Em 15 segundos
- Means 'roughly' or 'along those lines'.
- Used to agree with a general concept.
- Perfect for vague plans and brainstorming.
Significado
It means 'roughly,' 'along those lines,' or 'that's the general idea.' Use it when you agree with a concept but aren't committing to the exact details.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Planning a weekend trip
On part à la mer, dans l'idée ?
We're going to the seaside, roughly?
Discussing a new recipe
C'est un gâteau au chocolat, dans l'idée.
It's a chocolate cake, basically.
In a professional meeting
C'est le bon budget, dans l'idée.
That's the right budget, in principle.
Contexto cultural
French speakers love to debate concepts. This phrase allows them to agree on the 'concept' while leaving room for intellectual nuance. In Quebec, you might hear 'dans ce genre-là' more often, but 'dans l'idée' is perfectly understood.
The Hedge
Use this when you want to be polite but non-committal.
Em 15 segundos
- Means 'roughly' or 'along those lines'.
- Used to agree with a general concept.
- Perfect for vague plans and brainstorming.
What It Means
Imagine you are sketching a map. You haven't drawn every street yet. You just have the general shape. That is dans l'idée. It means "roughly" or "along those lines." It’s used when you agree with the core concept. You aren't worried about the tiny details yet. It’s a very common way to say "basically."
How To Use It
You usually throw this at the end of a sentence. Someone asks if you want to eat Italian. You say, "Oui, dans l'idée." This means you like the concept of pasta. But maybe you’re open to pizza too. It acts as a soft "yes." You can also use it to explain a plan. "On part vers midi, dans l'idée." It tells people not to set their watches by it. It’s the ultimate French "get out of jail free" card for punctuality.
When To Use It
Use it during brainstorming sessions at work. It’s great when you're texting friends about weekend plans. Use it when someone summarizes your thoughts correctly. It shows you are on the same page. It’s perfect for those "sort of" moments in life. Use it at a restaurant when describing a dish you want. It keeps things flexible and friendly.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this when precision is a matter of life or death. Don't use it for a surgery date. Your accountant shouldn't use it for your taxes. If someone asks for a specific address, don't say dans l'idée. It sounds like you are hiding something. It’s too vague for legal contracts or technical manuals. If you need a hard "yes," this isn't it.
Cultural Background
The French love a good abstract concept. We often prefer the "spirit" of a plan over the details. This phrase reflects that cultural love for nuance. It allows for a polite agreement without total surrender. It’s a social lubricant that keeps conversations flowing. It avoids the harshness of a simple "yes" or "no." French people value the intellectual framework of a project first.
Common Variations
You will often hear C'est l'idée. This means "That's the idea." Another one is dans l'esprit. This is slightly more formal and means "in the spirit." If you want to be very casual, use en gros. It means "basically" or "in a nutshell." All of these help you navigate the beautiful gray areas of French.
Notas de uso
This phrase is very flexible and works in almost any conversation. Just remember it signals a lack of precision, so avoid it when exactness is required.
The Hedge
Use this when you want to be polite but non-committal.
Exemplos
6On part à la mer, dans l'idée ?
We're going to the seaside, roughly?
Checking if the general destination is still the plan.
C'est un gâteau au chocolat, dans l'idée.
It's a chocolate cake, basically.
The speaker is explaining the concept of the dish.
C'est le bon budget, dans l'idée.
That's the right budget, in principle.
Agreeing with the amount without final confirmation.
RDV à 19h, dans l'idée ?
Meet at 7 PM, roughly?
Setting a non-binding time for a casual hangout.
Ça ressemble à une étagère, dans l'idée.
It looks like a shelf, in theory.
Joking that the object only vaguely resembles what it should be.
Je veux voyager partout, c'est ça dans l'idée.
I want to travel everywhere, that's the general idea.
Expressing a broad life goal or desire.
Teste-se
Complete the sentence.
C'est exactement ____ de ce que je voulais.
The phrase is invariable.
🎉 Pontuação: /1
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
1 exerciciosC'est exactement ____ de ce que je voulais.
The phrase is invariable.
🎉 Pontuação: /1
Perguntas frequentes
1 perguntasYes, but keep it professional.
Frases relacionadas
Dans le genre
synonymIn that style
Dans l'esprit de
similarIn the spirit of
