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B1 verb 10 min de leitura

faire attention

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas faire attention em 30 segundos

Explicação faire attention in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners should recognize 'faire attention' primarily as a set phrase for safety. It is often taught in the imperative mood: 'Fais attention !' (informal) or 'Faites attention !' (formal). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar. Just remember that it means 'Be careful!' or 'Watch out!' You might see it on signs in public places or hear it when someone is about to trip. The focus is on immediate, physical safety. You should also learn that 'faire' is the verb used, not 'payer,' which is a common mistake for English speakers. At A1, you are building the foundation of using this phrase to navigate basic daily interactions and understand simple warnings in your environment. You might practice saying 'Fais attention à la voiture' (Watch out for the car) to start using the preposition 'à'.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'faire attention' in more complete sentences and with various subjects. You should be able to conjugate 'faire' in the present tense (je fais, tu fais, il fait, etc.) and use it with the preposition 'à' followed by a noun. For example, 'Je fais attention à mon sac' (I am being careful with my bag). You also learn to use it in the passé composé: 'J'ai fait attention' (I was careful). At this stage, the phrase starts to cover more than just physical danger; it includes being careful with objects or paying attention to a teacher. You should also be aware of the negative form: 'Il ne fait pas attention' (He isn't paying attention). This level requires you to start integrating the phrase into your descriptions of daily routines and simple stories about past events.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'faire attention' with more abstract concepts and complex grammatical structures. This includes using it with an infinitive ('Fais attention à ne pas tomber') and with the construction 'à ce que' followed by the subjunctive mood ('Il fait attention à ce que tout soit parfait'). You should understand the nuance between 'paying attention to a lesson' and 'being careful with a fragile object.' At B1, you also start to encounter synonyms like 'prendre garde' and 'se méfier' and should understand when to use 'faire attention' instead. You can use the phrase to give advice, express concern, or discuss social habits like 'faire attention à sa santé' (watching one's health). Your ability to use the phrase with different tenses, like the future or the conditional, should be developing, allowing you to say things like 'Si tu faisais attention, tu ne ferais pas d'erreurs.'

At the B2 level, your usage of 'faire attention' should be fluid and natural. You can use it to discuss complex social and professional issues, such as 'faire attention à l'environnement' or 'faire attention aux détails d'un contrat.' You are comfortable with the 'ne explétif' that sometimes follows 'faire attention à ce que' in formal speech. You also understand more idiomatic uses and can distinguish between various registers of focus (e.g., 'être aux aguets' vs. 'faire attention'). At this level, you can use the phrase to argue a point or give detailed instructions where precision is required. You understand that 'faire attention à quelqu'un' can mean being emotionally considerate. You are also able to use the pronoun 'y' correctly to replace the object of the attention: 'C'est un problème important, fais-y attention.'

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At the C1 level, you use 'faire attention' and its variants with stylistic precision. You can navigate the subtle differences between 'faire attention,' 'porter attention,' and 'accorder de l'attention.' You recognize the phrase in literature and high-level journalism, where it might be used metaphorically or to critique social behaviors. You are aware of the historical development of the phrase and can use it in highly formal settings, perhaps substituting it with 'faire preuve de vigilance' or 'veiller scrupuleusement à.' Your understanding of the phrase includes its role in complex grammatical structures without hesitation, and you can use it to express very specific degrees of focus and care. You might also explore its use in philosophical contexts, discussing the nature of 'attention' as a cognitive faculty in French thought.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'faire attention' that mirrors a native speaker's intuition. You can use the phrase in all its nuances, from the most colloquial slang to the most elevated literary style. You are capable of using it to convey irony, sarcasm, or deep emotional resonance. You understand the philosophical and psychological depths of 'attention' in French culture, perhaps referencing authors who have written on the subject. You can manipulate the phrase within complex, multi-clause sentences with perfect grammatical accuracy. At this level, the phrase is no longer a 'vocabulary word' but a versatile tool that you use effortlessly to navigate any social, professional, or academic situation in the French-speaking world, perfectly adapting your choice of words to the context.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

faire attention em 30 segundos

Faire attention means 'to pay attention' or 'to be careful' in French, using the verb 'faire' instead of 'payer'.
It is commonly followed by the preposition 'à' when specifying the object of attention, such as 'faire attention au chien'.
In the imperative, it serves as a warning like 'Watch out!' and can be shortened to simply 'Attention !' in urgent situations.
It is a versatile phrase used for physical safety, mental focus, and social consideration across all levels of formality.

