Meaning
Used to indicate approximation or a moderate degree.
Cultural Background
French people often use 'plus ou moins' to avoid appearing too enthusiastic, which can be seen as a sign of sophistication and critical thinking. In Quebec, you might also hear 'pas pire' (not worse) used in similar contexts where a Frenchman would say 'plus ou moins' to mean 'not bad'. Swiss French speakers use 'plus ou moins' frequently in administrative and professional contexts to maintain a sense of precision and caution. Belgian French is very similar to Metropolitan French in its usage of this phrase, often using it to soften a 'no' or a disagreement.
Sound like a native
Use 'plus ou moins' instead of 'comme ci, comme ça' to immediately sound more natural in conversation.
The 'S' sound
Don't forget to pronounce the 's' in 'plus'. If you don't, people might think you are saying 'no more' (plus de).
Meaning
Used to indicate approximation or a moderate degree.
Sound like a native
Use 'plus ou moins' instead of 'comme ci, comme ça' to immediately sound more natural in conversation.
The 'S' sound
Don't forget to pronounce the 's' in 'plus'. If you don't, people might think you are saying 'no more' (plus de).
The Shrug
In France, this phrase is often accompanied by a small shoulder shrug and a slight pout of the lips.
Use it for time
If you're meeting a friend at 7:00 but might be a few minutes late, say 'On se voit à sept heures, plus ou moins.'
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to say 'It is more or less 5 o'clock'.
Il est ______ ______ ______ cinq heures.
Plus ou moins is used here to give an approximate time.
Which is the most natural response to 'Ça va ?' if you feel okay but not great?
— Ça va ? — ________.
'Plus ou moins' is a common, neutral way to say you are doing 'so-so'.
Match the sentence to the correct context.
Sentence: 'J'ai plus ou moins fini.'
'Plus ou moins' indicates that the task is nearly complete but some small parts remain.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
A: Tu aimes la soupe ? B: ________, elle manque de sel.
The speaker likes it somewhat, but has a reservation (lack of salt).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Approximation Words
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIl est ______ ______ ______ cinq heures.
Plus ou moins is used here to give an approximate time.
— Ça va ? — ________.
'Plus ou moins' is a common, neutral way to say you are doing 'so-so'.
Sentence: 'J'ai plus ou moins fini.'
'Plus ou moins' indicates that the task is nearly complete but some small parts remain.
A: Tu aimes la soupe ? B: ________, elle manque de sel.
The speaker likes it somewhat, but has a reservation (lack of salt).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is perfectly polite and neutral. It is used in all levels of society.
Yes, it often acts as a tag at the end: 'Il est venu, plus ou moins.'
Yes, in this specific phrase, the 's' is almost always pronounced /plys/.
'Environ' is mostly for numbers, while 'plus ou moins' can be used for feelings and opinions too.
Use it sparingly. It can make you sound uncertain if used to describe your skills.
No, the order is fixed as 'plus ou moins'.
No, but it's very 'textbook'. 'Plus ou moins' is what you'll hear on the streets of Paris.
Yes, when used as a response to a question about quality or well-being.
Yes, e.g., 'C'est plus ou moins difficile' (It's more or less difficult).
You write it out fully, or sometimes people use '+/-' as a shortcut.
Related Phrases
À peu près
synonymNearly / about
Environ
similarAround / approximately
Comme ci, comme ça
similarSo-so
Pas mal
contrastNot bad / quite a lot
Peu ou prou
specialized formMore or less
