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A2 verb #4,000 most common 12 min read

mesurer

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips mesurer in 30 Seconds

Explanation mesurer in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'mesurer' is primarily used in the context of personal identity and very simple physical descriptions. You will learn to state your height using this verb. Unlike English, where you say 'I am six feet tall', in French, you say 'Je mesure un mètre...'. This is a vital distinction. You might also use it to describe the size of very simple objects like a table or a book. At this stage, the focus is on the present tense conjugation: je mesure, tu mesures, il mesure, etc. You will likely encounter it in medical contexts (at the doctor's office) or in basic shopping scenarios. The goal for an A1 learner is to understand that 'mesurer' links a person or object to a numerical value of size. It is a 'doing' word that describes a state of dimension. You don't need to worry about abstract meanings yet; just focus on height and length. Practice saying your height and the height of your friends to get comfortable with the 'Je mesure' structure. Remember that French uses the metric system, so 'mesurer' will almost always be followed by 'mètres' or 'centimètres'. This is also a good time to learn the numbers in French, as they are inseparable from the use of 'mesurer'. If you are in a classroom, the teacher might ask you to 'mesurer' a line on a paper. Keep it simple and focus on the physical world you can see and touch.

As an A2 learner, you expand your use of 'mesurer' to include everyday tasks and more detailed descriptions. You will use it in the kitchen to follow recipes, although 'peser' (to weigh) is also common. You might 'mesurer' the amount of water needed for pasta or the length of a piece of furniture you want to buy. At this level, you should start using the past tense (passé composé) to describe actions you've completed: 'J'ai mesuré la chambre'. You will also encounter the reflexive form 'se mesurer' in simple contexts, like comparing heights between two children. You'll learn to use it with properties: 'Cette table mesure deux mètres de long' (This table is two meters long). Notice the use of 'de' before the adjective 'long'. This is a key grammatical structure at the A2 level. You are moving beyond just stating your own height to describing the world around you with more precision. You might also hear 'mesurer' in the context of weather or basic science, like 'mesurer la température'. The verb remains a regular -er verb, so the difficulty lies more in the vocabulary of units and dimensions that accompany it. Try to use it when you are doing DIY projects or describing your home. It's about becoming more functional with the word in a variety of practical, real-world situations.

At the B1 level, 'mesurer' begins to take on more abstract and figurative meanings. While you still use it for physical dimensions, you will now start to 'mesurer' things like time, progress, and consequences. For example, 'Il est difficile de mesurer l'importance de cet événement' (It is difficult to measure the importance of this event). This transition from the physical to the conceptual is a hallmark of the B1 level. You will also use 'se mesurer à' to describe competition or challenges: 'Il veut se mesurer aux meilleurs' (He wants to test himself against the best). You are expected to use a wider range of tenses, including the future and the conditional: 'Si j'avais un mètre, je mesurerais la fenêtre'. You will also start to see the noun 'la mesure' used in phrases like 'au fur et à mesure' (as one goes along), which is a crucial connector for B1 level speaking and writing. Your understanding of the word should now include the idea of 'realizing' or 'evaluating'. When someone says 'Je mesure ma chance', they aren't using a ruler; they are expressing their realization of how lucky they are. This level requires you to think about the 'weight' or 'scale' of ideas and actions. You should practice using 'mesurer' in discussions about social issues or personal goals to show that you can handle its more nuanced applications.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'mesurer' in formal and professional contexts. You will use it to discuss data, trends, and complex evaluations. For instance, in an essay, you might write about 'mesurer l'impact environnemental' or 'mesurer l'efficacité d'une politique'. The verb becomes a tool for analysis. You will also master the idiomatic and nuanced uses, such as 'mesurer ses paroles' (to weigh one's words) or 'mesurer ses propos', which are essential for maintaining the correct register in social interactions. The reflexive form 'se mesurer à' can now be used in more complex scenarios, such as 'se mesurer à un problème complexe'. You will also be expected to understand the noun 'mesure' in its various meanings, including 'measures' taken by a government or 'measure' in music and poetry. Your ability to distinguish 'mesurer' from synonyms like 'évaluer', 'estimer', or 'jauger' should be sharp. You understand that 'mesurer' implies a higher degree of precision or a more formal assessment. In debates, you might use it to challenge someone: 'Mesurez-vous vraiment la portée de ce que vous dites ?' (Do you truly realize the impact of what you are saying?). This level is about precision, register, and the ability to use the word to construct a logical and persuasive argument.