The French verbal expression faire attention is one of the most versatile and essential phrases in the French language. At its core, it translates to "to pay attention" or "to be careful." However, its usage spans a wide spectrum of human experience, from physical safety to intellectual focus and social etiquette. When you tell someone to faire attention, you are asking them to mobilize their senses and cognitive resources toward a specific object, person, or situation. It is not merely a passive observation but an active engagement with the environment or a subject of study.

Physical Safety: In its most immediate sense, it serves as a warning. Whether you are crossing a busy street in Paris or handling a sharp knife in a kitchen, this phrase acts as a linguistic shield. It alerts the listener to potential danger.
Cognitive Focus: In an academic or professional setting, it refers to the concentration required to understand a complex concept or to avoid making errors in a task. It is the mental effort of 'attending' to information.
Social Consideration: Interestingly, it also extends to how we treat others. To faire attention à quelqu'un can mean to be considerate of their feelings or to look after their well-being, showing a level of care and mindfulness in relationships.

S'il vous plaît, faites attention à la marche en descendant du train.

The phrase is composed of the verb faire (to do/make) and the noun attention. Unlike English, where one "pays" attention (suggesting a transaction of mental currency), French speakers "make" or "do" attention, suggesting a constructive action. This subtle difference highlights how French views the act of focusing as a deliberate creation of awareness. You will hear it in schools, where teachers urge students to focus on the blackboard, and you will see it on yellow warning signs in public spaces. It is a ubiquitous part of the Francophone auditory landscape, serving as a constant reminder to remain present and vigilant in an often chaotic world.

Tu devrais faire attention à ce que tu dis devant les enfants.

Furthermore, the intensity of the phrase can be modified with adverbs. One might say faire très attention (to be very careful) or faire plus attention (to pay more attention). In the imperative mood, it is frequently shortened in informal speech to just "Attention !" which functions exactly like the English "Watch out!" or "Look out!" This versatility makes it an indispensable tool for any learner aiming for B1 proficiency and beyond, as it allows for nuanced communication about safety, focus, and interpersonal respect.

Mastering the syntax of faire attention is crucial for moving from a basic to an intermediate level of French. The phrase follows several distinct patterns depending on whether you are warning someone, focusing on an object, or describing an action to be avoided. Because it uses the verb faire, you must be comfortable with its irregular conjugation in various tenses, particularly the present, the imperative, and the future.

Pattern 1: Absolute Usage: When used alone, usually in the imperative, it serves as a general warning. Example: "Fais attention !" (Be careful!). No object is needed because the context provides the danger.
Pattern 2: Faire attention à + Noun: This is the most common construction. You must use the preposition 'à'. Example: "Je fais attention au trafic." (I am paying attention to the traffic). Remember that 'à + le' becomes 'au' and 'à + les' becomes 'aux'.
Pattern 3: Faire attention à + Infinitive: Used when you want someone to be careful to perform a certain action. Example: "Fais attention à bien fermer la porte." (Be careful to close the door properly).

Nous faisons attention à ne pas gaspiller d'eau pendant la sécheresse.

A particularly tricky but important construction for B1 learners is faire attention à ce que followed by the subjunctive mood. This is used when you want to ensure that a certain situation occurs or is avoided. For example: "Fais attention à ce qu'il ne tombe pas" (Be careful that he doesn't fall). The use of the 'ne' here is often the ne explétif, which doesn't add a negative meaning but is grammatically required in formal or standard French after certain expressions of fear or precaution.

Elle a fait attention de ne pas réveiller le bébé en rentrant tard.

Note the use of de in the example above. While à is more common for objects and general care, faire attention de ne pas [infinitive] is a standard way to say "be careful not to [do something]." This distinction is subtle but helps in achieving a more native-like flow. In professional writing, you might see porter une attention particulière à, which is a more formal variant. However, for daily conversation, faire attention remains the gold standard for expressing vigilance and mindfulness.

