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B2 noun 7 min read

obstacle

Examples Notes & Tips obstacle in 30 Seconds
Explanation obstacle in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should know that 'obstacle' is a masculine word ('un obstacle'). It looks almost exactly like the English word, which makes it easy to remember. You can use it to talk about something that stops you from doing something simple. For example, 'Il y a un obstacle sur la route' (There is an obstacle on the road). At this stage, focus on the fact that it starts with a vowel, so you say 'un obstacle' and 'l'obstacle'. Don't worry about complex grammar yet; just think of it as a 'big problem' or a 'barrier'. You might see this word in simple stories where a character has to jump over something or find a way around a wall. It is a useful word to know because it is common in both French and English.
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At the A2 level, you can start using 'obstacle' in more varied sentences. You should understand that it can be both a physical thing (like a hurdle in a race) and a non-physical thing (like a problem at work). You will learn common verbs to use with it, like 'sauter un obstacle' (to jump over an obstacle) or 'rencontrer un obstacle' (to meet/encounter an obstacle). You should also practice the plural form 'des obstacles'. Remember that the gender is masculine, so adjectives must match: 'un petit obstacle', 'un grand obstacle'. You might hear this word in weather reports or traffic updates on the radio, describing things blocking the road. It is a step up from 'un problème' because it suggests something specifically blocking your path.
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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'obstacle' in more abstract contexts. You can talk about obstacles to learning French, obstacles to a project, or obstacles to peace. You should start using the preposition 'à' correctly: 'C'est un obstacle à mon progrès'. You will also encounter the word in more formal texts, such as news articles or school assignments. You should be able to describe how to deal with an obstacle using verbs like 'surmonter' (to overcome) or 'contourner' (to bypass/go around). This level requires you to understand that 'obstacle' is a more precise word than 'difficulté'. It implies a specific barrier that needs to be cleared or moved. You might also learn the phrase 'course d'obstacles' for an obstacle course or a difficult situation.
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At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'obstacle' with precision and correct collocations. You should use phrases like 'faire obstacle à' (to obstruct) and understand the nuance between 'obstacle', 'entrave', and 'frein'. You will use it in professional and academic writing to discuss social, economic, or political barriers. For example, 'L'absence de financement est un obstacle majeur au développement des énergies renouvelables'. You should also be aware of the liaison in 'un obstacle' and the correct pronunciation without an English accent. At this level, you can discuss complex topics like 'les obstacles psychologiques' or 'les obstacles administratifs'. You are also beginning to see the word in legal or formal contexts where it refers to an 'obstacle à la justice'. Your usage should feel natural and integrated into complex sentence structures.
At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'obstacle' and its synonyms. you can use it in highly formal or literary contexts. You might use 'écueil' for a hidden pitfall or 'entrave' for a legal shackle to vary your vocabulary. You understand the historical and etymological weight of the word. You can use 'obstacle' in philosophical discussions about human will or in high-level business strategy. You are comfortable with idiomatic expressions and can use 'faire obstacle à' in the passive voice or complex relative clauses. Your pronunciation is near-native, correctly handling the vowel sounds and the final 'le' sound. You can also analyze how 'obstacles' are used as a rhetorical device in political speeches to create a sense of struggle and triumph.
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At the C2 level, 'obstacle' is a word you use with total mastery, often choosing it or its synonyms based on subtle stylistic requirements. You can use it in academic theses, legal documents, or high literature. You understand its role in different domains like 'l'obstacle épistémologique' in the philosophy of science (Bachelard). You can play with the word in creative writing, using it metaphorically in ways that are both surprising and accurate. You possess a deep knowledge of all possible collocations and can distinguish between 'lever un obstacle' (removing it) and 'aplanir les difficultés' (smoothing things out). Your command of the word allows you to use it in any context, from a casual conversation to a formal debate, with perfect grammatical and phonetic accuracy.
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Examples Notes & Tips

