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à long terme

B1 noun 11 min read

à long terme

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips à long terme in 30 Seconds

Explanation à long terme in your Level:

At the Beginner Level A1, the phrase 'à long terme' might seem a bit advanced, but it is very useful to know when you want to talk about your future plans in a simple way. At this level, you should understand that it means 'for the future' or 'not now, but later'. You might use it to say that you want to live in France one day. Even if your grammar is still simple, using this phrase shows that you are thinking about your goals. It is built from three words: 'à' (to/at), 'long' (long), and 'terme' (term/end). Think of it as looking at a long road ahead of you. You don't need to worry about complex grammar rules yet; just remember that it usually comes at the end of a sentence or after a noun. For example, 'Mon projet à long terme est d'apprendre le français' (My long-term project is to learn French). It helps you distinguish between things you are doing today and things you hope to achieve in many years. It is a great phrase to use in your first introductions when talking about why you are studying the language. You can also use it to talk about simple habits, like 'Je mange bien à long terme' (I eat well for the long term), which shows you are making healthy choices for your future self. It is a very positive phrase that focus on hope and planning.

At the Elementary Level A2, you can start using 'à long terme' to describe your intentions and plans with more detail. You are beginning to use different tenses, like the future simple or the 'futur proche' (going to), and 'à long terme' fits perfectly with these. You can use it to talk about your career, your studies, or your hobbies. For example, 'Je veux un travail stable à long terme' (I want a stable job in the long term). At this level, you should also learn its opposite: 'à court terme' (in the short term). This allows you to compare two different ideas. For instance, 'À court terme, je vais en vacances, mais à long terme, je veux acheter une maison' (In the short term, I am going on vacation, but in the long term, I want to buy a house). You are also starting to understand that 'terme' is a masculine noun, so the adjective 'long' stays in its masculine form. You might see this phrase in simple news articles or advertisements that talk about saving money or protecting the planet. It is a key phrase for describing 'le futur' in a more organized way. It helps you sound more serious and thoughtful when you speak about your life and your ambitions during your French lessons or simple conversations with native speakers.

At the Intermediate Level B1, which is the target level for this word, 'à long terme' becomes a crucial part of your vocabulary for expressing opinions and discussing social issues. You are now expected to be able to talk about topics like the environment, the economy, and personal well-being. This phrase is essential for these discussions. You should be able to use it to modify both verbs and nouns fluently. For example, 'Nous devons agir maintenant pour voir des résultats à long terme' (We must act now to see results in the long term). At Level B1, you should also be aware of the difference between 'à long terme' and 'longtemps'. While 'longtemps' describes the length of time an action takes, 'à long terme' describes the horizon or the goal of the action. You will encounter this phrase frequently in 'compréhension écrite' (reading) and 'compréhension orale' (listening) exercises that involve interviews or reports on sustainability. It is also very useful for the 'production écrite' (writing) part of the DELF B1 exam, where you might have to write a letter expressing your opinion on a city project or a change at work. Using 'à long terme' correctly shows that you can think abstractly and plan your arguments effectively. It indicates a level of linguistic maturity where you are no longer just describing immediate actions but are considering their broader implications over time.

At the Upper Intermediate Level B2, you should use 'à long terme' with a high degree of precision and recognize its role in formal argumentation. At this level, you are often asked to debate complex topics, and 'à long terme' is a powerful tool for framing your points. You can use it to discuss the 'viabilité' (viability) of a project or the 'conséquences' of a policy. You should also be comfortable using synonyms like 'pérenne' or 'durable' to vary your language and avoid repetition. For example, instead of always saying 'un projet à long terme', you might say 'une solution pérenne'. You should also be aware of the common 'anglicisme' error 'sur le long terme' and know that 'à long terme' is the preferred form in formal contexts, even if you hear 'sur' in spoken French. At Level B2, you are expected to understand the nuance that 'à long terme' often implies a strategic choice or a sacrifice of immediate benefits for future stability. You might use it in a professional context to argue for an investment in 'recherche et développement' (R&D) or 'formation des employés' (employee training). Your ability to integrate this phrase into complex sentence structures, such as using it within relative clauses or with the subjunctive, will demonstrate your advanced command of the language. For instance: 'Il est essentiel que nous prenions des mesures qui soient efficaces à long terme.'

