soin
soin em 30 segundos
- Soin means care, attention, or medical treatment.
- Use 'prendre soin de' for looking after someone or something.
- Use 'avec soin' to describe doing a task meticulously.
- The plural 'soins' usually refers to healthcare or beauty treatments.
The French word soin is a multifaceted noun that primarily translates to 'care' in English. At its core, it represents the attention, effort, and resources dedicated to maintaining the well-being of a person, an object, or a task. Whether you are talking about medical treatment, personal grooming, or the meticulousness applied to a professional project, soin is the operative word. It encapsulates both the physical act of tending to something and the mental state of being thorough and attentive.
- Medical Context
- In a clinical setting, les soins (often plural) refers to medical treatments, nursing, or the general provision of healthcare. For example, 'soins intensifs' means intensive care.
L'infirmière prodigue des soins attentifs aux patients chaque matin.
Beyond medicine, soin describes the quality of work. If someone works 'avec soin', they are working with great attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect is handled correctly and aesthetically. This is a highly valued trait in French culture, often associated with craftsmanship and professionalism. It suggests a level of devotion that goes beyond merely finishing a task; it implies doing it beautifully and correctly.
- Personal Grooming
- The term is ubiquitous in the beauty industry. 'Soins du visage' (facial care) or 'soins du corps' (body care) are standard phrases found in spas and on product packaging.
Elle utilise un soin hydratant pour protéger sa peau du froid.
Philosophically, soin relates to the concept of 'le souci de soi' (care of the self), a theme explored by thinkers like Michel Foucault. It involves the ethical practice of managing one's own life and health with intention. In everyday life, this translates to 'prendre soin de soi'—taking care of oneself physically and mentally.
- Attention to Detail
- When you describe a piece of art or a written report as having been done with 'grand soin', you are praising the meticulous effort and the lack of errors.
Ce rapport a été rédigé avec un soin particulier pour éviter toute confusion.
Prendre soin de ses parents âgés est un devoir moral important.
Le soin apporté à la décoration rend la maison très chaleureuse.
Using soin correctly requires understanding its common grammatical structures and the difference between its singular and plural forms. The most frequent construction you will encounter is the verbal phrase prendre soin de (to take care of). This can apply to people, animals, objects, or even abstract concepts like one's health or reputation.
- Prendre soin de + Noun
- Used for ongoing maintenance or protection. 'Je prends soin de mon jardin' (I take care of my garden).
Il faut prendre soin de sa santé mentale autant que de sa santé physique.
Another essential usage is the adverbial phrase avec soin. This modifies a verb to indicate that an action is performed meticulously. It is synonymous with 'carefully' or 'thoroughly'. For instance, 'Il a rangé ses dossiers avec soin' means he organized his files with care. You can intensify this by saying 'avec le plus grand soin' (with the greatest care).
- Apporter du soin à
- This structure is used to describe the effort put into a specific task. 'Elle apporte beaucoup de soin à sa présentation' (She puts a lot of care into her presentation).
L'artisan a mis tout son soin dans la fabrication de ce meuble en bois.
In formal or administrative contexts, you might see the phrase aux bons soins de, which is the equivalent of 'c/o' (care of) on an envelope. It indicates that a letter should be delivered to one person via another. Additionally, the phrase laisser le soin à quelqu'un de... means to leave the responsibility of doing something to someone else.
- Avoir soin de + Infinitive
- A slightly more formal way to say 'to be careful to'. 'Ayez soin de fermer la porte' (Be careful to close the door).
Elle a eu soin de vérifier les horaires avant de partir.
Les soins du visage sont essentiels pour garder une peau saine.
Je vous laisse le soin de choisir le restaurant pour ce soir.
The word soin is omnipresent in French daily life, appearing in professional, medical, and personal spheres. If you visit a French pharmacy (pharmacie) or a beauty store like Sephora, you will see the word everywhere. Labels like 'soin hydratant' (moisturizing care), 'soin anti-âge' (anti-aging treatment), and 'soin capillaire' (hair care) are standard. In these contexts, it implies a product designed to nourish and protect.