If you spend a day in a French-speaking city, you will likely hear faire attention or its imperative form dozens of times. It is embedded in the public infrastructure and the social fabric. Understanding where and how it is used in real life helps bridge the gap between textbook knowledge and cultural fluency. From the metro announcements to the warnings of a concerned parent, the phrase is a constant companion.

Public Transportation: In the Paris Metro, you will frequently hear: "Attention à la marche en descendant du train" (Mind the gap when getting off the train). Here, 'Attention' is used as a shorthand for 'Faites attention'.
Parenting and Schools: Parents are constantly telling their children, "Fais attention !" when they are playing near water, running, or carrying something fragile. In schools, teachers say, "Faites attention au tableau," to focus students' eyes on the board.
Workplace Safety: In manual labor sectors, signs will read "Attention : Port du casque obligatoire" or "Faites attention aux machines en mouvement." It is the standard phrase for occupational health and safety.

Le serveur nous a dit de faire attention car l'assiette était brûlante.

In the digital world, you might see it in warnings about phishing or online security: "Faites attention à ne jamais partager votre mot de passe." It also appears in the context of health and diet, where one might faire attention à ce qu'on mange (watch what one eats). This usage reflects a modern concern with wellness and self-discipline. The phrase is also common in sports, where coaches instruct players to faire attention au placement (pay attention to positioning).

Sur l'autoroute, les panneaux nous rappellent de faire attention aux distances de sécurité.

Finally, in the realm of social media and news, journalists often urge the public to faire attention aux fausses informations (be careful of fake news). This shows the phrase's evolution from purely physical warnings to a broader intellectual vigilance required in the information age. Whether it's a literal slip on the ice or a metaphorical slip in judgment, faire attention is the linguistic tool the French use to navigate the hazards of life.

For English speakers, the expression faire attention presents several "false friend" traps and grammatical hurdles. Because the English verb is "to pay," many students instinctively want to use the French verb payer. This is a significant error; in French, you never "pay" attention in a literal sense. Avoiding these pitfalls is key to achieving B1 competency and sounding more like a native speaker.

The "Payer" Trap: Never say "payer attention." This is a direct anglicism that makes no sense in French. Always use faire. If you want to say someone is paying a lot of attention, you can say accorder de l'attention, but never payer.
Preposition Confusion: English speakers often say "pay attention TO," and while French also uses 'à', learners often forget to contract the preposition. Forgetting that 'à + le' becomes 'au' is a common B1 mistake (e.g., saying 'faire attention à le chien' instead of 'au chien').
Confusing with "Prendre soin": Sometimes learners use 'faire attention' when they mean 'to take care of' (as in looking after a sick person). While 'faire attention à quelqu'un' can mean being considerate, 'prendre soin de' is the correct term for physical caretaking.

Faux : Je ~~paye attention~~ à la leçon.
Juste : Je fais attention à la leçon.

Another common mistake involves the negative imperative. Learners might say "Ne fais pas attention !" thinking it means "Don't be careful!" While grammatically correct, it actually means "Ignore it!" or "Don't mind that!" If you want to tell someone they are being reckless, you would say "Tu ne fais pas attention" (You aren't paying attention) rather than using the imperative command.

Faux : Fais attention de le trou.
Juste : Fais attention au trou.

Lastly, many learners struggle with the placement of the adverb. In English, we say "Pay close attention." In French, the adverb usually follows the verb: Faites bien attention or Faites très attention. Placing the adverb at the end of the sentence (e.g., "Faites attention très") is a structural error. By focusing on these specific areas—verb choice, preposition contraction, and adverb placement—you will avoid the most frequent errors associated with this phrase.

While faire attention is the most common way to express care and focus, the French language offers several alternatives that carry different shades of meaning, formality, and intensity. Knowing these synonyms allows you to be more precise in your speech and to understand a wider range of texts and conversations.

Prendre garde: This is a more formal and often more urgent version of 'faire attention.' It is frequently used in written warnings or literary contexts. Example: 'Prenez garde au loup' (Beware of the wolf). It suggests a more serious threat.
Se méfier: This means 'to be wary' or 'to distrust.' While 'faire attention' is about focus, 'se méfier' implies a lack of trust in someone or something. Example: 'Méfie-toi des apparences' (Distrust appearances/Don't be fooled by appearances).
Veiller à: This means 'to see to it' or 'to ensure.' It is more proactive than just paying attention. Example: 'Veillez à ce que le dossier soit prêt' (Ensure that the file is ready).