At the Advanced Level C1, 'à long terme' is used in highly sophisticated ways to discuss philosophy, high-level economics, and complex legal frameworks. You should be able to analyze the 'implications à long terme' of subtle changes in social trends or international relations. At this level, the phrase is not just a vocabulary item but a way to structure deep analytical thought. You will find it in academic papers, editorials in newspapers like 'Le Monde', and in professional legal documents. You should also be familiar with related idiomatic expressions like 'de longue haleine', which suggests a long-term effort that requires great endurance. For example, 'La réforme de la justice est une entreprise de longue haleine dont les fruits ne seront visibles qu'à long terme.' You should also be able to distinguish between 'à long terme' and 'à la longue', where the latter implies that something happens gradually over time through repetition or persistence (like 'eventually' or 'in the long run'). Your usage should be flawless, and you should be able to navigate the subtle shift between using it as an adverbial phrase and an adjectival one without any hesitation. At Level C1, you use this phrase to project authority and a deep understanding of the temporal dynamics within whatever subject you are discussing, whether it be the 'pérennité' of a political system or the 'évolution' of a language.

At the Mastery Level C2, 'à long terme' is used with total naturalness and can be part of very complex rhetorical structures. You might use it to discuss the 'perspective séculaire' (secular perspective) or the 'destinée' of a nation. At this level, you understand not only the grammatical and lexical use of the phrase but also its cultural and philosophical weight in French discourse. You can use it to critique 'l'immédiateté' (immediacy) of modern society or to advocate for 'la pensée systémique' (systems thinking) that accounts for future generations. You are likely to encounter this phrase in the works of French philosophers or in high-level geopolitical analyses. You might use it in a 'dissertation' to explore the tension between 'l'urgence du présent' and 'les impératifs à long terme'. Your ability to use the phrase in ironic or metaphorical ways also develops at this level. For example, you might speak about the 'vision à long terme' of a character in a novel to highlight their ambition or their folly. You possess the full range of synonyms and related concepts at your disposal, allowing you to choose 'à long terme', 'perpétuel', 'indéfini', or 'séculaire' with perfect precision. At Level C2, the phrase is a small but vital part of a vast linguistic repertoire that allows you to express the most subtle and profound ideas about time, existence, and human endeavor with elegance and clarity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

à long terme in 30 Seconds

Used to describe future horizons and strategic planning.
Functions as both an adverbial and an adjectival phrase.
Essential for discussing business, environment, and personal goals.
Contrasts with 'à court terme' (short-term) and 'à moyen terme' (medium-term).

The French expression à long terme is a fundamental temporal locution that translates to 'in the long term' or 'long-term' in English. It is composed of the preposition 'à', the adjective 'long', and the noun 'terme', which in this context refers to a fixed point in time or a deadline. Understanding this phrase is essential for learners because it moves beyond simple chronological markers like 'tomorrow' or 'next year' and enters the realm of strategic planning, sustainability, and deep commitment. In French culture, as in many others, the distinction between immediate results and future consequences is a hallmark of mature discourse, whether in politics, economics, or personal development. When you use this phrase, you are signaling a perspective that looks far into the future, typically spanning several years or even decades. It is the opposite of 'à court terme', which focuses on the immediate present or the very near future.

Temporal Scope: This phrase usually refers to a period of time that exceeds three to five years, although the exact duration depends on the context of the discussion.

Investir dans l'éducation est toujours bénéfique à long terme.

Professional Usage: In a business environment, managers use this to discuss vision, strategy, and sustainable growth rather than quarterly profits.

Nous devons envisager les conséquences environnementales à long terme de nos actions actuelles.

Philosophical Nuance: The phrase implies a degree of patience and the sacrifice of immediate gratification for a more substantial, lasting benefit later on.

Un régime sain n'est efficace que s'il est maintenu à long terme.

Leur amitié s'est construite sur des valeurs partagées à long terme.

Cette décision politique aura des répercussions à long terme sur l'économie nationale.

The mastery of this phrase allows a speaker to express complex ideas about time management, investment, and sustainability. It is not merely a vocabulary word but a conceptual tool used to frame arguments and describe the trajectory of life and society. Whether you are discussing the learning of a language or the construction of a building, thinking 'à long terme' is considered a virtue in many French-speaking cultures, reflecting a preference for durability over the ephemeral nature of modern trends.

Using à long terme correctly involves understanding its grammatical function as both an adverbial phrase and an adjectival locution. When it functions adverbially, it typically follows a verb to describe how or when an action is considered or performed. For example, 'penser à long terme' means to think with a long-term perspective. When it functions as an adjectival phrase, it follows a noun directly, often without a hyphen in French (unlike the English 'long-term' which requires one before a noun). For instance, 'un projet à long terme' translates to 'a long-term project'. It is important to note that in French, the preposition 'à' is static and does not change regardless of the gender or number of the noun it modifies.

