most common version you will hear. If you are talking about sports, use faire des pronostics. For the far future, try envisager l'avenir. Each one changes the flavor slightly.
Usage Notes
The phrase is safe for work and school. It leans toward a professional register but is easily understood in casual contexts when used with a bit of irony or for planning.
The 'Faire' Shortcut
If 'créer' feels too heavy, most French people just say 'faire des prévisions' in daily life. It's the 'jeans and t-shirt' version of the phrase.
Don't be a Wizard
Avoid using this for supernatural predictions. If you tell a French person you are 'créant des prévisions' with a crystal ball, they will think you are a very confused scientist.
Météo Obsession
The French are obsessed with 'la météo'. Mentioning you've seen the 'prévisions' is the ultimate icebreaker at a bus stop or bakery.
Examples
6Nous devons créer des prévisions pour le prochain trimestre.
We need to create forecasts for the next quarter.
A standard professional use regarding financial goals.
Il est difficile de créer des prévisions précises avec ce vent.
It is difficult to create accurate forecasts with this wind.
Commonly used when discussing meteorology.
Je crée des prévisions : 100% de chances qu'on s'amuse !
I'm making forecasts: 100% chance we have fun!
A playful, slightly hyperbolic way to use the phrase.
Mon chat crée des prévisions sur l'heure exacte de son dîner.
My cat creates forecasts about the exact time of his dinner.
Using a formal term for a silly domestic situation.
L'expert a pour mission de créer des prévisions démographiques.
The expert's mission is to create demographic forecasts.
Very formal and academic usage.
Il est impossible de créer des prévisions dans un tel chaos.
It is impossible to create forecasts in such chaos.
Used to show frustration or emotional weight regarding the future.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to complete the professional phrase.
L'équipe marketing doit ___ des prévisions de vente.
You 'create' (créer) forecasts, you don't sing or eat them!
Which noun usually follows 'créer des' in a planning context?
Pour le budget, nous allons créer des ___.
In a budget context, you create 'forecasts' (prévisions).
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'créer des prévisions'
Used jokingly with friends about plans.
Mes prévisions pour ce soir : pizza !
Standard use for weather or general planning.
Créer des prévisions pour le voyage.
Professional business or scientific reports.
Créer des prévisions de croissance annuelle.
Where to use 'créer des prévisions'
Office Meeting
Discussing next year's sales.
Weather Station
Predicting a coming storm.
Personal Finance
Planning your monthly savings.
Sports Analysis
Predicting the tournament winner.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesL'équipe marketing doit ___ des prévisions de vente.
You 'create' (créer) forecasts, you don't sing or eat them!
Pour le budget, nous allons créer des ___.
In a budget context, you create 'forecasts' (prévisions).
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
11 questionsIt is almost always plural: des prévisions. You are usually making more than one guess about the future.
Yes! You can say Je crée des prévisions pour mes économies (I'm creating forecasts for my savings).
Prévision is based on logic and data (like weather), while prédiction can be more about fate or magic.
It is neutral to formal. It sounds professional but is perfectly fine in a serious conversation with friends.
For sports, the French prefer pronostics. Créer des prévisions sounds a bit too scientific for a football match.
Yes, by definition, a prévision is always looking forward.
You would say des prévisions précises or des prévisions fiables (reliable).
The verb faire is the most common, but créer or établir are used when you want to sound more thorough.
Constantly. Politicians always créent des prévisions about the economy or election results.
You can, but it's rare. Usually, we look at a set of data, so we use the plural des prévisions.
Not really for the whole phrase, but you might hear un prono as short for un pronostic in casual sports talk.
Related Phrases
faire des pronostics (to make sports predictions)
anticiper l'avenir (to anticipate the future)
établir un budget (to establish a budget)
prédire le futur (to predict the future - more mystical)