- In the Media
- News reports frequently discuss 'l'accès aux soins' (access to healthcare), especially in debates about the French social security system (la Sécu).
Le gouvernement promet d'améliorer l'accès aux soins dans les zones rurales.
In a professional environment, a manager might compliment an employee by saying, 'C'est un travail de grand soin.' This is a high compliment, suggesting that the employee is reliable and detailed. Conversely, if a project is described as 'manquant de soin' (lacking care), it is a polite but firm criticism of sloppiness or haste. You will also hear it in the phrase 'petits soins'—to be 'aux petits soins' for someone means to be extremely attentive to their every need, often used when hosting guests or looking after someone who is ill.
- Everyday Conversation
- When saying goodbye, 'Prends soin de toi' (Take care of yourself) is a very common, warm way to end a conversation with a friend or family member.
Allez, bonne route et prends soin de toi !
In literature and formal writing, soin is used to describe the devotion of a creator to their work. A poet might speak of the 'soin' they take with each syllable. It also appears in legal or administrative contexts, such as 'le soin des enfants' in custody agreements. In short, from the most mundane skincare routine to the most complex surgical procedure, soin is the word that connects them all through the concept of dedicated attention.
Elle était aux petits soins pour ses invités, ne manquant de rien.
One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is the confusion between the singular soin and the plural soins. While they are related, they are not always interchangeable. Use the singular when referring to the quality of attention ('un travail fait avec soin') and the plural when referring to medical or physical treatments ('recevoir des soins'). Using the singular for medical treatment ('un soin') usually refers to a specific cosmetic procedure rather than general medical care.
- Prendre soin vs Faire attention
- 'Prendre soin de' means to look after or nurture. 'Faire attention à' means to be careful or watch out for. Don't say 'Prendre soin de la voiture' if you mean 'Watch out for the car!'
Fais attention à la marche ! (Correct) vs Prends soin de la marche ! (Incorrect/Strange)
Another mistake involves the preposition. It is always prendre soin DE. Beginners often try to use 'pour' or 'à' because of literal translations from other languages. For example, 'I take care for him' is not 'Je prends soin pour lui', but 'Je prends soin de lui'. Similarly, 'apporter du soin à' requires the preposition 'à'.
- Soin vs Souci
- While both can mean 'concern', 'souci' is usually negative (a worry), whereas 'soin' is positive (care/attention).
Il a le soin du détail. (He has an eye for detail - Positive) vs Il a des soucis. (He has worries - Negative).
Finally, watch out for the phrase 'sans soin'. While it literally means 'without care', it is often used to describe someone who is neglected in appearance or a task that is sloppy. It is a stronger criticism than it might sound in English. If you want to say 'carelessly' in a neutral way, 'par mégarde' or 'sans faire attention' might be more appropriate depending on the context.
Il a laissé ses affaires sans soin dans le couloir.
Understanding soin becomes easier when you compare it to its synonyms and related terms. Each has a specific nuance that distinguishes it from the general 'care' provided by soin. For instance, attention is more about mental focus, while soin is about the resulting quality or the act of maintenance.
- Soin vs Attention
- Attention is the mental alertness; soin is the application of that alertness to a task or person. You pay attention to a lecture, but you take care of a patient.
Faites attention aux détails, et apportez du soin à votre écriture.
Another related word is vigilance. This is a heightened state of 'soin' usually related to safety or security. While 'soin' is nurturing, 'vigilance' is protective and wary. Then there is minutie, which specifically refers to the extreme attention to tiny details. A clockmaker works with 'minutie', which is a very high level of 'soin'.
- Soin vs Entretien
- Entretien is specifically for the maintenance of machines, buildings, or gardens. You 'entretenir' a car, but you 'prendre soin' of a child.
L'entretien de la chaudière est obligatoire, mais le soin de la maison est un plaisir.