Adverbial Placement: Place the phrase after the verb it modifies to indicate the temporal horizon of the action. Example: 'Il faut planifier à long terme.'

Elle a décidé d'investir son argent à long terme dans l'immobilier.

Adjectival Placement: Place it immediately after a noun to define the nature of that noun in terms of duration. Example: 'C'est une solution à long terme.'

L'entreprise cherche une rentabilité à long terme plutôt que des gains immédiats.

Contrast with Short Term: It is often used in contrast with 'à court terme' to highlight a shift in strategy or priority. Example: 'À court terme, c'est cher, mais à long terme, on économise.'

Les effets à long terme de ce médicament sont encore inconnus des chercheurs.

La protection de la biodiversité est un défi majeur à long terme pour l'humanité.

Il est difficile de prévoir le climat à long terme avec une précision totale.

One of the nuances of using this phrase is that it often implies a sense of wisdom or foresight. For example, saying 'Je vois cela à long terme' suggests that the speaker is not being impulsive but is considering all future variables. It is frequently paired with verbs like 'planifier' (to plan), 'envisager' (to envision), 'investir' (to invest), and 'prévoir' (to foresee). By integrating this phrase into your French, you move from simple descriptions of time to more abstract and professional discussions about strategy and endurance. Always remember that 'terme' is masculine, so it is 'long' and not 'longue' (unless you are using the phrase 'de longue durée', which is a synonym but grammatically different).

You will encounter the phrase à long terme in a variety of formal and semi-formal contexts in the French-speaking world. One of the most common places is in the news, particularly during segments on the economy or the environment. Journalists and experts use it to describe market trends, climate change projections, or the impact of new laws. In the corporate world, it is a staple of 'la stratégie d'entreprise'. During business meetings, you might hear a CEO talk about 'la vision à long terme' of the company, emphasizing that they are not just looking at the next quarter's results but at the company's place in the market ten years from now.

News and Media: Reporters use it to explain the consequences of international treaties or social reforms that will take years to manifest.

Le gouvernement a présenté un plan à long terme pour la transition énergétique.

Medical and Scientific Research: In clinical trials, researchers discuss the 'effets à long terme' of a treatment to ensure it is safe over many years.

Quels sont les risques à long terme de cette nouvelle technologie ?

Education and Career Counseling: Advisors ask students about their 'objectifs à long terme' to help them choose the right 'filière' or major.

Apprendre une langue est un investissement personnel à long terme.

Le succès de ce projet dépend de notre capacité à maintenir l'effort à long terme.

Il a signé un contrat de location à long terme pour ses bureaux.

Beyond these formal settings, you might also hear it in everyday conversations when people talk about their relationships or life goals. A couple might discuss their 'projets à long terme', such as buying a house or having children. In sports, a coach might talk about a 'stratégie à long terme' to build a winning team over several seasons rather than just winning the next game. The phrase is ubiquitous because it addresses a fundamental aspect of human life: the passage of time and the desire for stability. It is also common in political debates, where opponents might argue that a certain policy is good for the moment but disastrous 'à long terme'. Hearing this phrase should immediately trigger a mental shift from 'now' to 'the future' in your comprehension.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using à long terme is the confusion with the preposition. In English, we say 'in the long term' or 'over the long term'. This leads many learners to say 'dans le long terme' or 'sur le long terme'. While 'sur le long terme' is becoming increasingly common in casual French due to the influence of English (an anglicism), 'à long terme' remains the only correct form in formal and academic writing. Using 'dans' is almost always considered a mistake. Another common error is confusing the phrase with 'longtemps'. 'Longtemps' is an adverb that means 'for a long time' (duration), whereas 'à long terme' refers to the temporal horizon or the future perspective.

The Preposition Trap: Avoid saying 'dans le long terme'. Always use 'à long terme' to sound more native and grammatically correct.

Incorrect: Nous devons penser dans le long terme. Correct: Nous devons penser à long terme.

Confusion with 'Longtemps': Do not use 'à long terme' when you mean that an action lasted for a long duration in the past. Use 'longtemps' or 'pendant longtemps' for that.

Incorrect: C'est un engagement à longue terme. Correct: C'est un engagement à long terme.

Hyphenation Errors: In English, we use a hyphen for 'long-term' when it is an adjective. In French, there is no hyphen between 'long' and 'terme'.