obstacle in 30 Seconds

  • Obstacle means a barrier or hurdle, both physical and abstract.
  • It is a masculine noun: 'un obstacle' or 'l'obstacle'.
  • Commonly used with verbs like 'surmonter' (overcome) and 'franchir' (cross).
  • The standard preposition to follow it is 'à' (e.g., obstacle à la paix).
The French noun obstacle is a versatile and essential term that mirrors its English cognate in both form and meaning, though its usage in French carries specific nuances across different registers. At its core, an obstacle refers to any physical object or abstract circumstance that hinders movement, progress, or the completion of a task. In a physical sense, it describes something placed in one's path, such as a fallen tree on a road or a hurdle in an athletic race. In a metaphorical sense, it encompasses difficulties, challenges, or legal barriers that prevent a project from moving forward.
Physical Context
In urban planning or sports, an obstacle is a material barrier. For example, in 'le saut d'obstacles' (show jumping), the horses must jump over physical barriers. In everyday life, a 'chantier' (construction site) can be an obstacle to pedestrians.
Abstract Context
In business or personal growth, an obstacle represents a problem to be solved. One might say 'le manque d'argent est un obstacle à mes études' (the lack of money is an obstacle to my studies).
The word is masculine (un obstacle) and is used frequently in professional, academic, and journalistic settings to describe resistance or complications.

Malgré les nombreux obstacles administratifs, l'entreprise a réussi à s'implanter en France.

Translation: Despite the many administrative obstacles, the company successfully established itself in France.
Historically, the word entered French in the 13th century from the Latin obstaculum, derived from obstare (to stand in front of). This etymological roots emphasize the concept of something 'standing in the way.' In modern French, it is often paired with verbs of action like 'surmonter' (to overcome), 'franchir' (to cross/clear), or 'rencontrer' (to encounter).

La peur de l'échec est souvent le principal obstacle à la créativité.

Legal Usage
In law, an 'obstacle à la justice' refers to obstruction of justice, a serious offense.
Understanding this word requires recognizing its weight; calling something an 'obstacle' suggests it is a significant hurdle that requires effort to bypass, rather than a mere 'petit problème' (small problem). It is a word of conflict and resolution, central to narratives of success and struggle in French culture.
Using obstacle correctly involves mastering its collocations and the prepositions that follow it. Most commonly, we speak of an obstacle à something (an obstacle to something). For instance, 'un obstacle à la paix' (an obstacle to peace).
Common Verb Pairings
1. **Surmonter un obstacle**: To overcome a challenge. 2. **Franchir un obstacle**: To physically jump over or pass a barrier. 3. **Se heurter à un obstacle**: To run into or hit an obstacle (literally or figuratively). 4. **Lever un obstacle**: To remove a barrier (often used for legal or technical issues).

Le gouvernement cherche à lever les obstacles à l'emploi des jeunes.

The government seeks to remove obstacles to youth employment.
When describing the nature of the obstacle, adjectives usually follow the noun: 'un obstacle majeur' (a major obstacle), 'un obstacle imprévu' (an unforeseen obstacle), or 'un obstacle infranchissable' (an insurmountable obstacle).

Le cheval a refusé de sauter le dernier obstacle.

Syntactic Patterns
The structure is typically: [Verb] + [Article] + [Adjective] + obstacle + à + [Noun/Infinitive]. Example: 'Cette loi constitue un obstacle majeur au développement.'
It is also used in the phrase 'faire obstacle à' which means 'to obstruct' or 'to block'.

Rien ne doit faire obstacle à la vérité.

Nothing should stand in the way of the truth.
In this construction, notice that the article 'un' is often dropped, making 'faire obstacle' act almost like a compound verb. This is a higher-level (B2+) usage that demonstrates fluency. Whether you are discussing a physical race or a bureaucratic nightmare, 'obstacle' provides the necessary weight to the conversation.
You will encounter obstacle in a variety of real-world contexts in France and the Francophone world. One of the most common places is the evening news (le JT). News anchors frequently use it when discussing politics: 'Les négociations se heurtent à un obstacle majeur' (Negotiations have hit a major snag). In the world of sports, specifically 'le saut d'obstacles' (horse jumping) or 'le 3000 mètres steeple' (steeplechase), the word is technical and literal.
Daily Life
You might hear it from a GPS or a traffic report: 'Un obstacle sur la chaussée provoque des ralentissements' (An object on the road is causing delays).
Professional Environment
During a business meeting, a project manager might list 'les obstacles potentiels' (potential hurdles) in a SWOT analysis or project roadmap.

Attention, il y a un obstacle sur la voie de droite !

In literature and cinema, 'obstacle' is a thematic keyword. The 'obstacle amoureux' (romantic obstacle) is a classic trope in French theater, from Molière to modern romantic comedies, where parents or social status prevent lovers from being together.

La bureaucratie est le plus grand obstacle à l'innovation en France.