Il faut se méfier de ce vendeur, il n'est pas très honnête.

Another useful alternative is être vigilant. This is often used in official contexts, such as security alerts or weather warnings (e.g., 'vigilance orange'). It implies a sustained state of alertness rather than a momentary act of paying attention. In a classroom, a teacher might say soyez attentifs (be attentive), which is slightly more formal than faites attention and specifically targets the state of being focused.

Nous devons veiller à la sécurité de tous les participants.

Comparing these options helps clarify when faire attention is the best choice. Use it for everyday warnings and general focus. Use prendre garde for formal warnings, se méfier when there is a hint of suspicion, and veiller à when you are taking responsibility for a result. By expanding your vocabulary in this way, you move beyond basic communication and begin to express the subtle complexities of human awareness and intention.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The English word 'attention' comes from the same Latin root, but the French construction 'faire attention' solidified in the 17th century as the standard way to express mindfulness, while English opted for 'pay attention'.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /fɛʁ a.tɑ̃.sjɔ̃/

US /fɛr əˈtɛnʃən/

The stress in French is generally on the last syllable of the phrase: 'faire atten-TION'.

Rima com

intention invention mention tension pension sanction élection direction

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the 'n' in 'attention' instead of making it a nasal vowel.
Pronouncing 'faire' like 'fire'.
Using a hard 'sh' sound for the 'ti' in 'attention' instead of an 's' sound.
Failing to link 'faire' and 'attention' smoothly.
Over-stressing the first syllable.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize in text as it is very common.

Escrita 4/5

Difficult to remember the 'à' and the subjunctive 'à ce que'.

Expressão oral 3/5

Requires fast conjugation of 'faire' and correct nasal sounds.

Audição 2/5

Usually clearly enunciated in public warnings.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

Faire À Le/La/Les Pas Regarder

Aprenda a seguir

Prendre garde Se méfier Veiller à S'occuper de Vigilance

Avançado

Accorder de l'importance Porter son attention Faire preuve de discernement

Gramática essencial

Contraction of 'à'

Fais attention AU (à + le) chien.

The Subjunctive after 'à ce que'

Fais attention à ce qu'il SOIT (subjunctive of être) là.

Negation with 'ne pas'

Fais attention à NE PAS tomber.

Imperative of 'faire'

Fais attention (Tu) / Faites attention (Vous).

The 'ne explétif'

Fais attention à ce qu'il ne pleuve pas (The 'ne' is optional and literary).

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Exemplos por nível

Fais attention !

Be careful!

Imperative form of 'faire' for 'tu'.

Faites attention à la voiture.

Watch out for the car.

Faire attention + à + noun.

Attention à la marche.

Mind the step.

Shortened form used for warnings.

Je fais attention.

I am being careful.

Present tense, first person singular.

Tu fais attention au chien ?

Are you paying attention to the dog?

Question in the present tense.

Fais attention à tes affaires.

Watch your things.

Possessive adjective 'tes' used with 'affaires'.

Elle fait attention à l'eau.

She is careful with the water.

Present tense, third person singular.

Fais attention, c'est chaud !

Be careful, it's hot!

Use of 'c'est' to describe a condition.

Il faut faire attention quand on traverse.

You must be careful when crossing.

'Il faut' + infinitive.

Nous avons fait attention pendant le voyage.

We were careful during the trip.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

Fais attention à ne pas casser le verre.

Be careful not to break the glass.

Faire attention à + ne pas + infinitive.

Elle ne fait pas attention à ce qu'il dit.

She isn't paying attention to what he's saying.

Negative form + 'à ce que'.

Faites attention aux enfants dans la rue.

Watch out for the children in the street.

Contraction 'à + les' = 'aux'.

Je vais faire attention à mon budget.

I am going to watch my budget.

Futur proche (aller + infinitive).

Est-ce que tu fais attention à ta santé ?

Do you pay attention to your health?

Interrogative with 'est-ce que'.

Ils font attention à leur nouveau chat.

They are being careful with their new cat.

Present tense, third person plural.

Fais attention à ce que tu ne tombes pas.

Be careful that you don't fall.

Faire attention à ce que + subjunctive.

Il est important de faire attention aux détails.

It is important to pay attention to details.