Incorrect: Un projet long-terme. Correct: Un projet à long terme.

Il a étudié longtemps (duration) pour avoir un bon métier à long terme (future goal).

Ne confondez pas à long terme avec 'à la longue', qui signifie 'eventually' or 'over time' through repetition.

Furthermore, learners sometimes forget to include the preposition 'à' altogether, saying just 'long terme' as an adjective. In French, the preposition is mandatory to link the concept to the noun or verb. For example, you cannot say 'un long terme investissement'; you must say 'un investissement à long terme'. Paying attention to these small grammatical details will significantly elevate the quality of your French and prevent you from making common 'Anglicisme' errors that might confuse a native speaker or make your speech sound unpolished in professional settings.

While à long terme is the standard phrase, there are several alternatives that can be used depending on the register and the specific nuance you want to convey. One very common synonym is 'durable', which emphasizes the ability of something to last or be sustained. In the context of the environment, 'développement durable' is the standard term for sustainable development. Another sophisticated alternative is 'pérenne', which refers to something that is intended to last indefinitely. This is often used in business or law to describe structures or solutions that are not just for the next few years, but for the foreseeable future.

Durable: Focuses on sustainability and the quality of lasting. Example: 'Une paix durable' (A lasting peace).

Nous cherchons des solutions durables aux problèmes climatiques.

Pérenne: A more formal word meaning perennial or everlasting. Example: 'Une institution pérenne' (A lasting institution).

Cette entreprise a prouvé sa solidité sur la durée.

De longue haleine: An idiomatic expression meaning 'long-winded' or 'requiring long-term effort'. Example: 'Un travail de longue haleine'.

La rédaction de ce dictionnaire est un projet de longue haleine.

À l'avenir, nous pourrons peut-être voyager vers Mars à long terme.

Nous devons assurer la pérennité de notre système de santé.

Comparing these options: 'à long terme' is the most neutral and versatile. 'Durable' is best for environmental or quality-related contexts. 'Pérenne' is ideal for formal, institutional, or business contexts. 'De longue haleine' is perfect for describing a difficult or extensive task that requires endurance. Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the most precise word for your intended meaning. For example, if you are talking about a friendship, you might say it is 'durable'. If you are talking about a corporate strategy, you would likely use 'à long terme'. If you are talking about the survival of a species, 'pérennité' or 'à long terme' would both be appropriate. By expanding your vocabulary with these alternatives, you can avoid repetition and express yourself with greater sophistication in French.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In old French, 'terme' often referred specifically to the date when a debt or rent payment was due. Thinking 'à long terme' originally meant looking toward that distant payment day.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /a lɔ̃ tɛʁm/

US /a lɔ̃ tɛʁm/

The primary stress is on the last syllable: 'terme'.

Rhymes With

ferme germe sperme berme épiderme pachyderme taxiderme isotherme

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'g' in 'long'. It should be silent.
Making the 'r' in 'terme' too harsh like an English 'r'.
Failing to nasalize the 'o' in 'long'.
Pronouncing 'terme' as 'term' without the slight 'e' sound at the end.
Putting the stress on 'long' instead of 'terme'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts as it looks similar to English 'long term'.

Writing 5/5

Requires remembering the preposition 'à' and avoiding the anglicism 'sur'.

Speaking 4/5

The nasal sound in 'long' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 3/5

Clearly articulated in formal speech, but can be fast in casual conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

long un terme le temps le futur planifier

Learn Next

à court terme à moyen terme durable pérenne la rentabilité

Advanced

de longue haleine la pérennité la prospective diachronique

Grammar to Know

Prepositional phrases as adjectives

Un projet à long terme (The phrase follows the noun without a hyphen).

Temporal prepositions

À long terme vs Dans deux ans (One is a horizon, the other is a specific point).

Nasal vowels

The 'on' in 'long' is a nasal vowel /ɔ̃/.

Silent final consonants

The 'g' in 'long' is silent.

Adverbial placement

Il faut agir à long terme (Place after the verb).

Examples by Level

C'est mon plan à long terme.

It's my long-term plan.

The phrase follows the noun 'plan'.

Je veux habiter ici à long terme.

I want to live here in the long term.

Used as an adverbial phrase after the verb.

Apprendre le français est bon à long terme.

Learning French is good in the long term.

Simple structure: Adjective + à long terme.

Il pense à long terme.

He thinks long-term.

Standard adverbial usage.

C'est un projet à long terme.

It is a long-term project.