For C1 learners, 'mesurer' is a word of great subtlety. You will encounter it in high-level literature, academic papers, and sophisticated political discourse. You should be able to use it to describe very fine nuances of thought and behavior. Phrases like 'mesurer à l'aune de' (to measure by the yardstick of) become part of your repertoire, allowing you to make complex comparisons between different systems of thought or historical periods. You will understand the philosophical implications of 'mesure' as a virtue—the 'juste milieu' or moderation. In your own writing, you will use 'mesurer' to show a careful, considered approach to your subject matter. You might analyze how a poet 'mesure ses vers' or how a philosopher 'mesure l'étendue de la connaissance humaine'. The verb is no longer just about numbers; it's about the limits of the human condition and the precision of language itself. You will also be sensitive to the rhythmic and stylistic effects of the word in different contexts. Your use of the word will be flawless, and you will be able to explain its various nuances to others. You can discuss the etymology (from Latin 'mensurare') and how it relates to other words in the word family, such as 'démesure' (hubris/excess). At this level, 'mesurer' is a tool for deep intellectual engagement with the French language.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'mesurer' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You use the verb with total spontaneity and precision in every possible context. You are familiar with its rarest and most technical uses in fields like metrology, quantum physics, or advanced linguistics. You can play with the word's meanings in creative writing or complex oratory, using it to create metaphors that are both striking and accurate. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its central role in the development of the French scientific and rationalist tradition. You can navigate the most formal registers, using 'mesurer' in legal or diplomatic documents where every word carries immense weight. You are also aware of the word's presence in French proverbs and classical literature, from Molière to Proust. For you, 'mesurer' is not just a verb; it is a concept that touches upon the very way humans interact with reality—by dividing, quantifying, and understanding it. You can use it to discuss the 'démesure' of modern society or the 'mesure' required in a delicate negotiation. Your command of the word allows you to express the most complex ideas with clarity and elegance, demonstrating a profound connection to the logic and beauty of the French language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

mesurer in 30 Seconds

Mesurer is the standard French verb for 'to measure'. It covers physical dimensions, height, and metaphorical evaluations of risks or words.
For human height, always use 'Je mesure...' followed by the metric value. Never use 'Je suis...' for this purpose in French.
Grammatically, it is a regular -er verb. In the reflexive form 'se mesurer à', it means to compete or compare oneself with others.
Common contexts include DIY, cooking, medicine, and formal analysis of impacts or consequences in news and academic writing.

The French verb mesurer is a fundamental linguistic building block that primarily translates to 'to measure' in English. At its core, it refers to the act of determining the physical dimensions, capacity, or quantity of an object using standard units like meters, liters, or grams. However, its utility in the French language extends far beyond the simple use of a ruler or a scale. It is a versatile verb that adapts to various contexts, ranging from the highly technical and scientific to the deeply philosophical and interpersonal.

Physical Dimension: The most common usage involves calculating height, length, or width. For example, when a doctor checks a child's growth, they are performing the action of 'mesurer'. It is also the standard way to state one's height: 'Je mesure un mètre quatre-vingts'.
Abstract Assessment: In a more figurative sense, 'mesurer' is used to evaluate the extent or impact of something non-physical. One might 'mesurer les conséquences' (measure the consequences) of a decision or 'mesurer l'ampleur' (measure the scale) of a crisis. This implies a careful evaluation or weighing of factors.
Restraint and Moderation: The verb also carries a connotation of caution. To 'mesurer ses paroles' means to choose one's words carefully, ensuring they are appropriate for the situation. This usage reflects the idea of 'measuring out' exactly what is needed and no more.

Le couturier doit mesurer avec précision le tissu avant de commencer la coupe pour éviter tout gaspillage inutile.

In daily life, you will encounter this word in a variety of settings. In a kitchen, you might measure ingredients (though 'peser' for weighing or 'doser' for proportioning are also common). In a DIY project, measuring the space for a new shelf is essential. In sports, 'se mesurer à' someone means to compete against them, effectively 'measuring' your skills against theirs. This reflexive form adds a layer of comparison and competition to the verb's meaning.

Il est difficile de mesurer l'influence réelle de cette nouvelle loi sur l'économie nationale sans données statistiques précises.