Adjective + 'de' + infinitive.

Si tu avais fait attention, tu n'aurais pas fait d'erreur.

If you had paid attention, you wouldn't have made a mistake.

Third conditional (Si + plus-que-parfait).

Elle fait attention de ne pas faire trop de bruit.

She is careful not to make too much noise.

Faire attention de + ne pas + infinitive.

Faites attention à ce que le message soit clair.

Pay attention so that the message is clear.

Subjunctive 'soit' after 'à ce que'.

Je ferai attention à tes conseils à l'avenir.

I will pay attention to your advice in the future.

Futur simple of 'faire'.

Il ne fait plus attention à ses vieux jouets.

He no longer pays attention to his old toys.

Negative 'ne... plus'.

Faire attention à soi est essentiel pour le bien-être.

Taking care of oneself is essential for well-being.

Infinitive as a subject.

L'entreprise doit faire attention à son image de marque.

The company must pay attention to its brand image.

Modal verb 'doit' + infinitive.

Faites attention à ce qu'aucune information ne fuite.

Be careful that no information leaks.

Subjunctive with 'ne explétif'.

Il faut faire attention à ne pas généraliser trop vite.

One must be careful not to generalize too quickly.

Infinitive with 'ne pas' and adverb 'trop vite'.

En faisant attention, on peut éviter bien des problèmes.

By being careful, one can avoid many problems.

Gérondif (en + participe présent).

Elle a toujours fait attention à ne léser personne.

She has always been careful not to wrong anyone.

Passé composé with 'toujours'.

Faites attention à la manière dont vous présentez les faits.

Pay attention to the way you present the facts.

Relative clause with 'dont'.

Je vous demande de faire attention à mes paroles.

I ask you to pay attention to my words.

Verb 'demander' + 'de' + infinitive.

Il n'a pas fait attention aux conséquences de ses actes.

He didn't pay attention to the consequences of his actions.

Negative passé composé.

L'auteur nous invite à faire attention à la polysémie des mots.

The author invites us to pay attention to the polysemy of words.

Academic register.

Il convient de faire attention à l'évolution du climat social.

It is advisable to pay attention to the evolution of the social climate.

Formal 'il convient de'.

Faisons attention à ne pas transformer le débat en polémique.

Let's be careful not to turn the debate into a controversy.

Imperative 'nous' form.

Elle fait attention à maintenir un équilibre entre vie privée et vie pro.

She is careful to maintain a balance between private and professional life.

Complex infinitive phrase.

Il faut faire attention à ce que l'innovation ne sacrifie pas l'éthique.

We must ensure that innovation does not sacrifice ethics.

Subjunctive with 'ne explétif'.

L'historien fait attention à croiser ses sources pour être objectif.

The historian is careful to cross-reference his sources to be objective.

Specific professional context.

Faites attention à la subtilité des nuances dans ce poème.

Pay attention to the subtlety of nuances in this poem.

Literary analysis context.

Il a fait attention à ne pas froisser les susceptibilités locales.

He was careful not to offend local sensitivities.

Diplomatic register.

La phénoménologie nous enjoint de faire attention à l'essence des choses.

Phenomenology enjoins us to pay attention to the essence of things.

Philosophical register.

Il faut faire attention à l'érosion insidieuse de nos libertés individuelles.

We must pay attention to the insidious erosion of our individual freedoms.

Political/Intellectual register.

Faisons attention à ce que le progrès technique ne devienne pas une aliénation.

Let us be careful that technical progress does not become an alienation.

Subjunctive with complex noun phrases.

L'artiste fait attention à capturer l'éphémère dans son œuvre.

The artist is careful to capture the ephemeral in his work.

Artistic theory context.

Il importe de faire attention à la sémantique lors des négociations.

It is important to pay attention to semantics during negotiations.

Formal 'il importe de'.

Elle fait attention à ne jamais laisser l'arrogance obscurcir son jugement.

She is careful never to let arrogance cloud her judgment.

Moral/Psychological context.

Faites attention à la résonance de vos silences autant qu'à celle de vos mots.

Pay attention to the resonance of your silences as much as to that of your words.

Poetic/Rhetorical structure.

Le scientifique doit faire attention à ne pas biaiser ses propres résultats.

The scientist must be careful not to bias his own results.

