Meaning
A significant and difficult task.
Cultural Background
In France, the 'Grand Défi' is often associated with the 'Grand Défi des Entreprises pour la Planète', a major initiative where companies commit to ecological transitions. The 'Grand défi Pierre Lavoie' is a massive cultural phenomenon in Quebec, promoting physical health through cycling and school programs. In Francophone Africa, 'grand défi' is frequently used in the context of 'développement' and 'émergence économique', reflecting national aspirations. Belgian media often use 'grand défi' when discussing the complex linguistic and political balance between Flanders and Wallonia.
Use it in Interviews
Instead of saying 'I did a hard project', say 'J'ai relevé un grand défi'. It sounds much more professional and proactive.
Watch the Article
In the plural, 'des grands défis' becomes 'de grands défis' because the adjective comes before the noun.
Meaning
A significant and difficult task.
Use it in Interviews
Instead of saying 'I did a hard project', say 'J'ai relevé un grand défi'. It sounds much more professional and proactive.
Watch the Article
In the plural, 'des grands défis' becomes 'de grands défis' because the adjective comes before the noun.
The 'Challenge' Anglicism
In a French office, you will hear 'C'est un vrai challenge'. You can use it, but 'défi' will always make you sound more like a native speaker.
Pair with 'Taille'
If 'grand défi' feels too repetitive, swap it for 'un défi de taille' to sound more sophisticated.
Test Yourself
Complétez la phrase avec le verbe correct au présent.
Le gouvernement doit ________ ce grand défi économique.
'Relever un défi' est la collocation standard pour dire 'to take on a challenge'.
Quelle phrase est la plus naturelle en français ?
Choose the most natural sentence:
The adjective 'grand' must come before the noun 'défi'.
Complétez la réponse du candidat en entretien d'embauche.
Recruteur : 'Pourquoi ce poste vous intéresse-t-il ?' Candidat : 'Parce que je suis prêt à ________ ce grand défi.'
In a professional context, 'relever un défi' shows motivation.
Associez le défi à son domaine.
Associez 'Le changement climatique' à la bonne catégorie.
Climate change is a global (mondial) issue.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Défi vs. Problème
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLe gouvernement doit ________ ce grand défi économique.
'Relever un défi' est la collocation standard pour dire 'to take on a challenge'.
Choose the most natural sentence:
The adjective 'grand' must come before the noun 'défi'.
Recruteur : 'Pourquoi ce poste vous intéresse-t-il ?' Candidat : 'Parce que je suis prêt à ________ ce grand défi.'
In a professional context, 'relever un défi' shows motivation.
Associez 'Le changement climatique' à la bonne catégorie.
Climate change is a global (mondial) issue.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsIt is masculine: UN grand défi. The plural is DE grands défis.
Yes, but it's more informal. 'Grand défi' is preferred in writing and professional speech.
'Challenge' is an anglicism used mostly in business. 'Défi' is the authentic French word.
The best verb is 'relever': Relever un défi.
Usually no. It's reserved for things that require significant effort or have high stakes.
No, you don't call a person a 'grand défi', but a person's *behavior* could be a challenge for you.
You could say 'une formalité' (a formality) or 'un jeu d'enfant' (child's play).
It's almost never placed after. If it were, it would sound like 'a challenge that is physically tall', which makes no sense.
Extremely. It's even more common there than in France due to famous events like the 'Grand défi Pierre Lavoie'.
Yes! This is common for small personal goals, like 'I'm challenging myself to drink more water'.
Grand, immense, majeur, technique, éthique, personnel, professionnel.
Yes, they share the same etymological root meaning 'to break trust' or 'to challenge'.
It might sound a bit too formal or cold. Better to use 'épreuve' (ordeal).
Je te lance un défi.
Related Phrases
Un défi de taille
synonymA challenge of significant size.
Relever le gant
similarTo pick up the gauntlet.
Une mince affaire
contrastAn easy task (usually used in the negative).
Se lancer un défi
builds onTo set a challenge for oneself.
Un challenge
synonymA challenge (anglicism).