Furthermore, the concept of measurement in French culture is deeply tied to precision and 'justesse' (correctness). Whether it is the metric system, which originated in France, or the social etiquette of not overstepping boundaries, 'mesurer' is a verb that demands attention to detail. It is not just about numbers; it is about understanding the limits and proportions of the world around us. In academic writing, you will often see it used to describe the methodology of a study, where researchers 'mesurent' variables to find correlations.

Avant de s'engager dans ce projet risqué, il a pris le temps de bien mesurer les risques potentiels et les bénéfices attendus.

L'infirmière va mesurer votre tension artérielle pour s'assurer que tout est normal avant l'examen médical.

Les athlètes aiment se mesurer aux meilleurs mondiaux lors des Jeux Olympiques pour tester leurs limites.

Using mesurer correctly requires understanding its grammatical patterns and the specific contexts in which it operates. As a regular '-er' verb, its conjugation follows the standard pattern, making it relatively easy for learners to master. However, the nuances lie in how it interacts with direct objects, prepositions, and its reflexive form.

Direct Object Construction: In its most basic form, 'mesurer' takes a direct object—the thing being measured. 'Le charpentier mesure la planche' (The carpenter measures the board). Here, the action is direct and physical.
Stating Height/Dimensions: When stating dimensions, 'mesurer' is used intransitively followed by a numerical value. 'Cette table mesure deux mètres de long' (This table is two meters long). Notice that we don't need a preposition like 'of' in French for this specific structure.
The Reflexive 'Se Mesurer': When used reflexively as 'se mesurer à', it means to pit oneself against someone or something. 'Il s'est mesuré au champion' (He went up against the champion). This is a common way to describe competition or self-assessment.

Nous devons mesurer la distance entre les deux piliers pour installer la poutre correctement.

In more advanced contexts, 'mesurer' often appears with abstract nouns. Phrases like 'mesurer ses paroles' (to weigh one's words) or 'mesurer ses actes' (to consider one's actions) show a person's level of self-control and awareness. In these cases, the verb implies a cognitive process rather than a physical one. It is about evaluating the appropriateness or the potential impact of what one says or does.

Elle a appris à mesurer ses propos devant ses supérieurs pour éviter tout malentendu professionnel.

When using 'mesurer' to describe the size of something, you can use the structure: [Subject] + mesurer + [Dimension] + de [Property]. For example: 'La piscine mesure dix mètres de large' (The pool is ten meters wide). This 'de' before the property (long, large, haut) is a key feature of French descriptive grammar that differs from English 'wide' or 'long' used as adjectives at the end of a sentence.

L'architecte mesure chaque angle du terrain pour s'assurer que les plans sont parfaitement réalisables.

Peux-tu mesurer la température de l'eau avant que je ne plonge ? Elle semble vraiment glacée.

Il est nécessaire de mesurer le taux d'humidité dans la cave pour prévenir l'apparition de moisissures.

The verb mesurer is ubiquitous in French life, appearing in professional, domestic, and media contexts. Its frequency stems from the human need to quantify and understand the physical and metaphorical world. Understanding where you will hear it helps in identifying the specific 'flavor' of the word being used.

In the News and Media: Journalists frequently use 'mesurer' when reporting on statistics, economic changes, or public opinion. You might hear: 'On cherche à mesurer l'impact de l'inflation' (We are trying to measure the impact of inflation). It sounds objective and analytical in this context.
In Healthcare: At a 'rendez-vous médical', the nurse or doctor will say, 'Je vais vous mesurer' to check your height. They might also 'mesurer la tension' (blood pressure) or 'mesurer le pouls' (pulse). Here, it is a routine, clinical action.
In Construction and Craft: If you visit a hardware store (un magasin de bricolage) or watch a home renovation show, 'mesurer' is used constantly. 'Mesurez deux fois, coupez une fois' (Measure twice, cut once) is a common proverb among French artisans too.

À la radio, l'expert expliquait comment mesurer l'empreinte carbone d'un foyer moyen en France.

In a social or psychological context, people often use 'mesurer' to discuss emotional or intellectual growth. A parent might say they can 'mesurer les progrès' of their child in school. In a more formal debate, a politician might ask their opponent if they 'mesurent la gravité' (measure/realize the gravity) of their statements. In these instances, the word is synonymous with 'realizing' or 'fully comprehending'.

Le scientifique utilise un laser pour mesurer la distance exacte entre la Terre et la Lune avec une précision incroyable.