Scientific ethics context.

Colocações comuns

Faire attention à la route

Faire attention aux détails

Faire attention à son budget

Faire attention à sa santé

Faire attention à ce qu'on dit

Faire attention aux autres

Faire très attention

Faire plus attention

Faire attention à ne pas...

Prêter attention à

Frases Comuns

Fais attention à toi

— A common way to say 'Take care' or 'Be safe' when leaving someone.

Bon voyage et fais attention à toi !

Attention à la marche

— A standard warning found in trains and public buildings to mind the step.

Attention à la marche en descendant du bus.

Faire attention au grain

— An old nautical term meaning to watch out for a sudden squall; metaphorically, to watch for trouble.

En politique, il faut toujours faire attention au grain.

Sans faire attention

— Meaning 'without realizing' or 'accidentally.'

J'ai cassé le vase sans faire attention.

Faire attention à ses arrières

— To watch one's back or be careful of hidden dangers.

Dans ce quartier, il faut faire attention à ses arrières.

Faire attention à sa ligne

— To watch one's weight or diet.

Elle fait attention à sa ligne avant l'été.

Faire attention aux apparences

— To be careful about how things look or to be wary of superficiality.

Il faut faire attention aux apparences trompeuses.

Faire attention à la dépense

— To be careful with spending money.

Ils font attention à la dépense depuis qu'il a perdu son emploi.

Faire attention à ne pas déranger

— To be mindful not to bother anyone.

Fais attention à ne pas déranger tes voisins.

Faire attention à tout

— To be meticulous or highly observant of everything.

C'est un détective qui fait attention à tout.

Frequentemente confundido com

faire attention vs Payer attention

A common anglicism. In French, you 'make' (faire) attention, you never 'pay' (payer) it.

faire attention vs Prendre soin

Means 'to take care of' in a nurturing way, whereas 'faire attention' is about being careful or focused.

faire attention vs Regarder

Means 'to look at,' but 'faire attention' implies a deeper level of focus or vigilance.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Faire attention comme à la prunelle de ses yeux"

— To take care of something as if it were the most precious thing (like the apple of one's eye).

Il fait attention à sa collection comme à la prunelle de ses yeux.

Literary/Informal

"Ouvrir l'œil (et le bon)"

— To pay very close attention or be extremely vigilant.

Ouvre l'œil si tu vas dans ce quartier.

Informal

"Être tout ouïe"

— To pay full attention with one's ears; to be all ears.

Raconte-moi ton histoire, je suis tout ouïe.

Neutral

"Marcher sur des œufs"

— To be extremely careful in a sensitive situation.

Avec ce client difficile, je marche sur des œufs.

Informal

"Prendre des gants"

— To be very careful and diplomatic when dealing with someone.

Il faut prendre des gants pour lui annoncer la nouvelle.

Neutral

"Avoir l'œil à tout"

— To pay attention to every detail or be very observant.

Le chef a l'œil à tout dans la cuisine.

Neutral

"Se tenir sur ses gardes"

— To remain vigilant and prepared for a threat.

L'armée se tient sur ses gardes à la frontière.

Formal

"Faire gaffe"

— The slang version of 'faire attention.' Very common in spoken French.

Fais gaffe, le prof arrive !

Slang

"Ménager la chèvre et le chou"

— To try to please everyone; to be very careful to remain neutral.

Il essaye de ménager la chèvre et le chou dans cette dispute.

Neutral

"Dormir d'un œil"

— To pay attention even while sleeping; to stay alert.

En camping sauvage, je dors d'un œil.

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

faire attention vs Attendre

Looks like 'attention'.

'Attendre' means 'to wait', while 'faire attention' means 'to be careful' or 'to pay attention'.

J'attends le bus mais je fais attention aux voitures.

faire attention vs Intention

Sounds similar to 'attention'.

'Intention' is a plan or aim, while 'attention' is focus or care.

Mon intention est de faire attention à mes études.

faire attention vs Avertir

Both relate to warnings.

'Avertir' is the verb 'to warn', while 'faire attention' is the act of being careful.

Je t'avertis : fais attention !

faire attention vs Méfiance

Both involve being careful.

'Méfiance' is 'distrust' or 'suspicion', whereas 'attention' is just 'focus' or 'care'.