No hyphen is used in French between long and terme.

Nous épargnons à long terme.

We are saving for the long term.

The verb 'épargner' means to save money.

Elle a une vision à long terme.

She has a long-term vision.

'Vision' is feminine, but 'long terme' remains masculine.

C'est bénéfique à long terme.

It is beneficial in the long term.

Often used with the verb 'être'.

À long terme, je voudrais acheter une voiture.

In the long term, I would like to buy a car.

Can be placed at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis.

Ce n'est pas une solution à long terme.

This is not a long-term solution.

Negative construction with 'ne... pas'.

Nous cherchons un appartement à long terme.

We are looking for a long-term apartment.

Describes the type of rental agreement desired.

Le sport est important pour la santé à long terme.

Sports are important for long-term health.

'Santé' is the noun being modified.

Il veut rester dans cette entreprise à long terme.

He wants to stay in this company long-term.

Indicates career stability.

À court terme c'est difficile, mais à long terme c'est mieux.

In the short term it's difficult, but in the long term it's better.

Contrast between 'court' and 'long'.

Elle fait des investissements à long terme.

She is making long-term investments.

Plural noun 'investissements'.

Ce changement sera positif à long terme.

This change will be positive in the long term.

Future tense 'sera'.

Il est nécessaire de planifier notre budget à long terme.

It is necessary to plan our budget for the long term.

Use of the infinitive 'planifier'.

Quels sont les effets à long terme du réchauffement climatique ?

What are the long-term effects of global warming?

Question structure with 'Quels sont'.

Cette stratégie vise une croissance durable à long terme.

This strategy aims for sustainable growth in the long term.

The verb 'viser' means to aim for.

L'éducation est un investissement rentable à long terme.

Education is a profitable investment in the long term.

Double adjective: 'rentable' and 'à long terme'.

Nous ne devons pas négliger les conséquences à long terme.

We must not neglect the long-term consequences.

Modal verb 'devoir' in the negative.

Il a signé un contrat de travail à long terme.

He signed a long-term employment contract.

Specific professional context.

La paix à long terme nécessite de la diplomatie.

Long-term peace requires diplomacy.

Abstract noun 'paix' as the subject.

À long terme, cette décision aidera l'économie locale.

In the long term, this decision will help the local economy.

Introductory adverbial phrase.

L'entreprise privilégie la viabilité à long terme sur les profits immédiats.

The company prioritizes long-term viability over immediate profits.

Use of 'privilégier... sur...'.

Les répercussions à long terme de cette loi sont encore débattues.

The long-term repercussions of this law are still being debated.

Passive voice 'sont débattues'.

Il faut envisager le développement de la ville à long terme.

We must envision the city's development in the long term.

Infinitive after 'Il faut'.

La pollution plastique a des effets dévastateurs à long terme sur les océans.

Plastic pollution has devastating long-term effects on the oceans.

Complex sentence with multiple modifiers.

Nous avons besoin d'un engagement politique à long terme.

We need a long-term political commitment.

'Besoin de' followed by a noun phrase.

Le succès de ce traitement dépend de l'adhésion du patient à long terme.

The success of this treatment depends on the patient's long-term adherence.

'Dépendre de' construction.

À long terme, la technologie pourrait transformer notre façon de travailler.

In the long term, technology could transform our way of working.

Conditional mood 'pourrait'.

L'équilibre écologique doit être maintenu à long terme.

Ecological balance must be maintained in the long term.

Passive infinitive 'être maintenu'.

Il est impératif d'évaluer la soutenabilité du modèle économique à long terme.

It is imperative to evaluate the sustainability of the economic model in the long term.

Formal 'Il est impératif de' structure.

La vision à long terme du fondateur imprègne encore la culture de l'entreprise.

The founder's long-term vision still permeates the company culture.

Use of the literary verb 'imprégner'.

Les enjeux à long terme de la cybersécurité dépassent les frontières nationales.

The long-term stakes of cybersecurity transcend national borders.

'Enjeux' refers to stakes or challenges.

Une stratégie de conservation à long terme est cruciale pour la survie de l'espèce.

A long-term conservation strategy is crucial for the survival of the species.

Compound noun phrase as subject.

L'investissement dans les infrastructures de transport est rentable à long terme.

Investment in transport infrastructure is profitable in the long term.

Detailed economic context.

À long terme, l'érosion des sols pourrait menacer la sécurité alimentaire mondiale.

In the long term, soil erosion could threaten global food security.