In the classroom, teachers will ask students to 'mesurer le segment AB' in geometry. In science class, students 'mesurent le volume d'un liquide'. It is one of the first verbs students learn in a STEM context in France. Because France uses the metric system, 'mesurer' is always associated with meters, grams, and liters, which are part of the cultural identity of French logic and rationality.

Il faut mesurer la quantité de sucre nécessaire pour la recette avant de l'ajouter au mélange de farine.

Les sondages tentent de mesurer la popularité du président après son dernier discours à la télévision.

Le géomètre est venu mesurer les limites de notre propriété pour résoudre le conflit avec le voisin.

While mesurer appears straightforward, English speakers often fall into specific traps due to direct translation or confusion with related French verbs. Avoiding these errors will make your French sound much more natural and precise.

Using 'Être' for Height: The most frequent mistake is saying 'Je suis 1m80' (I am 1m80). In French, you must use 'mesurer': 'Je mesure 1m80'. Using 'être' sounds like you are the physical embodiment of the measurement rather than having that height.
Confusing with 'Peser': While 'measure' in English can sometimes broadly include weight, in French, 'mesurer' is strictly for dimensions (length, height, volume). For weight, you must use 'peser'. You don't 'mesurer' your weight; you 'peser' yourself.
Misusing 'Se Mesurer': Learners often forget the preposition 'à' when using the reflexive form. It's not 'se mesurer quelqu'un', but 'se mesurer à quelqu'un'. Without the 'à', the sentence is grammatically incomplete.

Incorrect: Je suis un mètre soixante-dix. Correct: Je mesure un mètre soixante-dix.

Another mistake involves the word 'mesure' (the noun). Sometimes learners use 'faire une mesure' when they should simply use the verb 'mesurer'. While 'prendre des mesures' (to take measurements) is correct for tailoring or construction, using the verb 'mesurer' is usually more direct and preferred in most contexts. Also, be careful with 'démesuré', which means 'disproportionate' or 'excessive'. It's an adjective derived from the same root but carries a very different, often negative, meaning.

Il ne faut pas mesurer son poids avec un mètre ruban ; utilisez plutôt un pèse-personne.

In terms of pronunciation, English speakers sometimes stress the first syllable. In French, the stress is always on the last syllable: me-su-RER. Also, ensure the 'u' sound is the French /y/ (like 'tu'), not the English 'oo' sound. Practice by rounding your lips as if to say 'oo' but saying 'ee' instead. This subtle difference is vital for being understood clearly by native speakers.

Elle a commis l'erreur de ne pas mesurer l'importance de ce document avant de le jeter par mégarde.

On ne peut pas mesurer le bonheur uniquement par la richesse matérielle d'une personne.

Faites attention à ne pas mesurer la température en Fahrenheit si votre interlocuteur utilise le Celsius.

To truly master mesurer, you should also know its synonyms and related terms. Choosing the right word can change the tone of your sentence from casual to professional or from physical to abstract.

Évaluer vs. Mesurer: 'Évaluer' (to evaluate) is often used for things that don't have a physical size. You evaluate a student's performance or the value of a house. 'Mesurer' is more precise and usually involves a tool or a scale.
Jauger vs. Mesurer: 'Jauger' (to gauge) implies a more subjective or visual estimation. You might 'jauger' someone with a look to see if they are trustworthy. 'Mesurer' would be too clinical for that.
Quantifier vs. Mesurer: 'Quantifier' (to quantify) is more academic or scientific. It means to express something in terms of numbers. While you 'mesurer' length, you 'quantifier' the results of an experiment.

Plutôt que de simplement mesurer la taille du terrain, l'expert doit aussi évaluer sa qualité géologique.

In a literary context, you might see 'arpenter'. This specifically means to measure land by walking it, but it's often used metaphorically for walking up and down a room or a street. Another interesting alternative is 'doser', which is specifically for measuring out portions of ingredients or medicine. If you are making a cocktail, you 'dosez' the alcohol; you don't 'mesurez' it in the same sense as a length.

Il a fallu jauger la réaction de l'audience avant de continuer le discours avec plus d'assurance.

Furthermore, consider 'peser'. While it means 'to weigh', it is often used metaphorically in the same way 'mesurer' is. You 'pesez le pour et le contre' (weigh the pros and cons). In this abstract sense, 'peser' and 'mesurer' (as in 'mesurer les conséquences') are very close in meaning, both suggesting a careful deliberative process. However, 'mesurer' often feels more about the scale or extent, while 'peser' feels more about the importance or gravity.

