Meaning
Provide an opportunity for someone or something to succeed.
Cultural Background
In France, giving someone a chance is often seen as a sign of intellectual maturity. Quebecers often use 'donner une chance' in a slightly more informal way than in France. Belgian French speakers use this phrase frequently in professional settings. Swiss French speakers value the precision of the phrase in formal negotiations.
Use the Indirect Object
Always remember to use 'lui' or 'leur' when giving a chance to a person.
Avoid Anglicisms
Don't say 'prendre une chance' for 'taking a risk'. Use 'tenter sa chance' instead.
Meaning
Provide an opportunity for someone or something to succeed.
Use the Indirect Object
Always remember to use 'lui' or 'leur' when giving a chance to a person.
Avoid Anglicisms
Don't say 'prendre une chance' for 'taking a risk'. Use 'tenter sa chance' instead.
The Imperative
Use 'Donne-lui une chance!' to sound very natural in casual advice.
Be Open
The phrase is a great way to show you are a fair and open-minded person.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition.
Je vais donner une chance ___ ce projet.
The verb 'donner' takes 'à' when followed by an indirect object.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct sentence.
Indirect object pronouns come before the verb.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Il a échoué deux fois. B: Oui, mais il faut lui ______.
The correct collocation is 'donner une chance'.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You want to encourage a friend to try a new sport.
This is the correct way to offer an opportunity.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJe vais donner une chance ___ ce projet.
The verb 'donner' takes 'à' when followed by an indirect object.
Choose the correct sentence.
Indirect object pronouns come before the verb.
A: Il a échoué deux fois. B: Oui, mais il faut lui ______.
The correct collocation is 'donner une chance'.
You want to encourage a friend to try a new sport.
This is the correct way to offer an opportunity.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, you can give a chance to a book, a movie, or a restaurant.
It is neutral. It works in almost any situation.
They are mostly interchangeable in this context.
Say 'Donne-moi une chance'.
Yes, it is common to give a project or a candidate a chance.
No, use 'avoir de la chance' for luck.
Yes, it is very common in daily French.
Yes, 'donner des chances' is possible but less common.
Use 'accorder une opportunité'.
Yes, it is very common in casual texts.
Yes, 'à' is required for the recipient.
No, it is standard French.
Related Phrases
Laisser une chance
synonymTo leave a chance
Avoir une chance
contrastTo have a chance
Saisir sa chance
builds onTo seize one's chance
Accorder une chance
specialized formTo grant a chance