Education
Teachers use 'obstacle épistémologique' to describe a preconceived notion that prevents a student from learning a new scientific concept.
You will also see it on signs in parks or hiking trails, such as 'parcours d'obstacles' (obstacle course), which are popular for fitness training. Ultimately, 'obstacle' is a word that spans from the gritty reality of a traffic jam to the high-stakes world of international diplomacy, making it a vital part of a B2-level vocabulary.
Even though obstacle looks like its English counterpart, English speakers often make specific errors regarding gender, prepositions, and synonyms.
Gender Confusion
Many learners assume words ending in '-e' are feminine. They might say 'une obstacle'. This is incorrect. It is 'un obstacle'. Remember: 'Le grand obstacle'.
Preposition Errors
Learners often use 'pour' instead of 'à'. While 'obstacle pour' is occasionally heard, 'obstacle à' is the standard grammatical form. Say 'un obstacle à la réussite', not 'pour la réussite'.

Faux: C'est une grande obstacle pour moi.
Juste: C'est un grand obstacle pour moi (or à mon projet).

Another common mistake is confusing 'obstacle' with 'empêchement'. While 'obstacle' is a barrier, 'empêchement' usually refers to a personal scheduling conflict or a specific reason why someone cannot attend an event. If you can't make it to dinner, say 'J'ai un empêchement', not 'J'ai un obstacle'.

Il y a eu un obstacle imprévu lors de la construction.

Pronunciation Pitfall
English speakers often stress the first syllable (OB-stacle). In French, the stress is evenly distributed with a slight emphasis on the final syllable (ob-sta-CLE). The 'o' is open like in 'robot'.
Finally, the phrase 'faire obstacle' is often misused. It takes the preposition 'à'. 'Il a fait obstacle au projet' (He blocked the project). Do not say 'Il a fait obstacle le projet'.
French offers a rich palette of words to describe barriers, each with a slightly different flavor. Choosing the right one elevates your French from 'correct' to 'sophisticated'.
Entrave (f.)
More formal than 'obstacle'. It suggests a shackle or something that slows you down rather than stops you completely. 'Les entraves administratives'.
Frein (m.)
Literally a brake. Used metaphorically for something that slows down progress. 'Le coût élevé est un frein à la consommation'.
Barrière (f.)
Often used for social or linguistic limits. 'La barrière de la langue' (the language barrier).

Cette nouvelle loi est une entrave à la liberté d'expression.

If the obstacle is something that makes an action impossible, you might use 'empêchement'. If it is a physical blockage in a pipe or road, 'obstruction' is used (though 'obstacle' works for roads too).

L'un des principaux écueils de ce projet est le manque de temps.

Comparisons
**Obstacle** is general. **Contrainte** is a constraint or limitation you must work within. **Impasses** is a dead end. **Complication** is just an added layer of difficulty.
In summary, while 'obstacle' is your 'go-to' word, using 'frein' for economic contexts or 'entrave' for legal ones will make your French sound much more natural and precise.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'stare' (to stand) is also found in 'station', 'stature', and 'distance'. So an obstacle is literally something that 'stands' (stare) 'against' (ob) you.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɔb.stakl/
US /ɔb.stakl/
Slight stress on the final syllable 'cle'.
Rhymes With
spectacle habitacle réceptacle oracle miracle tabernacle cénacle tentacle (rarely used in Fr, use tentacule)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing it like the English 'OB-stacle' with stress on the first syllable.
  • Making the 'o' too long.
  • Pronouncing the final 'e' as 'ay' instead of a silent or very short schwa.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy due to being a cognate.

Writing 2/5

Easy, but remember the masculine gender.

Speaking 2/5

Easy, but pay attention to the liaison 'un obstacle'.

Listening 2/5

Clearly pronounced in most contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

problème route sauter grand

Learn Next

surmonter franchir entrave frein

Advanced

épistémologique rédhibitoire insurmontable

Grammar to Know

Liaison with 'un'

Un obstacle (sounds like un-nob-stacle).

Masculine gender for words starting with vowels

Cet obstacle (not cette).

Preposition 'à' after nouns of difficulty

Obstacle à la réussite.

Adjective placement

Un obstacle imprévu (adjective after).

Plural formation

Des obstacles (add -s).

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Examples by Level

1

Il y a un obstacle sur le chemin.

There is an obstacle on the path.

Un is masculine.

2

L'obstacle est très grand.

The obstacle is very big.

L' used before a vowel.