Le technicien va quantifier les émissions de gaz pour vérifier si l'usine respecte les normes environnementales.

On peut estimer la durée du voyage à trois heures, mais il vaut mieux mesurer la distance exacte sur la carte.

Le chef doit doser les épices avec soin pour ne pas masquer le goût délicat du poisson frais.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'mens-' is also found in words like 'mental' and 'mind' in some theories, suggesting a link between measuring and thinking.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mə.zy.ʁe/

US /mə.zy.re/

Stress is on the final syllable: me-su-RER.

Rhymes With

parler manger aimer donner penser trouver aller jouer

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'u' like 'oo' in 'food'.
Stressing the first syllable like English 'MEAS-ure'.
Failing to pronounce the final 'é' sound clearly.
Making the 'r' too hard or too soft.
Confusing it with the English pronunciation of the noun 'measure'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize due to its similarity to 'measure'.

Writing 2/5

Regular verb, but stating height requires remembering the specific structure.

Speaking 2/5

The French 'u' sound requires practice for English speakers.

Listening 1/5

Clear pronunciation and common usage make it easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

mètre taille long grand chiffre

Learn Next

peser évaluer dimensionner quantifier comparer

Advanced

incommensurable mensuration étalonner métrage démesure

Grammar to Know

Regular -er verbs conjugation

Je mesure, tu mesures, il mesure, nous mesurons, vous mesurez, ils mesurent.

Stating dimensions with 'de'

La table mesure deux mètres DE long.

Reflexive verbs with 'être' in passé composé

Ils se sont mesurés.

Imperative of -er verbs (drop the 's' for 'tu')

Mesure la fenêtre !

Direct object placement

Je LA mesure (I measure IT).

Examples by Level

Je mesure un mètre soixante-dix.

I am 1m70 tall.

Use 'mesurer' for height, not 'être'.

Tu mesures la table ?

Are you measuring the table?

Present tense of a regular -er verb.

Il mesure sa chambre.

He is measuring his room.

Direct object: la chambre.

Nous mesurons le jardin.

We are measuring the garden.

First person plural present tense.

Elle mesure le livre.

She is measuring the book.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

Vous mesurez combien ?

How tall are you?

Question using 'combien' with 'mesurer'.

Ils mesurent la fenêtre.

They are measuring the window.

Third person plural present tense.

Le bébé mesure cinquante centimètres.

The baby is fifty centimeters long.

Subject is 'le bébé'.

J'ai mesuré le mur pour le tableau.

I measured the wall for the painting.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

Cette étagère mesure un mètre de large.

This shelf is one meter wide.

Use 'de' before the dimension property 'large'.

Il faut mesurer l'eau pour le riz.

You must measure the water for the rice.

Infinitive after 'il faut'.

Elle se mesure à sa sœur tous les ans.

She measures herself against her sister every year.

Reflexive verb 'se mesurer'.

Nous avons mesuré la température ce matin.

We measured the temperature this morning.

Passé composé of 'mesurer'.

Peux-tu mesurer la longueur de la corde ?

Can you measure the length of the rope?

Infinitive after 'peux-tu'.

Le terrain mesure cent mètres de long.

The field is one hundred meters long.

Structure: [Subject] + mesurer + [Value] + de + [Adjective].

Ils mesurent les ingrédients avec soin.

They measure the ingredients carefully.

Adverbial phrase 'avec soin'.

Je mesure enfin l'importance de tes conseils.

I finally realize the importance of your advice.

Figurative use meaning 'to realize'.

Il veut se mesurer aux meilleurs joueurs.

He wants to test himself against the best players.

Reflexive 'se mesurer à' meaning to compete.

Nous devons mesurer les risques avant d'agir.

We must measure the risks before acting.

Abstract direct object: 'les risques'.

Elle mesure ses paroles pour ne pas blesser.

She weighs her words so as not to hurt.

Idiomatic use: 'mesurer ses paroles'.

On ne peut pas mesurer le bonheur.

One cannot measure happiness.

Abstract concept as object.

As-tu mesuré le chemin parcouru depuis un an ?

Have you reflected on how far you've come in a year?

Idiom: 'mesurer le chemin parcouru'.

Le succès se mesure à l'effort fourni.

Success is measured by the effort put in.

Passive reflexive construction.

Il a mesuré l'ampleur de la tâche.

