Meaning
To start a new endeavor.
Cultural Background
The 'French Tech' label is a government initiative to help startups 'lancer' their projects internationally. It's a source of national pride. In Quebec, you will often hear 'partir un projet' instead of 'lancer un projet' in casual conversation. Both are understood, but 'partir' is very local. The 'Grands Projets' of the 1980s (like the Louvre Pyramid) defined the era of President François Mitterrand. 'Lancer' was the keyword of that decade. In many West African countries, 'lancer un projet' is often associated with community development and NGO work.
Use it in Interviews
Replace 'J'ai commencé' with 'J'ai lancé' to sound like a leader.
The Cedilla
Don't forget the 'ç' in 'nous lançons'. Without it, it sounds like 'lan-kon'.
Meaning
To start a new endeavor.
Use it in Interviews
Replace 'J'ai commencé' with 'J'ai lancé' to sound like a leader.
The Cedilla
Don't forget the 'ç' in 'nous lançons'. Without it, it sounds like 'lan-kon'.
Startup Speak
In Paris, people often say 'On lance la prod' (We're launching production).
Test Yourself
Complétez avec la forme correcte du verbe 'lancer'.
Demain, nous _________ un nouveau projet de marketing.
The present tense 'nous lançons' requires a cedilla (ç) to keep the soft 's' sound.
Quelle phrase est la plus professionnelle ?
Vous voulez parler de votre nouvelle entreprise à un investisseur.
'Lancer un projet' is the standard professional collocation for starting an enterprise.
Associez le verbe au bon contexte.
1. ____ un javelot. 2. ____ un projet. 3. ____ une machine.
You 'lancer' physical objects and projects, but you 'démarrer' (start) engines/machines.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesDemain, nous _________ un nouveau projet de marketing.
The present tense 'nous lançons' requires a cedilla (ç) to keep the soft 's' sound.
Vous voulez parler de votre nouvelle entreprise à un investisseur.
'Lancer un projet' is the standard professional collocation for starting an enterprise.
1. ____ un javelot. 2. ____ un projet. 3. ____ une machine.
You 'lancer' physical objects and projects, but you 'démarrer' (start) engines/machines.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'lancer un site web' is very common.
'Démarrer' is more about the engine starting; 'lancer' is more about the initiative being released.
'Abandonner un projet' or 'Arrêter un projet'.
It is neutral-formal. You can use it with your boss or your friends.
Yes, 'lancer quelqu'un' means to help someone start their career (e.g., a singer).
Use the noun: 'Le lancement du projet'.
Not really. Use 'organiser une fête'. 'Lancer une fête' sounds like you are starting a business of throwing parties.
Yes, this means to extend an invitation, usually to a group.
No, in sports you 'lancer un ballon' (throw a ball).
It uses 'avoir' in compound tenses: 'J'ai lancé'.
Related Phrases
Mettre sur pied
similarTo set up / establish
Donner le coup d'envoi
synonymTo kick off
Piloter un projet
builds onTo manage/steer a project
Avorter un projet
contrastTo abort a project
Cibler un projet
specialized formTo target a project