3

Je vois un obstacle.

I see an obstacle.

Direct object.

4

C'est un obstacle facile.

It is an easy obstacle.

Adjective follows noun.

5

Il saute l'obstacle.

He jumps the obstacle.

Action verb.

6

Nous avons un obstacle.

We have an obstacle.

Plural subject.

7

Où est l'obstacle ?

Where is the obstacle?

Question form.

8

C'est un petit obstacle.

It is a small obstacle.

Petit comes before noun (BANGS).

1

Le cheval saute tous les obstacles.

The horse jumps all the obstacles.

Plural 'les obstacles'.

2

Nous avons rencontré un obstacle imprévu.

We encountered an unforeseen obstacle.

Past tense 'avons rencontré'.

3

Ce mur est un obstacle pour nous.

This wall is an obstacle for us.

Use of 'pour'.

4

Il faut éviter cet obstacle.

One must avoid this obstacle.

'Cet' used for masculine before vowel.

5

Il y a beaucoup d'obstacles ici.

There are many obstacles here.

'Beaucoup de' + noun.

6

L'obstacle est difficile à franchir.

The obstacle is difficult to cross.

'à franchir' as an infinitive complement.

7

Elle a peur de l'obstacle.

She is afraid of the obstacle.

'Peur de' + noun.

8

C'est le premier obstacle de la course.

It is the first obstacle of the race.

Ordinal adjective.

1

Le manque d'argent est un obstacle à ses projets.

The lack of money is an obstacle to his projects.

Preposition 'à'.

2

Elle a surmonté tous les obstacles pour réussir.

She overcame all the obstacles to succeed.

Verb 'surmonter'.

3

Nous devons identifier les obstacles potentiels.

We must identify potential obstacles.

Adjective 'potentiels'.

4

La pluie a été un obstacle pour les joueurs.

The rain was an obstacle for the players.

Passé composé.

5

Il n'y a plus d'obstacles sur notre route.

There are no more obstacles on our path.

Negation 'ne... plus d''.

6

Cet obstacle est purement psychologique.

This obstacle is purely psychological.

Adverb 'purement'.

7

Ils ont réussi malgré les obstacles.

They succeeded despite the obstacles.

'Malgré' + noun.

8

Chaque obstacle nous rend plus forts.

Every obstacle makes us stronger.

Subject-verb agreement.

1

Le gouvernement veut lever les obstacles administratifs.

The government wants to remove administrative obstacles.

Verb 'lever'.

2

Rien ne doit faire obstacle à la justice.

Nothing should obstruct justice.

Phrase 'faire obstacle à'.

3

La barrière de la langue est un obstacle majeur.

The language barrier is a major obstacle.

Collocation 'obstacle majeur'.

4

Il s'est heurté à un obstacle inattendu.

He ran into an unexpected obstacle.

Pronominal verb 'se heurter à'.

5

L'obstacle à surmonter est de taille.

The obstacle to overcome is significant.

Expression 'de taille'.

6

Nous avons contourné l'obstacle grâce à une solution innovante.

We bypassed the obstacle thanks to an innovative solution.

Verb 'contourner'.

7

Cette loi constitue un obstacle à la liberté d'expression.

This law constitutes an obstacle to freedom of expression.

Verb 'constituer'.

8

Il faut analyser chaque obstacle avant d'agir.

Each obstacle must be analyzed before acting.

'Avant de' + infinitive.

1

L'inertie bureaucratique demeure un obstacle de poids.

Bureaucratic inertia remains a significant obstacle.

Expression 'de poids'.

2

Il convient d'aplanir les obstacles avant le lancement.

It is advisable to smooth out the obstacles before the launch.

'Il convient de' + infinitive.

3

Son arrogance a fait obstacle à sa promotion.

His arrogance blocked his promotion.

Figurative use of 'faire obstacle'.

4

L'obstacle épistémologique freine la découverte scientifique.

The epistemological obstacle slows down scientific discovery.

Academic terminology.

5

Ils ont dû faire face à une succession d'obstacles.

They had to face a succession of obstacles.

'Faire face à'.

6

L'absence de dialogue est l'obstacle ultime à la paix.

The absence of dialogue is the ultimate obstacle to peace.

Adjective 'ultime'.

7

Le manque de vision est un obstacle rédhibitoire.

The lack of vision is a crippling/prohibitive obstacle.

Advanced adjective 'rédhibitoire'.