He realized the scale of the task.

Abstract noun: 'l'ampleur'.

L'expert doit mesurer l'impact de la réforme.

The expert must measure the impact of the reform.

Professional/Analytical context.

Elle a su mesurer ses propos lors du débat.

She knew how to temper her remarks during the debate.

Ils se sont mesurés lors de la finale.

They faced off during the final.

Reflexive in the past tense with 'être'.

Il est crucial de mesurer la portée de cet acte.

It is crucial to measure the scope of this act.

Formal adjective: 'crucial'.

Le capteur mesure la pression atmosphérique.

The sensor measures atmospheric pressure.

Technical/Scientific context.

Nous mesurons notre chance d'être ici.

We realize how lucky we are to be here.

Figurative: 'mesurer sa chance'.

L'étude mesure le taux de satisfaction.

The study measures the satisfaction rate.

Statistical context.

Il a mesuré chaque geste avec précision.

He measured every gesture with precision.

Describing meticulous action.

On mesure la grandeur d'une nation à son humanité.

The greatness of a nation is measured by its humanity.

Philosophical/High-level discourse.

Il faut mesurer cet événement à l'aune de l'histoire.

This event must be measured by the yardstick of history.

Idiom: 'à l'aune de'.

L'auteur mesure ses effets stylistiques avec brio.

The author handles his stylistic effects with brilliance.

Literary analysis context.

Peut-on vraiment mesurer l'infini ?

Can one truly measure the infinite?

Abstract/Philosophical question.

Il mesure ses silences autant que ses mots.

He measures his silences as much as his words.

Nuanced description of communication.

L'économie mesure mal la valeur du travail domestique.

Economics poorly measures the value of domestic work.

Critical/Sociological context.

Elle a appris à mesurer la vanité de ses ambitions.

She learned to realize the futility of her ambitions.

Deeply reflective/Psychological.

Le scientifique mesure les fluctuations du vide.

The scientist measures the fluctuations of the vacuum.

Advanced scientific context.

L'œuvre de Proust mesure l'écoulement du temps.

Proust's work measures the passage of time.

High literary criticism.

Il s'agit de mesurer l'incommensurable.

It is a matter of measuring the unmeasurable.

Paradoxical/Philosophical use.

La diplomatie exige de mesurer chaque inflexion de voix.

Diplomacy requires measuring every inflection of the voice.

Extreme precision in register.

L'astrophysique mesure les courbures de l'espace-temps.

Astrophysics measures the curvatures of space-time.

Specialized scientific discourse.

Il a su mesurer la part d'ombre en chaque homme.

He was able to gauge the darkness within every man.

Metaphorical/Psychological depth.

On ne saurait mesurer le génie par de simples tests.

One cannot measure genius by simple tests.

Refined negation 'ne saurait'.

L'architecte mesure l'harmonie entre vide et plein.

The architect measures the harmony between void and solid.

Aesthetic/Conceptual context.

Elle mesure la précarité de l'existence humaine.

She measures the precariousness of human existence.

Existential/Philosophical context.

Common Collocations

mesurer la taille

mesurer l'impact

mesurer les conséquences

mesurer la distance

mesurer la température

mesurer ses paroles

mesurer l'ampleur

mesurer le progrès

mesurer la pression

mesurer le temps

Common Phrases

À la mesure de

— In proportion to or matching the level of something else.

Une récompense à la mesure de son talent.

Dans la mesure où

— Insofar as or to the extent that.

Je t'aiderai dans la mesure où je peux.

Prendre les mesures

— To take physical measurements (like for a suit) or to take actions/steps.

Le tailleur prend les mesures du client.

Sans mesure

— Without limit or excessively.

Il dépense son argent sans mesure.

Outre mesure

— Excessively or more than necessary.

Ne t'inquiète pas outre mesure.

Faire bonne mesure

— To add a little extra for good measure.

Il a ajouté quelques fleurs pour faire bonne mesure.

Mesure de sécurité

— Safety measure or precaution.

C'est une simple mesure de sécurité.

Au fur et à mesure

— Gradually or as one goes along.

On apprend au fur et à mesure.

Sur mesure

— Custom-made or tailored.

Il porte un costume sur mesure.

Manquer de mesure

— To lack moderation or balance.

Ses critiques manquent de mesure.