- Soin vs Application
- Application refers to the diligence and steadiness with which one works. A student with 'application' is hardworking and focused.
Son application constante garantit un travail de grand soin.
La minutie de ce dessin montre le soin de l'artiste.
How Formal Is It?
Nível de dificuldade
Gramática essencial
Contraction of 'de' (prendre soin du/de la/des)
Adverb formation (soigneusement)
Imperative mood
Infinitive as subject
Passive voice with 'être fait avec'
Exemplos por nível
Je prends soin de mon petit frère.
I take care of my little brother.
Uses 'prendre soin de' + person.
Elle prend soin de ses fleurs.
She takes care of her flowers.
Uses 'prendre soin de' + object.
Prends soin de toi !
Take care of yourself!
Imperative form of 'prendre soin de'.
Le chat prend soin de ses petits.
The cat takes care of its kittens.
Subject-verb agreement with 'prendre'.
C'est un bon soin pour le visage.
It's a good care (product) for the face.
'Soin' as a noun referring to a product.
Nous prenons soin de la maison.
We take care of the house.
Plural subject 'nous'.
Il faut prendre soin de sa santé.
One must take care of one's health.
Impersonal 'il faut' + infinitive.
Tu prends soin de ton vélo ?
Do you take care of your bike?
Question form.
Il fait ses devoirs avec soin.
He does his homework with care.
Adverbial phrase 'avec soin'.
L'infirmière donne des soins au patient.
The nurse gives care to the patient.
Plural 'soins' for medical treatment.
Ce meuble est fait avec beaucoup de soin.
This furniture is made with a lot of care.
Quantifier 'beaucoup de' with 'soin'.
Elle utilise un soin hydratant tous les jours.
She uses a moisturizing treatment every day.
'Soin' + adjective.
N'oubliez pas de prendre soin de vos affaires.
Don't forget to take care of your things.
Negative imperative.
Le médecin a prodigué les premiers soins.
The doctor provided first aid.
Fixed expression 'premiers soins'.
Il apporte du soin à sa présentation orale.
He puts care into his oral presentation.
Phrase 'apporter du soin à'.
Les soins dentaires sont importants.
Dental care is important.
Plural 'soins' + adjective.
Ayez soin de bien fermer la porte à clé.
Be careful to lock the door properly.
Formal 'avoir soin de' + infinitive.
Elle est aux petits soins pour ses invités.
She is very attentive to her guests.
Idiom 'être aux petits soins'.
Le système de soins français est réputé.
The French healthcare system is famous.
Compound noun 'système de soins'.
Il a mis tout son soin dans ce projet.
He put all his care into this project.
Possessive adjective 'son' with 'soin'.
Les soins palliatifs aident les patients en fin de vie.
Palliative care helps patients at the end of life.
Specific medical term.
Prendre soin de l'environnement est un défi majeur.
Taking care of the environment is a major challenge.
Gerund-like use of infinitive as subject.
Il a rédigé ce contrat avec un soin particulier.
He drafted this contract with particular care.
Adjective 'particulier' modifying 'soin'.
Elle a confié le soin de ses enfants à sa mère.
She entrusted the care of her children to her mother.
Phrase 'confier le soin de'.
Je vous laisse le soin d'organiser la réunion.
I leave it to you to organize the meeting.
Phrase 'laisser le soin à quelqu'un de'.
Le rapport a été préparé aux bons soins du secrétariat.
The report was prepared by the secretariat.
Formal phrase 'aux bons soins de'.
Il faut agir avec soin pour ne pas froisser les susceptibilités.
One must act with care so as not to hurt feelings.
Abstract use of 'avec soin'.
L'accès aux soins doit être garanti pour tous.
Access to care must be guaranteed for everyone.
Political/Social context.
Elle a mis un soin jaloux à protéger son secret.
She took meticulous care to protect her secret.
Idiom 'un soin jaloux'.
Le soin apporté à la mise en page est remarquable.
The care given to the layout is remarkable.
Passive-like structure 'apporté à'.