8

Nous ne saurions tolérer aucun obstacle à la démocratie.

We cannot tolerate any obstacle to democracy.

Formal 'ne saurions' (conditional of savoir).

1

La complexité du traité s'est avérée être un obstacle insurmontable.

The complexity of the treaty proved to be an insurmountable obstacle.

'S'avérer être'.

2

Il a fallu lever les obstacles juridiques un à un.

The legal obstacles had to be removed one by one.

Adverbial phrase 'un à un'.

3

L'œuvre se heurte à l'obstacle de la censure.

The work runs up against the obstacle of censorship.

Abstract noun usage.

4

L'obstacle n'est qu'un tremplin pour l'esprit audacieux.

The obstacle is but a stepping stone for the bold mind.

Philosophical metaphor.

5

Quels que soient les obstacles, nous persévérerons.

Whatever the obstacles, we will persevere.

Conjunction 'quels que soient'.

6

L'obstacle réside dans l'incapacité à se remettre en question.

The obstacle lies in the inability to question oneself.

Verb 'résider dans'.

7

Il a su transformer cet obstacle en opportunité.

He knew how to transform this obstacle into an opportunity.

Past historic sense/perfect mastery.

8

L'obstacle, loin d'être un frein, fut un moteur pour lui.

The obstacle, far from being a brake, was a motor for him.

Contrastive structure.

Common Collocations

surmonter un obstacle
franchir un obstacle
rencontrer un obstacle
faire obstacle à
obstacle majeur
lever un obstacle
contourner un obstacle
se heurter à un obstacle
obstacle insurmontable
course d'obstacles

Common Phrases

sans obstacle

— Without any hindrance or blockage.

Le projet avance sans obstacle.

mettre des obstacles

— To deliberately create barriers for someone.

Il met des obstacles dans mon travail.

un obstacle de taille

— A very significant or large obstacle.

C'est un obstacle de taille pour l'équipe.

le dernier obstacle

— The final hurdle before completion.

Nous avons franchi le dernier obstacle.

obstacle imprévu

— An unexpected problem or barrier.

Il y a eu un obstacle imprévu ce matin.

obstacle physique

— A material barrier you can touch.

Le mur est un obstacle physique.

obstacle psychologique

— A mental barrier like fear or doubt.

La peur est un obstacle psychologique.

obstacle à la paix

— Something that prevents peace from happening.

Cette guerre est un obstacle à la paix.

obstacle administratif

— Red tape or bureaucratic barriers.

Il y a trop d'obstacles administratifs.

faire face à un obstacle

— To confront a barrier directly.

Il faut faire face à l'obstacle.

Often Confused With

obstacle vs empêchement

Obstacle is a barrier; empêchement is a personal schedule conflict.

obstacle vs obstruction

Obstruction is more technical/medical; obstacle is more general.

obstacle vs difficulté

Difficulté is a general hard task; obstacle is something specifically blocking you.

Idioms & Expressions

"Faire obstacle à"

— To block or impede something or someone.

L'opposition fait obstacle à la loi.

neutral
"Sauter les obstacles"

— To deal with problems quickly and effectively.

Elle sait sauter les obstacles dans sa carrière.

metaphorical
"Course d'obstacles"

— A situation full of difficulties one after another.

La création de cette entreprise fut une course d'obstacles.

idiomatic
"Se heurter à un mur"

— To hit an insurmountable obstacle (related idiom).

On se heurte à un mur avec ce client.

informal
"Mettre des bâtons dans les roues"

— To put spokes in the wheels (to obstruct).

Il me met des bâtons dans les roues.

informal
"Brûler les étapes"

— To skip steps (often to avoid obstacles, but can be negative).

Ne brûle pas les étapes.

neutral
"Lever le camp"

— Not an idiom for obstacle, but 'lever un obstacle' is related to removing barriers.

Il faut lever l'obstacle.

neutral
"Franchir le Rubicon"

— To pass a point of no return (overcoming a major obstacle/decision).

Il a franchi le Rubicon.

literary
"Avoir le champ libre"

— To have no obstacles in one's way.

Maintenant, j'ai le champ libre.

neutral
"Être au pied du mur"

— To be forced to face an obstacle/situation.

Je suis au pied du mur.

neutral

Easily Confused

obstacle vs empêchement

Both mean something that prevents an action.

An 'empêchement' is usually a specific circumstance or appointment that prevents you from being somewhere. An 'obstacle' is a barrier in your path.