Often Confused With

mesurer vs peser

Peser is for weight, mesurer is for dimensions.

mesurer vs doser

Doser is for proportions of ingredients or medicine.

mesurer vs évaluer

Évaluer is for value or quality, often without a physical tool.

Idioms & Expressions

"Mesurer le chemin parcouru"

— To reflect on the progress made over a period of time.

Regardez en arrière pour mesurer le chemin parcouru.

neutral

"Se mesurer à un géant"

— To take on a much stronger opponent or a very difficult task.

La petite start-up veut se mesurer à un géant du web.

metaphorical

"Mesurer ses propos"

— To be very careful and moderate in what one says.

En politique, il faut toujours mesurer ses propos.

formal

"À l'aune de"

— Judging or measuring something by a specific standard.

On le juge à l'aune de ses résultats.

literary

"Mesurer du regard"

— To look someone up and down, often in a judgmental or competitive way.

Les deux boxeurs se mesurent du regard.

neutral

"Perdre la mesure"

— To lose one's sense of proportion or moderation.

Dans sa colère, il a perdu la mesure.

literary

"Mesure pour mesure"

— Tit for tat (though more common in English, the concept exists).

C'était une réponse mesure pour mesure.

neutral

"Prendre la mesure de quelqu'un"

— To figure someone out or understand their capabilities.

Il a vite pris la mesure de son adversaire.

neutral

"Donner la pleine mesure de son talent"

— To show the full extent of one's abilities.

Elle a donné la pleine mesure de son talent lors du concert.

formal

"Gardez la mesure"

— Stay moderate and balanced.

Il faut garder la mesure dans vos exigences.

formal

Easily Confused

mesurer vs dimensionner

Both relate to size.

Dimensionner means to give dimensions to something (designing), while mesurer is finding existing dimensions.

L'ingénieur dimensionne la poutre.

mesurer vs métrer

Both relate to meters.

Métrer is a technical term used in construction for measuring surfaces or lengths for estimates.

Le métreur vient métrer la maison.

mesurer vs arpenter

Both relate to measuring land.

Arpenter specifically implies walking to measure or walking through a space.

Il arpente son domaine.

mesurer vs étalonner

Both relate to measurement accuracy.

Étalonner means to calibrate an instrument against a standard.

Il faut étalonner la balance.

mesurer vs compter

Both involve numbers.

Compter is for discrete units (1, 2, 3), mesurer is for continuous dimensions (length, volume).

Je compte les pommes.

Sentence Patterns

Je mesure [taille].

Je mesure 1m75.

Le/La [objet] mesure [nombre] mètres de [adjectif].

Le tapis mesure trois mètres de long.

Mesurer l'importance de [nom].

Je mesure l'importance de ton aide.

Se mesurer à [quelqu'un].

Il se mesure à son frère.

Mesurer les conséquences de [action].

Il faut mesurer les conséquences de ce choix.

Mesurer ses paroles.

Elle mesure ses paroles.

Mesurer [nom] à l'aune de [nom].

Mesurer le succès à l'aune de l'effort.

Ne pas savoir mesurer [nom].

On ne saurait mesurer son génie.

Word Family

Nouns

mesure (measurement/step)

mensuration (body measurement)

mesurage (act of measuring)

démesure (excess)

Verbs

remesurer (to measure again)

commensurer (to make commensurate)

Adjectives

mesurable (measurable)

mesuré (measured/moderate)

démesuré (excessive)

immesurable (immeasurable)

mètre

dimension

taille

échelle

norme

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both physical and metaphorical senses.

Common Mistakes

Je suis 1m80. → Je mesure 1m80.
In French, we use the verb 'mesurer' to state height, not the verb 'to be'.
La table mesure deux mètres long. → La table mesure deux mètres de long.
You must include the preposition 'de' before the adjective describing the dimension.
Je mesure mon poids. → Je pèse mon poids / Je me pèse.
'Mesurer' is for dimensions (length/height); 'peser' is for weight.
Il se mesure son frère. → Il se mesure à son frère.
The reflexive 'se mesurer' requires the preposition 'à' when followed by a person.
Mesurer ses mots. → Mesurer ses paroles / ses propos.
While 'mots' is okay, 'paroles' or 'propos' is more idiomatic for weighing what you say.

Tips

Height Rule

Always use 'mesurer' for height. 'Je mesure 1m70' is the only correct way.

Abstract Use

Use 'mesurer' for evaluating risks, consequences, and importance.