Il a eu le soin de prévenir tout le monde à l'avance.
He took the care to warn everyone in advance.
Past tense 'a eu le soin de'.
Les soins intensifs demandent une surveillance constante.
Intensive care requires constant monitoring.
Technical medical term.
L'auteur apporte un soin extrême à la structure de son récit.
The author brings extreme care to the structure of his story.
Literary analysis context.
Cette réforme vise à refonder l'offre de soins sur le territoire.
This reform aims to rebuild the healthcare offer in the territory.
Administrative/Policy jargon.
Il s'est acquitté de sa tâche avec un soin exemplaire.
He performed his task with exemplary care.
Formal verb 's'acquitter de'.
Le soin de soi est une pratique philosophique ancienne.
Care of the self is an ancient philosophical practice.
Philosophical concept.
Elle a mis tous ses soins à la réussite de cette entreprise.
She put all her efforts into the success of this venture.
Plural 'soins' meaning 'efforts'.
La restauration de ce tableau a exigé un soin infini.
The restoration of this painting required infinite care.
Context of art preservation.
Il a laissé au temps le soin de guérir ses blessures.
He left it to time to heal his wounds.
Metaphorical use.
Le soin apporté aux détails trahit l'œuvre d'un maître.
The care given to details reveals the work of a master.
Literary/Critical tone.
L'éthique du soin interroge nos responsabilités envers autrui.
The ethics of care questions our responsibilities toward others.
Academic 'éthique du soin'.
Il a apporté un soin quasi maniaque à l'organisation de sa bibliothèque.
He brought an almost obsessive care to the organization of his library.
Nuanced adjective 'maniaque'.
Le soin jaloux qu'il porte à sa réputation confine à l'obsession.
The meticulous care he takes with his reputation borders on obsession.
Complex sentence structure.
La déliquescence des soins de proximité inquiète les élus.
The decay of local healthcare worries elected officials.
High-level political vocabulary.
Elle a mis un soin tout particulier à ne pas ébruiter l'affaire.
She took very special care not to let the matter get out.
Formal idiom 'ébruiter l'affaire'.
Le soin des mots est le premier devoir du poète.
The care of words is the poet's first duty.
Abstract/Poetic use.
Il a délégué le soin de la logistique à un prestataire externe.
He delegated the care of logistics to an external provider.
Business/Administrative context.
L'ouvrage témoigne d'un soin philologique hors du commun.
The work demonstrates extraordinary philological care.
Specialized academic context.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
Frequentemente confundido com
Expressões idiomáticas
Fácil de confundir
Besoin means 'need', soin means 'care'.
Souci is a worry or problem; soin is positive attention.
Attention is focus; soin is the act of maintenance or quality.
Entretien is for objects/buildings; soin is for people/quality.
Traitement is a specific medical procedure; soins is general care.
Padrões de frases
Como usar
Never say 'prendre soin pour'.
Singular is abstract/quality; Plural is concrete/treatments.
- Using 'pour' instead of 'de' (Prendre soin pour lui -> Incorrect).
- Using 'soin' as a verb (Je soin mon chat -> Incorrect).
- Confusing 'soin' with 'besoin' (J'ai soin d'eau -> Incorrect).
- Using singular 'soin' for general medical care (L'hôpital donne un soin -> Incorrect).
- Confusing 'soin' (care) with 'souci' (worry).
Dicas
Preposition Rule
Always use 'de' after 'prendre soin'. Example: 'Prendre soin de la nature'.
Beauty Products
Look for 'soin' on French cosmetic labels to find treatments like moisturizers.
Warm Closings
Use 'Prends soin de toi' to show genuine concern when leaving a friend.
Quality Work
Describe your work as 'fait avec soin' to impress French employers with your attention to detail.
Healthcare
Remember 'soins intensifs' for ICU and 'premiers soins' for first aid.
Hospitality
If you are 'aux petits soins' for a guest, you are being the perfect host.
Formal Delegation
Use 'Je vous laisse le soin de...' to politely give someone a task in an email.