Fais attention, mais n'aie pas trop de méfiance.

faire attention vs Vigilance

Synonyms.

'Vigilance' is a noun for a sustained state of alertness, often formal.

La vigilance est de mise, faites attention.

Padrões de frases

Fais attention !

Fais attention à + [noun]

Fais attention au chat.

Faites attention à + [noun]

Faites attention à vos sacs.

Faire attention à ne pas + [infinitive]

Fais attention à ne pas glisser.

Faire attention à ce que + [subjunctive]

Fais attention à ce qu'il arrive à l'heure.

[Subject] + faire attention à + [abstract noun]

Le gouvernement fait attention à l'opinion publique.

Il convient de faire attention à + [noun phrase]

Il convient de faire attention à la structure du texte.

Faire attention à la résonance de + [concept]

Il fait attention à la résonance de ses paroles.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

Attention (focus/care)

Inattention (lack of focus)

Attentisme (waiting game/passivity)

Verbos

Faire (to do/make)

Attendre (to wait - related root)

Attentionner (to be attentive to - rare)

Adjetivos

Attentif (attentive)

Inattentif (unfocused)

Attentionné (considerate/thoughtful)

Relacionado

Vigilance

Prudence

Concentration

Soin

Garde

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Como usar

frequency

Extremely high; used daily in almost all contexts.

Erros comuns

Je paye attention. → Je fais attention.
English speakers translate 'pay attention' literally. In French, the verb 'faire' (to do/make) is used instead of 'payer' (to pay).
Fais attention à le trou. → Fais attention au trou.
The preposition 'à' must contract with the definite article 'le' to become 'au'.
Fais attention que tu ne tombes pas. → Fais attention à ce que tu ne tombes pas.
The correct construction for 'be careful that...' is 'faire attention à ce que' followed by the subjunctive.
Fais attention très. → Fais très attention.
Adverbs like 'très' should come before the noun 'attention' or immediately after the verb in French, not at the end of the phrase.
Je fais attention de mon sac. → Je fais attention à mon sac.
The preposition 'à' is used for objects of attention, not 'de'.

Dicas

Preposition Contraction

Always remember that 'à' contracts with 'le' and 'les'. Say 'faire attention AU chien' and 'faire attention AUX voitures'. This is one of the most frequent mistakes for B1 learners.

The Slang Version

Learn 'faire gaffe'. You will hear it in almost every French movie and casual conversation. Using it correctly will make you sound much more native, but use it only with people you know well.

Nasal Vowels

The 'on' at the end of 'attention' is a nasal vowel. Do not let your tongue touch the roof of your mouth for the 'n'. The sound should come partly through your nose.

Metro Announcements

When in Paris, listen to the metro announcements. 'Attention à la marche' is a great real-world example of the phrase in action. It helps you associate the sound with a physical action.

Formal Alternatives

In essays, try using 'prêter attention' or 'être attentif'. It shows a higher level of vocabulary than the basic 'faire attention'. For example: 'Le lecteur doit être attentif au ton de l'auteur'.

Subjunctive Trigger

Memorize 'faire attention à ce que + subjunctive'. It’s a classic B1/B2 grammar point. If you use it correctly in a speaking exam, you will score high points for grammatical range.

Short Warnings

In an emergency, don't worry about the full sentence. Just yell 'Attention !' It is universally understood and could save someone from a minor accident.

Linking Sounds

Practice the liaison between 'faire' and 'attention'. It sounds like 'fay-rah-tahn-syohn'. The 'r' links to the 'a', creating a continuous flow of sound.

Negative Imperative

Remember that 'Ne fais pas attention' usually means 'Ignore it' or 'Don't mind that,' rather than 'Don't be careful.' This is a common source of confusion.

Action vs Transaction

Think of paying attention as a transaction in English (Pay) but as an action in French (Make/Do). This mental shift helps you avoid using the verb 'payer'.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think: 'I MAKE attention' (Faire = Make). Imagine you are building a shield (Attention) around yourself to stay safe.

Associação visual

Visualize a bright yellow warning sign with a giant eye on it. The eye is 'making' a path through a dark forest.

Word Web

Faire Attention À (Preposition) Prudence Vigilance Danger Focus Écouter

Desafio

Try to use 'faire attention' in three different contexts today: once for safety, once for focus, and once for social care.