Adverbial phrase modifying a hypothetical situation.

Les bénéfices psychologiques de la méditation se manifestent à long terme.

The psychological benefits of meditation manifest in the long term.

Reflexive verb 'se manifester'.

Le contrat prévoit des clauses de révision à long terme.

The contract provides for long-term revision clauses.

Legal terminology 'clauses de révision'.

L'histoire nous enseigne que les hégémonies ne sont jamais pérennes à long terme.

History teaches us that hegemonies are never lasting in the long term.

Philosophical observation using 'pérenne'.

La prospective consiste à analyser les tendances lourdes pour anticiper le futur à long terme.

Prospective involves analyzing major trends to anticipate the long-term future.

'Prospective' is the study of the future.

Le défi réside dans la conciliation des intérêts immédiats et des impératifs à long terme.

The challenge lies in reconciling immediate interests and long-term imperatives.

High-level vocabulary 'conciliation' and 'impératifs'.

L'impact à long terme de la révolution numérique sur la cognition humaine est encore incertain.

The long-term impact of the digital revolution on human cognition is still uncertain.

Academic and scientific register.

Toute politique de santé publique doit s'inscrire dans une démarche à long terme.

Any public health policy must be part of a long-term approach.

Use of 's'inscrire dans' meaning to be part of.

À long terme, le rayonnement culturel d'une nation dépend de sa capacité d'innovation.

In the long term, a nation's cultural influence depends on its capacity for innovation.

'Rayonnement' refers to influence or radiance.

La stabilité des écosystèmes est la condition sine qua non de notre survie à long terme.

The stability of ecosystems is the indispensable condition for our long-term survival.

Use of the Latin phrase 'sine qua non'.

Les fluctuations boursières occultent souvent la valeur réelle des entreprises à long terme.

Stock market fluctuations often obscure the real value of companies in the long term.

The verb 'occulter' means to hide or obscure.

Common Collocations

vision à long terme

investissement à long terme

stratégie à long terme

conséquences à long terme

effets à long terme

objectifs à long terme

planification à long terme

engagement à long terme

rentabilité à long terme

projets à long terme

Common Phrases

penser à long terme

— To consider the future consequences and benefits rather than just the present. It is a sign of wisdom.

Il est important de penser à long terme pour réussir.

voir à long terme

— To have a perspective that includes the distant future. Often used in planning.

Je préfère voir à long terme quand je choisis un métier.

prévoir à long terme

— To make preparations or predictions for a long period ahead.

On ne peut pas tout prévoir à long terme.

investir à long terme

— To put resources into something with the expectation of a return after many years.

Elle investit à long terme dans les énergies vertes.

s'engager à long terme

— To promise to stay involved or dedicated for a long duration.

Ils se sont engagés à long terme dans cette association.

travailler à long terme

— To perform tasks that contribute to a distant goal.

Nous travaillons à long terme sur ce nouveau logiciel.

gérer à long terme

— To manage assets or situations with a focus on future stability.

Gérer à long terme demande de la patience.

réfléchir à long terme

— To reflect deeply on future possibilities before making a decision.

Prenez le temps de réfléchir à long terme.

viser le long terme

— To aim for a long-term goal or outcome.

Notre entreprise vise le long terme.

construire à long terme

— To build something (a career, a relationship) intended to last.

Ils construisent leur vie à long terme ensemble.

Often Confused With

à long terme vs longtemps

Longtemps refers to a duration (for a long time), while à long terme refers to a future horizon (long-term).

à long terme vs finalement

Finalement means 'finally' at the end of a sequence, not necessarily in the distant future.

à long terme vs à la longue

À la longue means 'eventually' or 'with time', implying a process of wear or habit.

Idioms & Expressions

"de longue haleine"

— Something that requires great patience and sustained effort over a long time. Literally 'of long breath'.

C'est un projet de longue haleine.

literary

"à la longue"

— In the long run, or eventually, through the passage of time. Often implies a gradual change.

À la longue, vous finirez par comprendre.

informal

"sur la durée"

— Over the course of time, emphasizing the process of lasting.

Il faut être performant sur la durée.

neutral

"voir loin"

— To have foresight or to think about the long-term future. Literally 'to see far'.

C'est un politicien qui voit loin.

figurative

"battre le fer quand il est chaud"

— To strike while the iron is hot. (Antonymic in spirit: focuses on the immediate rather than the long-term).

Il faut battre le fer quand il est chaud, mais penser à long terme.

idiomatic

"faire durer le plaisir"

— To make the pleasure last as long as possible.

