In 15 Seconds
- Describes the impact or influence on what people think.
- Commonly used in media, politics, and social analysis.
- Pairs well with verbs like influence, weigh, or impact.
Meaning
This phrase refers to the influence or impact something has on public perception or personal views. It is often used when discussing how news, events, or debates weigh on what people think.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing a political scandal
Ce scandale a eu un impact terrible sur l'opinion.
This scandal had a terrible impact on public opinion.
Talking about a documentary
Ce film a vraiment influé sur l'opinion des jeunes.
This movie really influenced the opinion of young people.
In a marketing meeting
Notre nouvelle campagne va peser sur l'opinion des consommateurs.
Our new campaign will weigh on consumer opinion.
Cultural Background
The 'Sondages' (polls) are a national obsession in France, especially during election cycles. Media outlets constantly analyze how every 'petite phrase' (small remark) from a politician might 'peser sur l'opinion.' In Quebec, 'l'opinion' is often discussed in the context of 'la souveraineté' (sovereignty). Debates on language laws 'pèsent lourdement sur l'opinion' des Québécois. In Francophone Africa, 'l'opinion' is often shaped by 'la rue' (the street) and social media, which act as powerful counter-weights to official state media. In Belgium, public opinion is often split between the Flemish and Walloon regions. A single event can 'peser sur l'opinion' differently depending on the linguistic community.
Use 'Peser'
If you want to sound like a native news anchor, use the verb 'peser' instead of 'changer.' It adds a layer of seriousness.
Gender Alert
Always remember 'opinion' is feminine. 'Une opinion,' 'l'opinion publique.'
In 15 Seconds
- Describes the impact or influence on what people think.
- Commonly used in media, politics, and social analysis.
- Pairs well with verbs like influence, weigh, or impact.
What It Means
This phrase is all about the power of influence. When you say something has an effect sur l'opinion, you are talking about how it shapes the collective mind. It is not just about one person. It is about the 'court of public opinion.' Think of it as the weight of an argument landing on the scale of people's thoughts.
How To Use It
You will usually see this paired with verbs like influer (to influence) or peser (to weigh). It acts as a target for an action. For example, a scandal might have a negative impact sur l'opinion publique. You use it to describe the destination of a message or a trend. It is very common in news reports and political debates. You can also use it in a more personal sense when discussing how a friend's advice changed your mind.
When To Use It
Use this when you are analyzing a situation. It is perfect for a business meeting when discussing a brand's reputation. It works great at a dinner party when debating the latest headlines. If you are texting a friend about a movie that changed how you see the world, this fits perfectly. It helps you sound sophisticated and observant. It is the 'big picture' way to talk about thoughts.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for simple, physical actions. You wouldn't say you put your coffee sur l'opinion. That would be a very strange breakfast! Also, avoid it for very shallow preferences. If you just like a flavor of ice cream, don't use this heavy phrase. It is reserved for more substantial views or collective beliefs. Using it for trivial things might make you sound a bit too dramatic.
Cultural Background
France has a long history of public intellectualism and protest. The 'opinion' of the people is a powerful force in French history. From the Enlightenment to modern-day strikes, what the public thinks matters deeply. This phrase reflects that cultural value of debate. It suggests that opinions are not just private; they are a landscape that can be shaped. It is a very 'republican' way of thinking about society.
Common Variations
The most frequent variation is sur l'opinion publique. This makes it specifically about the general population. You might also hear sur l'opinion de la majorité. Sometimes people say sur l'avis de... for a more personal touch. However, sur l'opinion remains the classic way to discuss the target of influence. It is a versatile tool for your French vocabulary kit.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile but leans toward analytical contexts. Be careful to use the feminine agreement if you add adjectives (e.g., `l'opinion publique`).
Use 'Peser'
If you want to sound like a native news anchor, use the verb 'peser' instead of 'changer.' It adds a layer of seriousness.
Gender Alert
Always remember 'opinion' is feminine. 'Une opinion,' 'l'opinion publique.'
The 'Avis' vs 'Opinion' rule
In a cafe, say 'À mon avis.' In a political essay, use 'L'opinion.'
Examples
6Ce scandale a eu un impact terrible sur l'opinion.
This scandal had a terrible impact on public opinion.
Here it refers to the general public's view of a politician.
Ce film a vraiment influé sur l'opinion des jeunes.
This movie really influenced the opinion of young people.
Used to show a shift in a specific demographic's perspective.
Notre nouvelle campagne va peser sur l'opinion des consommateurs.
Our new campaign will weigh on consumer opinion.
Used to describe a strategic goal in business.
Son tweet a fait basculer le débat sur l'opinion.
His tweet shifted the debate in the public eye.
Informal way to discuss social media drama.
Sa nouvelle coupe de cheveux a un effet désastreux sur l'opinion !
His new haircut is having a disastrous effect on public opinion!
Using a serious phrase for something trivial for comedic effect.
Tes paroles ont beaucoup compté sur l'opinion que j'avais de lui.
Your words mattered a lot for the opinion I had of him.
A more personal, emotional application of the phrase.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition and article.
Les réseaux sociaux ont une grande influence ___ _________ des jeunes.
In French, influence is exerted 'sur' (on) something.
Which verb is most commonly used with 'sur l'opinion' to mean 'to have a heavy impact'?
Ce scandale va ________ sur l'opinion.
'Peser' (to weigh) is the standard metaphorical verb for impact on opinion.
Match the French phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the pairs:
These are the core collocations for this topic.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Tu penses que ce débat est important ? B: Oui, il va forcément ___ ___ ________.
The context of a 'débat' suggests an impact on what people think.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Avis vs Opinion
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLes réseaux sociaux ont une grande influence ___ _________ des jeunes.
In French, influence is exerted 'sur' (on) something.
Ce scandale va ________ sur l'opinion.
'Peser' (to weigh) is the standard metaphorical verb for impact on opinion.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the core collocations for this topic.
A: Tu penses que ce débat est important ? B: Oui, il va forcément ___ ___ ________.
The context of a 'débat' suggests an impact on what people think.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's rare. Usually, we say 'sur mon avis' or simply 'ça me fait changer d'avis.'
Yes, it is more formal than 'ce que les gens pensent.'
It is 'les opinions,' but when talking about the public, we usually keep it singular.
Yes, 'impacter l'opinion' is common in modern French, though some purists dislike the verb 'impacter.'
Yes, it follows the metaphor of an external force pressing down on a thought.
It is 'l'opinion' because of the vowel start.
You can say 'faire basculer l'opinion.'
Rarely. For religion, we use 'la foi' or 'les croyances.'
Yes, an influential person like a celebrity or leader can.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'n'avoir aucun effet sur l'opinion' works.
Related Phrases
L'opinion publique
similarThe general view of the public.
Un revirement d'opinion
builds onA complete U-turn in what people think.
Sonder l'opinion
specialized formTo poll or gauge what people think.
Trancher l'opinion
contrastTo divide public opinion sharply.