Origem da palavra

The phrase comes from the verb 'faire' (Latin 'facere') and the noun 'attention' (Latin 'attentio'). The Latin root 'attendere' literally means 'to stretch toward,' indicating a physical stretching of the mind or senses toward an object.

Significado original: Originally, it meant to physically lean or stretch to hear or see something better.

Romance (Latin-based).

Contexto cultural

Be aware that 'Fais attention !' can sound sharp or bossy if said with a harsh tone. Use 'Faites attention, s'il vous plaît' for a more polite warning.

English speakers say 'Pay attention,' implying a cost. French speakers say 'Make attention,' implying a construction. This can lead to the 'payer attention' error.

The song 'Fais attention' by various French artists often deals with love and heartbreak. The ubiquitous 'Attention à la marche' announcement in the Paris Metro. Common tropes in French cinema where a character fails to 'faire attention' to a plot twist.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Safety

Fais attention à la marche.
Fais attention au feu.
Fais attention en voiture.
Attention, c'est fragile !

Education

Faites attention au professeur.
Fais attention à ton orthographe.
Il faut faire attention en lisant.
Prêtez attention aux consignes.

Social

Fais attention à ce que tu dis.
Elle fait attention aux autres.
Fais attention à ne pas blesser ses sentiments.
Fais attention à toi.

Health

Il fait attention à ce qu'il mange.
Fais attention à ta santé.
Je fais attention à mon sommeil.
Faites attention au soleil.

Finance

Faire attention à ses dépenses.
Fais attention à ton argent.
On doit faire attention au budget.
Fais attention aux arnaques.

Iniciadores de conversa

"Est-ce que tu fais souvent attention à ton alimentation ?"

"À quoi dois-je faire attention si je visite ta ville ?"

"Fais-tu attention aux détails quand tu travailles ?"

"Est-il difficile de faire attention en écoutant un long discours ?"

"À quoi fais-tu le plus attention chez une personne ?"

Temas para diário

Décris une situation où tu n'as pas fait attention et ce qui s'est passé.

Pourquoi est-il important de faire attention à l'environnement aujourd'hui ?

Quelles sont les trois choses auxquelles tu fais le plus attention dans ta vie ?

Comment peut-on apprendre aux enfants à faire attention aux autres ?

Est-ce que tu penses que les gens font moins attention qu'avant à cause des smartphones ?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, 'payer attention' is an incorrect literal translation from English. You must always use 'faire attention' in French. If you want to be more formal, you can use 'prêter attention' or 'accorder de l'attention', but never 'payer'.

'Faire attention à' is usually followed by a noun or a positive infinitive (e.g., 'faire attention au chien', 'faire attention à bien fermer'). 'Faire attention de' is often used with 'ne pas' to mean 'be careful not to' (e.g., 'faire attention de ne pas tomber'). However, 'à ne pas' is also very common.

Yes, 'faire gaffe' is the slang (argot) equivalent of 'faire attention'. It is extremely common in spoken French among friends and family, but should be avoided in formal writing or professional settings.

In urgent situations or on signs, the verb 'faire' is often omitted for brevity. It functions like the English 'Watch out!' or 'Danger!'. Examples include 'Attention au chien' or 'Attention, peinture fraîche'.

It can mean you are being considerate or looking after them, which implies a positive relationship. However, it can also just mean you are watching them because they might be dangerous. Context is key.

The subjunctive mood is required. For example: 'Fais attention à ce qu'il ne soit pas en retard.' This is because the phrase expresses a wish, a goal, or a precaution, which triggers the subjunctive in French.

No, for watching a movie, you use 'regarder un film'. 'Faire attention' would only be used if you were focusing intensely on a specific detail within the movie for analysis.

For the 'tu' form of the imperative, it is 'Fais attention'. For the 'il/elle' form of the present tense, it is 'Il fait attention'. Remember that the imperative 'tu' form of -re verbs like 'faire' keeps the 's'.

In standard French, you say 'Prends soin de toi'. However, in Quebec and sometimes in France, 'Fais attention à toi' is a very common way to say 'Take care' or 'Stay safe'.

'Inattention' is the same word in French and English. You can say 'par inattention' to mean 'out of carelessness' or 'without paying attention' (e.g., 'J'ai fait une erreur par inattention').

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