Il ne finit pas son dessert pour faire durer le plaisir.

informal

"prendre son temps"

— To take one's time, often leading to better long-term results.

Prenez votre temps pour décider à long terme.

neutral

"pierre qui roule n'amasse pas mousse"

— A rolling stone gathers no moss. Suggests that stability is better for long-term growth.

Il change de travail tous les mois; pierre qui roule n'amasse pas mousse.

proverb

"les petits ruisseaux font les grandes rivières"

— Little streams make big rivers. Small efforts lead to big long-term results.

Épargnez un peu chaque jour; les petits ruisseaux font les grandes rivières.

proverb

"tout vient à point à qui sait attendre"

— Everything comes to those who wait. Emphasizes patience for long-term rewards.

Soyez patient, tout vient à point à qui sait attendre.

proverb

Easily Confused

à long terme vs durée

Both relate to time.

'Durée' is the length of time an event takes, while 'terme' in this phrase is the point in the future we are looking at.

La durée du film est de trois heures, mais son impact sera visible à long terme.

à long terme vs tard

Both refer to the future.

'Tard' means late in the day or after the expected time, while 'à long terme' refers to a strategic future period.

Il est arrivé tard, mais il a une vision à long terme.

à long terme vs avenir

Both mean future.

'Avenir' is the noun for 'the future', while 'à long terme' is an expression describing how something relates to that future.

L'avenir est incertain, donc nous planifions à long terme.

à long terme vs prochainement

Refers to future time.

'Prochainement' means 'soon' or 'shortly', the opposite of the distant future implied by 'à long terme'.

Le film sortira prochainement, mais son succès se mesurera à long terme.

à long terme vs déjà

Temporal markers.

'Déjà' means 'already' (past/present), while 'à long terme' looks forward.

Nous avons déjà commencé le projet à long terme.

Sentence Patterns

C'est [nom] à long terme.

C'est un travail à long terme.

Je veux [verbe] à long terme.

Je veux rester ici à long terme.

Il faut [verbe] à long terme pour [verbe].

Il faut planifier à long terme pour réussir.

Bien que ce soit [adjectif], à long terme, c'est [adjectif].

Bien que ce soit cher, à long terme, c'est rentable.

Les [nom] à long terme sont [adjectif].

Les effets à long terme sont positifs.

S'inscrire dans une perspective à long terme.

Cette politique doit s'inscrire dans une perspective à long terme.

Évaluer les enjeux à long terme de [nom].

Nous devons évaluer les enjeux à long terme de l'intelligence artificielle.

La pérennité de [nom] dépend de [nom] à long terme.

La pérennité du système dépend de sa flexibilité à long terme.

Word Family

Nouns

un terme (a term/end)

la terminaison (the ending)

la pérennité (durability/longevity)

la durée (duration)

Verbs

terminer (to finish/end)

déterminer (to determine)

durer (to last)

perpétuer (to perpetuate)

Adjectives

long / longue (long)

terminal (terminal)

durable (sustainable)

temporel (temporal)

à court terme

à moyen terme

le long terme

de longue haleine

au terme de

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in economic and social discussions.

Common Mistakes

Using 'dans le long terme'. → À long terme.
This is a direct translation from English 'in the long term' and is incorrect in French.
Writing 'long-terme' with a hyphen. → Long terme.
French doesn't hyphenate this prepositional phrase, even when used as an adjective.
Saying 'à longue terme'. → À long terme.
'Terme' is masculine, so 'long' must also be masculine.
Confusing 'à long terme' with 'longtemps'. → J'ai étudié longtemps (duration).
'Longtemps' is for how long something lasts; 'à long terme' is for the future goal.
Using 'sur le long terme' in a formal letter. → À long terme.
'Sur' is an anglicism that should be avoided in formal writing.

Tips

No Hyphens

Remember that French does not use hyphens for this expression. Write 'à long terme', never 'long-terme'.

Use with Verbs

Pair it with 'viser', 'planifier', or 'investir' to sound like a professional speaker.

Nasal Check

The 'on' in 'long' is nasal. Don't let your tongue touch the roof of your mouth for the 'n'.

Formal Writing

In essays, use 'à long terme' to transition from immediate effects to broader consequences.

Terme vs Temps

Don't say 'à long temps'. Use 'terme' when referring to the future horizon.

The Trio

Learn 'à court terme', 'à moyen terme', and 'à long terme' together as a set.

Always use 'à'

Even if you hear 'sur', using 'à' will make your French sound more correct and elegant.

