Significado
To begin talks or negotiations.
Contexto cultural
In France, the phrase is synonymous with 'le dialogue social'. It is the ritualized first step in resolving the frequent strikes that characterize French labor history. In Quebec, the phrase is used similarly but often in the context of federal-provincial relations, which are a constant topic of political discourse. In the 'Quai d'Orsay' (French Ministry of Foreign Affairs), this phrase is a technical term. To 'entamer' is a specific stage in a diplomatic protocol. French business culture is hierarchical. Only someone with the authority to make decisions (like a 'cadre dirigeant') would typically 'entamer des discussions'.
The Plural Power
Always use 'discussions' in the plural when using this phrase in a formal context. It suggests a series of meetings rather than just one chat.
Don't use with 'à'
Remember: 'entamer quelque chose', NOT 'entamer à faire'. Use 'commencer à' if you need a verb.
Significado
To begin talks or negotiations.
The Plural Power
Always use 'discussions' in the plural when using this phrase in a formal context. It suggests a series of meetings rather than just one chat.
Don't use with 'à'
Remember: 'entamer quelque chose', NOT 'entamer à faire'. Use 'commencer à' if you need a verb.
The 'Grève' Context
If you see this in a French newspaper, it almost always means the government is trying to stop a strike.
Teste-se
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'entamer'.
Le PDG a décidé d'_______ des discussions avec la concurrence.
After 'd'' (de), we need the infinitive form of the verb.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in terms of register?
Choose the most natural sentence for a news report.
'Entamer des discussions' and 'homologue' are the appropriate formal terms for political reporting.
Complete the professional dialogue.
A: 'La situation est bloquée.' B: 'Je sais. Il est temps d'_______.'
In a 'bloquée' (blocked) situation, 'entamer des discussions' is the professional way to suggest a solution.
Match the verb to the situation.
1. A peace treaty. 2. A chat with a friend. 3. A quick question to a waiter.
Entamer is for formal treaties, discuter for friends, and poser for questions.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Commencer vs Entamer
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosLe PDG a décidé d'_______ des discussions avec la concurrence.
After 'd'' (de), we need the infinitive form of the verb.
Choose the most natural sentence for a news report.
'Entamer des discussions' and 'homologue' are the appropriate formal terms for political reporting.
A: 'La situation est bloquée.' B: 'Je sais. Il est temps d'_______.'
In a 'bloquée' (blocked) situation, 'entamer des discussions' is the professional way to suggest a solution.
1. A peace treaty. 2. A chat with a friend. 3. A quick question to a waiter.
Entamer is for formal treaties, discuter for friends, and poser for questions.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, significantly. 'Entamer' is used for serious, structured, or professional beginnings, whereas 'commencer' is the general-purpose word.
Yes, but it usually refers to a single conversation. 'Entamer des discussions' (plural) is the standard term for a negotiation process.
Only if you want to sound like you're negotiating a treaty! It's too formal for romance unless used as a joke.
'Entamer' emphasizes the very first step (breaking the silence), while 'engager' emphasizes the commitment to the process.
Rarely in casual speech. It's very common in news, business, and formal writing.
No, it's neutral, but it often appears in the context of solving a problem or conflict.
Yes! You can 'entamer un livre' or 'entamer un gâteau'. It means you've started it and there's more to go.
'Rompre les discussions' (to break off talks) or 'clore les discussions' (to close/finish talks).
Use 'des' for 'some talks' (general) and 'les' for 'the talks' (specific ones we already mentioned).
Yes, it's excellent for a cover letter: 'Je serais ravi d'entamer des discussions sur ce poste.'
Frases relacionadas
Engager le dialogue
synonymTo engage in dialogue.
Amorcer une pompe
similarTo prime the pump.
Rompre la glace
similarTo break the ice.
Mener des discussions
builds onTo conduct discussions.