Progress

Use 'mesurer le chemin parcouru' to talk about how much you've learned or achieved.

The 'U' Sound

Focus on the French 'u'. It's essential for being understood correctly.

Metric System

Remember that measurements in French are always in the metric system (meters, grams).

Dimensions

Use 'de' before 'long', 'large', and 'haut' when giving measurements.

Competition

Use 'se mesurer à' to describe testing yourself against others.

Precision

'Mesurer' sounds more precise and analytical than 'évaluer' in formal reports.

Metric-Measure

Link 'Measure' to 'Metric' to remember 'Mesurer'.

Weight vs Size

Don't use 'mesurer' for weight; use 'peser' instead.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'METER' (mètre) to 'MESURER'. The first three letters are almost the same. 'Mesurer' is what you do with a meter.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant ruler (mètre) standing next to a person, measuring their height while they carefully weigh their words in a balance scale.

Word Web

règle mètre taille poids évaluer précision dimension calcul

Challenge

Try to find five objects in your room and say 'Cet objet mesure [number] centimètres' for each one.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin verb 'mensurare', which comes from 'mensura' (measure).

Original meaning: To measure or to estimate the size of something.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be careful when measuring people's height or weight in social contexts, as it can be sensitive, just as in English.

English speakers often use 'measure' for weight and liquid volume, whereas French speakers prefer 'peser' and 'doser'.

Molière's characters often lack 'mesure' in their passions. The 'Mètre des Archives' in Paris is the historical standard for measurement. The phrase 'L'homme est la mesure de toute chose' (Man is the measure of all things) by Protagoras is well-known in French philosophy.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Health and Growth

Je vais vous mesurer.
Combien mesurez-vous ?
Mesurer la tension.
L'enfant a bien grandi, il mesure 1m20.

Construction and DIY

Prendre les mesures.
Mesurer la planche.
Mesurer deux fois.
La pièce mesure 12 mètres carrés.

Cooking

Mesurer le lait.
Une cuillère de mesure.
Mesurer les proportions.
Bien doser les ingrédients.

Business and Analytics

Mesurer les performances.
Mesurer le ROI.
Mesurer l'impact.
Mesurer la satisfaction client.

Personal Reflection

Mesurer sa chance.
Mesurer ses paroles.
Mesurer le chemin parcouru.
Mesurer les risques.

Conversation Starters

"Combien mesures-tu ? Je fais un mètre quatre-vingts."

"As-tu mesuré l'espace pour le nouveau meuble ?"

"Comment peut-on mesurer le succès d'un projet ?"

"Est-ce que tu mesures l'importance de ce que tu viens de dire ?"

"Est-ce que tu t'es déjà mesuré à un professionnel dans ton domaine ?"

Journal Prompts

Prenez le temps de mesurer le chemin parcouru dans votre apprentissage du français cette année.

Décrivez un moment où vous avez dû vous mesurer à un défi difficile.

Pourquoi est-il important de mesurer ses paroles dans certaines situations ?

Quelles sont les choses dans la vie qu'on ne peut pas mesurer avec des chiffres ?

Si vous deviez mesurer votre bonheur aujourd'hui sur une échelle de 1 à 10, quel chiffre choisiriez-vous ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that is a common mistake for English speakers. In French, you must use the verb 'mesurer'. Say 'Je mesure 1m80'.

'Mesurer' is the verb for the action. 'Prendre des mesures' is a phrase often used in tailoring or when taking multiple measurements for a project. It can also mean 'to take steps/actions' in a metaphorical sense.

Use the structure: 'mesurer [number] de [adjective]'. For example, 'deux mètres de long' (two meters long) or 'trois mètres de large' (three meters wide).

Yes, you can 'mesurer le volume' or 'mesurer un litre de lait', though 'doser' or 'verser' might also be used depending on the context.

Generally, yes. It implies comparing your skills or strength against someone or something else.

'La mesure' is the noun meaning 'the measurement', 'the step/action', or 'moderation'. It is also used in music (a bar/measure).

Yes, it is a regular -er verb (first group), so it follows the standard endings: -e, -es, -e, -ons, -ez, -ent.

It is the French /y/. To make it, say 'ee' while rounding your lips as if you were going to say 'oo'.

Yes, in a metaphorical or technical sense, like 'mesurer la durée d'un phénomène', but 'chronométrer' is more specific for timing.

It means to be careful and deliberate with what you say, ensuring your words are appropriate and not excessive.