Business Context

Use it when discussing 'la stratégie' or 'le budget' in a meeting.

Terminal

Associate 'terme' with 'terminal' to remember it's about the end point of a period.

Sustainability

Use it when talking about 'le climat'—it's the most common context in France today.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'A' as an Arrow pointing 'Long' into the future until the 'Term' (the end). A-Long-Term.

Visual Association

Imagine a very long bridge stretching over the ocean into the horizon. You are standing at the beginning, looking toward the 'long terme'.

Word Web

Futur Stratégie Patience Investissement Objectif Durable Planification Vision

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about your life ten years from now using 'à long terme' in each one. Share them with a friend or teacher.

Word Origin

The phrase is derived from the French words 'à' (preposition), 'long' (adjective), and 'terme' (noun). 'Long' comes from the Latin 'longus', meaning extended in space or time. 'Terme' comes from the Latin 'terminus', meaning a boundary, limit, or end point.

Original meaning: The original meaning referred to a fixed date or a deadline in the future.

Romance (Latin-based).

Cultural Context

There are no specific sensitivities, but in environmental debates, emphasizing 'à long terme' can sometimes be seen as an excuse to delay immediate action. Use with awareness of the context.

In English, 'long-term' is often used as a direct adjective (a long-term plan), whereas in French, the prepositional structure 'à long terme' is required (un projet à long terme).

The concept of 'Développement Durable' (Sustainable Development) is a major topic in French schools and media. The phrase is frequently used in 'Le Petit Prince' in the context of things that truly matter over time. Business leaders like Bernard Arnault often speak about 'la vision à long terme' of their luxury brands.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Finance and Investment

placements à long terme
rendement à long terme
épargne à long terme
capitalisation à long terme

Environment and Ecology

impact à long terme
gestion à long terme
équilibre à long terme
survie à long terme

Career and Education

carrière à long terme
objectifs à long terme
formation à long terme
réussite à long terme

Health and Medicine

soins à long terme
effets secondaires à long terme
traitement à long terme
suivi à long terme

Politics and Society

vision à long terme
stabilité à long terme
réformes à long terme
cohésion à long terme

Conversation Starters

"Quels sont vos objectifs à long terme pour votre carrière ?"

"Pensez-vous que le télétravail est une bonne solution à long terme ?"

"Comment peut-on protéger l'environnement à long terme ?"

"Est-ce que vous préférez investir à court ou à long terme ?"

"Quelle est votre vision à long terme pour l'apprentissage du français ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez un projet que vous avez commencé et qui vous sera utile à long terme.

Imaginez votre vie dans dix ans. Quels sont vos espoirs à long terme ?

Pensez-vous que la technologie actuelle est bénéfique pour l'humanité à long terme ?

Pourquoi est-il parfois difficile de prendre des décisions à long terme ?

Quelle habitude quotidienne aimeriez-vous garder à long terme ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While frequently used in spoken French, 'sur le long terme' is considered an anglicism (a literal translation of 'on the long term'). In formal writing, you should always use 'à long terme'. Native speakers will understand both, but 'à' is more prestigious.

They are very similar. 'À long terme' is more general and common. 'À longue échéance' is slightly more formal and specifically refers to a deadline or a date when something falls due, like a debt or a contract.

No, in French, you should not use a hyphen between 'long' and 'terme'. It is written as three separate words: 'à long terme'. The hyphenated version is an English spelling rule that does not apply to French.

In this specific expression, 'terme' remains singular because it refers to the concept of 'the long term' as a single temporal horizon. You would say 'des objectifs à long terme', not 'à longs termes'.

There is no fixed number of years, but in business and economics, it usually refers to a period longer than five years. In personal life, it might mean any plan that extends beyond the immediate year.

It can be both. It acts as an adverb when it modifies a verb (penser à long terme) and as an adjectival phrase when it modifies a noun (un projet à long terme). In both cases, the form remains the same.

The most common opposite is 'à court terme' (short-term). You can also use 'à moyen terme' for the medium term (usually 1 to 5 years).

No, 'au long terme' is not a standard expression in French. Stick to 'à long terme' or 'le long terme' as a noun (e.g., 'Le long terme est important').

It is not a slang term, but it is used in everyday conversation. Slang tends to focus on the 'now', so you might not hear it as often in very casual street French, but it is common among all adults.

The word 'terme' is masculine (un terme), so the adjective 'long' must also be masculine. The final 'e' in 'terme' does not make it feminine.