In 15 Seconds
- Moving to a higher level of progress or maturity.
- Commonly used for career milestones and relationship benchmarks.
- Implies overcoming a challenge to reach the next phase.
Meaning
It means you've reached a new level or cleared a major milestone. Think of it like leveling up in a video game or finishing a big chapter in your life.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a promotion
Avec ce nouveau poste, j'ai franchi une étape importante.
With this new position, I've passed an important stage.
Discussing a relationship
Rencontrer ses parents, c'est franchir une étape.
Meeting the parents is passing a stage.
Texting a friend about a project
On a enfin franchi l'étape du financement !
We finally cleared the funding stage!
Cultural Background
The phrase is heavily linked to the 'Tour de France'. Each day of the race is an 'étape'. To finish it is to 'franchir la ligne d'arrivée'. In Quebec, 'franchir une étape' is used frequently in the context of the 'cheminement' (path) of students in the CEGEP system. In West African diplomacy, this phrase is often used to describe steps in peace processes or regional integration. In French business culture (la culture d'entreprise), reaching a 'palier' (landing/level) is often synonymous with 'franchir une étape'.
Use Adjectives
Always pair 'étape' with an adjective like 'majeure' or 'décisive' to sound more like a native speaker.
Conjugation Trap
Remember the '-iss-' in 'nous franchissons'. It's not 'nous franchons'!
In 15 Seconds
- Moving to a higher level of progress or maturity.
- Commonly used for career milestones and relationship benchmarks.
- Implies overcoming a challenge to reach the next phase.
What It Means
This phrase is all about progress. It describes moving from one phase to a more advanced one. You aren't just walking; you are overcoming a hurdle. It implies that the transition required effort or time. It feels satisfying and significant.
How To Use It
You use it like a standard verb phrase. Pair it with avoir in the past tense. For example, nous avons franchi une étape. It works for personal goals or team projects. You can add adjectives like importante or décisive for extra punch. It makes your progress sound professional and intentional.
When To Use It
Use it when you finish a probation period at work. Use it when a relationship gets serious. It is perfect for talking about learning French. Reaching level B1 is definitely franchir une étape. It fits well in emails, speeches, or heart-to-heart chats.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for tiny, everyday tasks. Buying bread is not franchir une étape. It sounds too dramatic for minor chores. Avoid it if the change was accidental or passive. It requires a sense of achievement. Don't use it if you are moving backward!
Cultural Background
France is the home of the Tour de France. In cycling, an étape is a grueling daily leg of the race. Crossing that finish line is a huge relief. This sporting DNA makes the phrase feel active. It suggests endurance and eventual triumph over a long distance.
Common Variations
You might hear passer une étape, which is more relaxed. If you go too fast, you might brûler les étapes. That means skipping necessary steps too quickly. To reach the very top, you franchir un cap. This version sounds even more impressive and permanent.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any register. Just remember that 'franchir' suggests a physical or metaphorical 'leap' over a line, making it more dynamic than just 'passing' time.
Use Adjectives
Always pair 'étape' with an adjective like 'majeure' or 'décisive' to sound more like a native speaker.
Conjugation Trap
Remember the '-iss-' in 'nous franchissons'. It's not 'nous franchons'!
Tour de France
If you talk about the Tour de France, 'étape' is the only word you should use for a race day.
Examples
6Avec ce nouveau poste, j'ai franchi une étape importante.
With this new position, I've passed an important stage.
Uses 'importante' to emphasize the career growth.
Rencontrer ses parents, c'est franchir une étape.
Meeting the parents is passing a stage.
Highlights a social milestone in dating.
On a enfin franchi l'étape du financement !
We finally cleared the funding stage!
Shows excitement about a specific project hurdle.
J'ai franchi l'étape où je préfère dormir que sortir.
I've reached the stage where I prefer sleeping over going out.
Uses the phrase for a relatable, funny life realization.
Elle a franchi une étape dans sa guérison.
She has passed a stage in her recovery.
Used in a sensitive, supportive context.
Notre entreprise vient de franchir une étape décisive.
Our company has just passed a decisive stage.
Standard corporate language for success.
Test Yourself
Complétez la phrase avec la forme correcte du verbe 'franchir' au passé composé.
Nous _______ une étape importante hier.
Le verbe 'franchir' utilise l'auxiliaire 'avoir' et son participe passé est 'franchi'.
Quelle phrase est la plus naturelle pour un contexte professionnel ?
Le PDG a dit :
'Franchir une étape' est le terme standard et élégant pour le progrès professionnel.
Associez l'adjectif à la situation.
Associez : 1. Étape cruciale, 2. Étape symbolique, 3. Étape difficile
Cruciale = décisive (examen), Symbolique = représentative (anniversaire), Difficile = pénible (rééducation).
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesNous _______ une étape importante hier.
Le verbe 'franchir' utilise l'auxiliaire 'avoir' et son participe passé est 'franchi'.
Le PDG a dit :
'Franchir une étape' est le terme standard et élégant pour le progrès professionnel.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Cruciale = décisive (examen), Symbolique = représentative (anniversaire), Difficile = pénible (rééducation).
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt is neutral to formal. You can use it with your boss or your friends.
Usually no. It implies progress or success. For negative phases, use 'traverser une crise'.
'Passer un cap' is more informal and often used for age (e.g., turning 40).
Yes, in the passé composé: 'J'ai franchi'.
Related Phrases
Passer un cap
synonymTo get past a difficult point.
Brûler les étapes
contrastTo go too fast/skip steps.
Franchir le rubicon
specialized formTo take an irrevocable step.
Marquer un jalon
similarTo set a milestone.
