Significado
Secretly, discreetly, without drawing attention.
Contexto cultural
In France, 'en douce' is often linked to 'le système D' (resourcefulness). It's seen as a way to bypass rigid bureaucracy without causing a direct conflict. In Quebec, you might also hear 'en cachette' more frequently in family settings, but 'en douce' remains perfectly understood and used in media. In countries like Senegal or Ivory Coast, 'en douce' can sometimes imply a bit of corruption or 'under the table' deals, though it maintains its general meaning of secrecy. Belgian French uses 'en douce' identically to France, often in the context of 'stoumelings' (a Brussels dialect word for secretly).
The 'Spy' Test
If a spy would do it, use 'en douce.' If a grandmother would do it to be kind, use 'doucement.'
Fixed Gender
Never say 'en doux.' It is always 'douce,' even if you are a man talking about yourself.
Significado
Secretly, discreetly, without drawing attention.
The 'Spy' Test
If a spy would do it, use 'en douce.' If a grandmother would do it to be kind, use 'doucement.'
Fixed Gender
Never say 'en doux.' It is always 'douce,' even if you are a man talking about yourself.
Combine with Verbs
Master the pair 's'éclipser en douce'—it makes you sound very native at parties.
Teste-se
Choisissez la bonne expression pour compléter la phrase.
Il ne voulait pas réveiller ses parents, alors il est rentré ________.
'En douce' is used here because there is an element of secrecy (not wanting to be caught). 'Doucement' would just mean he was walking slowly.
Complétez avec 'en douce' ou 'doucement'.
Parle ________, le bébé dort ! Mais si tu veux un bonbon, prends-le ________.
The first refers to volume (doucement), the second to secrecy (en douce).
Associez l'action à la description.
Lequel de ces comportements est 'en douce' ?
Leaving to avoid a task is a classic 'en douce' move.
Complétez le dialogue avec la forme correcte.
— Pourquoi tu n'as pas dit que tu démissionnais ? — Je voulais préparer mon départ ________ pour ne pas créer de panique.
While all three work, 'en douce' is the most natural for a professional yet informal conversation.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
En Douce vs. Doucement
Common Verbs with 'En Douce'
Movement
- • Partir
- • S'éclipser
- • Sortir
Action
- • Faire
- • Prendre
- • Changer
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosIl ne voulait pas réveiller ses parents, alors il est rentré ________.
'En douce' is used here because there is an element of secrecy (not wanting to be caught). 'Doucement' would just mean he was walking slowly.
Parle ________, le bébé dort ! Mais si tu veux un bonbon, prends-le ________.
The first refers to volume (doucement), the second to secrecy (en douce).
Lequel de ces comportements est 'en douce' ?
Leaving to avoid a task is a classic 'en douce' move.
— Pourquoi tu n'as pas dit que tu démissionnais ? — Je voulais préparer mon départ ________ pour ne pas créer de panique.
While all three work, 'en douce' is the most natural for a professional yet informal conversation.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt depends on the context. Sneaking a cookie is fine; changing a contract 'en douce' is dishonest.
No, use 'doucement' for speed.
'En cachette' implies you are physically hiding. 'En douce' is more about the manner of the action.
Yes, to describe unofficial actions or things done without formal approval.
Yes, it's one of the most common ways to use the phrase.
Only with friends under 30. In a professional setting, stick to 'en douce.'
No, it is an invariable adverbial phrase.
It's a historical remnant of 'de manière douce.'
Yes! 'On a tout préparé en douce' is perfect.
Yes, especially in detective novels or modern fiction.
Frases relacionadas
en catimini
synonymSecretly and often with a bit of mystery.
en cachette
similarIn hiding.
sous cape
similarSecretly (often laughing).
en scred
synonymSecretly (Verlan).
à la dérobée
similarStealthily.
ni vu ni connu
builds onWithout being seen or known.