J'ai un empêchement pour la réunion (I have a conflict). Ce mur est un obstacle (This wall is a barrier).

obstacle vs frein

Both slow down progress.

A 'frein' (brake) slows things down but doesn't necessarily stop them completely like an 'obstacle' might.

Le prix est un frein au développement.

obstacle vs entrave

Both mean a hindrance.

'Entrave' is more formal and often refers to legal or physical shackles.

Les entraves à la liberté de la presse.

obstacle vs écueil

Both mean a danger or barrier.

'Écueil' is literary and refers to a hidden pitfall or a reef.

Éviter les écueils de ce projet complexe.

obstacle vs problème

General synonyms.

A 'problème' needs a solution; an 'obstacle' needs to be cleared, jumped over, or bypassed.

J'ai un problème de maths. J'ai un obstacle sur mon chemin.

Sentence Patterns

A1

C'est un obstacle.

C'est un obstacle.

A2

Il y a un obstacle sur [place].

Il y a un obstacle sur la route.

B1

Je dois surmonter cet obstacle.

Je dois surmonter cet obstacle.

B2

[Subject] est un obstacle à [noun].

Le bruit est un obstacle à la concentration.

B2

Faire obstacle à [something].

Il fait obstacle à mon projet.

C1

Malgré les obstacles, [clause].

Malgré les obstacles, nous avons fini le travail.

C1

Il convient de lever l'obstacle.

Il convient de lever l'obstacle.

C2

Quels que soient les obstacles...

Quels que soient les obstacles, nous gagnerons.

Word Family

Nouns

obstruction (f.)
obstructeur (m.)

Verbs

obstruer

Adjectives

obstructif
obstructionniste

Related

obstacle
obstination
obstiné
obstrué
obstétrical (unrelated but similar looking)
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How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written French.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine an OBject that is STACked Like a wall. OB-STAC-LE.

Visual Association

Visualize a horse jumping over a wooden hurdle. That hurdle is 'l'obstacle'.

Word Web

barrière frein difficulté problème mur pont route succès

Challenge

Try to identify three 'obstacles' you faced today and name them in French.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'obstaculum', which means a hindrance or barrier.

Original meaning: Something that stands in the way.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be careful when calling people 'obstacles'.

The word is a cognate, so English speakers find it very easy, but they must remember the gender change (it's masculine).

Le saut d'obstacles (Olympic sport) L'obstacle épistémologique de Gaston Bachelard The phrase 'La vie est une course d'obstacles'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Sports

  • saut d'obstacles
  • franchir la haie
  • parcours
  • compétition

Driving

  • obstacle sur la route
  • ralentissement
  • accident
  • danger

Business

  • obstacle financier
  • lever les barrières
  • stratégie
  • problème

Law

  • obstacle à la justice
  • loi
  • procédure
  • interdiction

Education

  • obstacle à l'apprentissage
  • difficulté
  • progrès
  • réussite

Conversation Starters

"Quel est le plus grand obstacle que tu as surmonté dans ta vie ?"

"Penses-tu que la langue soit un obstacle à l'amitié ?"

"Quels sont les obstacles pour apprendre le français selon toi ?"

"As-tu déjà fait une course d'obstacles ?"

"Comment peut-on lever les obstacles à la paix dans le monde ?"

Journal Prompts

Décris un obstacle que tu as rencontré cette semaine et comment tu l'as géré.

Est-ce que les obstacles nous rendent vraiment plus forts ? Explique pourquoi.

Imagine un monde sans aucun obstacle. À quoi ressemblerait la vie ?

Quel obstacle administratif t'a le plus agacé dans le passé ?

Écris sur un obstacle imaginaire dans une histoire de science-fiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

8 questions

It is masculine: 'un obstacle'. Even though it ends in 'e', it follows the pattern of many masculine words from Latin.

The most common preposition is 'à'. For example, 'un obstacle à la réussite'.

Yes, you can say someone is an 'obstacle' to your plans, but it can sound quite harsh or dramatic.

'Obstacle' is more general. 'Barrière' often refers to a physical fence or a social limit like the 'language barrier'.

It is called 'un parcours d'obstacles' or sometimes 'une course d'obstacles'.

No, you use the phrase 'faire obstacle à' or the verb 'obstruer' (though obstruer is more for pipes/roads).

Yes, it becomes 'obstacles' (add an 's'). The pronunciation remains the same.

Yes, to describe a physical blockage i

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