Meaning
In a discontinuous or unfinished manner.
Cultural Background
The term is frequently used in the media to describe 'les intermittents du spectacle,' artists and technicians who have a fragmented work schedule but are supported by a specific social security system. In Quebec, 'en pointillé' is often used in administrative and legal documents to indicate where a signature or a cut should be made, but the figurative sense is also common in political commentary. Belgian politics, often characterized by long periods of negotiation between linguistic groups, is frequently described as progressing 'en pointillé.' In countries like Senegal or Ivory Coast, 'en pointillé' can be used to describe the irregular supply of electricity or water in certain neighborhoods.
Use it for CVs
In a job interview, using 'en pointillé' to describe a gap sounds much more professional and intentional than saying 'I didn't work.'
Not for Polka Dots
Never use this for patterns on clothes. You will sound like you are talking about a technical blueprint.
Meaning
In a discontinuous or unfinished manner.
Use it for CVs
In a job interview, using 'en pointillé' to describe a gap sounds much more professional and intentional than saying 'I didn't work.'
Not for Polka Dots
Never use this for patterns on clothes. You will sound like you are talking about a technical blueprint.
Journalistic Favorite
If you read 'Le Monde' or 'Le Figaro,' you will see this phrase constantly. It's a hallmark of high-level French commentary.
Test Yourself
Complétez la phrase avec l'expression correcte.
Depuis qu'il a perdu son poste fixe, il travaille ________ pour plusieurs agences.
'En pointillé' describes the fragmented nature of his current work situation.
Quelle phrase utilise l'expression de manière figurative ?
Choisissez l'option correcte :
This refers to the irregular nature of the diplomatic talks, not a physical line.
Associez la situation à la description 'en pointillé'.
Un étudiant qui rate souvent les cours mais qui finit par obtenir son diplôme.
His attendance was irregular (dotted), not continuous.
Complétez le dialogue.
— Tu as fini ton rapport ? — Non, j'y travaille ________ car j'ai beaucoup d'autres réunions.
The speaker is working on it intermittently between other tasks.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Continu vs En pointillé
Usage Contexts
Career
- • CV gaps
- • Freelancing
- • Interim
Weather
- • Patchy sun
- • Intermittent rain
Social
- • Distant friends
- • Unstable dating
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDepuis qu'il a perdu son poste fixe, il travaille ________ pour plusieurs agences.
'En pointillé' describes the fragmented nature of his current work situation.
Choisissez l'option correcte :
This refers to the irregular nature of the diplomatic talks, not a physical line.
Un étudiant qui rate souvent les cours mais qui finit par obtenir son diplôme.
His attendance was irregular (dotted), not continuous.
— Tu as fini ton rapport ? — Non, j'y travaille ________ car j'ai beaucoup d'autres réunions.
The speaker is working on it intermittently between other tasks.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, both 'en pointillé' and 'en pointillés' are correct. The plural is more common for literal lines, the singular for figurative meanings.
Usually, yes, as it implies a lack of stability. However, it can be neutral when describing weather or artistic styles.
Yes, 'un ami en pointillé' is someone who disappears and reappears in your life.
The opposite would be 'en continu' or 'de manière ininterrompue'.
It is neutral to formal. It's perfect for a professional email or a newspaper article.
Not exactly. It means 'fragmented.' Something can be very clear but still 'en pointillé' if it only happens occasionally.
Yes, to describe a staccato or fragmented melody.
No, 'parfois' is just 'sometimes.' 'En pointillé' implies a structure or a path that is broken.
No, use 'à pois'.
Like the 'y' in 'yes'. /pwã.ti.je/
Yes, it is common throughout the Francophonie.
Yes, 'un bonheur en pointillé' means happiness that comes in brief moments.
Related Phrases
Par intermittence
synonymAt intervals
En dents de scie
similarSaw-toothed / Up and down
À bâtons rompus
specialized formDesultory / Without a plan
Point par point
contrastStep by step