Nasal Sound
The 'in' in 'soin' is the same as in 'matin' or 'vin'. Don't let the 'o' confuse you; it's a 'wa' sound followed by the nasal.
Social Value
In France, taking 'soin' of one's appearance and work is a sign of respect for oneself and others.
The S-O-I-N Link
Link 'Soin' to 'Specialized Operations In Nursing' to remember the medical connection.
Memorize
Origem da palavra
From Old French 'soing', likely of Germanic origin (Frankish *sunnija), meaning 'concern' or 'worry'.
Contexto cultural
The French beauty industry is built on the concept of 'le soin' rather than just 'le maquillage' (makeup).
Being 'aux petits soins' is the hallmark of a good French host.
France has one of the world's best healthcare systems, where 'soins' are largely state-funded.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
Iniciadores de conversa
"Comment prends-tu soin de ta santé ?"
"Quels sont tes soins de beauté préférés ?"
"Est-ce que tu fais toujours tes devoirs avec soin ?"
"Qui prend soin de tes animaux quand tu es en vacances ?"
"Est-ce que le système de soins est bon dans ton pays ?"
Temas para diário
Décris comment tu prends soin de toi après une longue journée.
Pourquoi est-il important de travailler avec soin ?
Parle d'une personne qui est toujours aux petits soins pour toi.
Quels soins médicaux sont les plus importants selon toi ?
Comment peut-on prendre soin de l'environnement au quotidien ?
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt is a masculine noun: le soin, un soin.
Singular 'soin' usually refers to the quality of being careful or a specific beauty treatment. Plural 'soins' refers to medical care or multiple treatments.
You say 'Prends soin de toi' (informal) or 'Prenez soin de vous' (formal).
No, 'soin' is a noun. You must say 'Je soigne mon chien' (verb) or 'Je prends soin de mon chien'.
It means to be extremely attentive and helpful to someone, treating them very well.
Usually, we use 'entretien' for cars, but you can say you take 'soin' of your car if you mean you keep it very clean and nice.
It means 'care of' (c/o), indicating the person who will receive the letter on behalf of the addressee.
Yes, it is very common in medical, beauty, professional, and personal contexts.
The opposite is 'sans soin' or 'avec négligence'.
No, that is 'souci', although in very old French they were closer in meaning.
Teste-se 200 perguntas
Translate: 'I take care of my sister.'
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Translate: 'He works with care.'
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Translate: 'Take care of yourself!'
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Translate: 'The nurse provides care.'
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Translate: 'I leave it to you to decide.'
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Write a sentence using 'soin du visage'.
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Write a sentence using 'aux petits soins'.
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Translate: 'Medical care is expensive.'
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Translate: 'She takes care of her garden.'
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Write a sentence using 'avec le plus grand soin'.
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Translate: 'First aid is important.'
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Translate: 'Be careful to lock the door.' (Formal)
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Translate: 'Moisturizing care for the skin.'
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Write a sentence using 'apporter du soin'.
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Translate: 'Care of the self.'
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Translate: 'He lacks care.'
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Write a sentence using 'soins intensifs'.
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Translate: 'Take care of your health.'
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Translate: 'A well-cared-for job.'
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Translate: 'Care of children.'
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Say: 'Je prends soin de moi.'
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Say: 'Prends soin de toi !'
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Say: 'Il travaille avec soin.'
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Say: 'Les soins médicaux.'
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Say: 'Elle est aux petits soins.'
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Say: 'Ayez soin de fermer la porte.'
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Say: 'Je vous laisse le soin de décider.'
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Say: 'Un soin hydratant.'
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Say: 'Prenez soin de votre santé.'
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Say: 'Apporter du soin au travail.'
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Say: 'Les premiers soins.'
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Say: 'Soin du visage.'
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Say: 'Avec le plus grand soin.'
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Say: 'L'accès aux soins.'
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Say: 'Mettre tout son soin.'
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Say: 'Prendre soin des fleurs.'
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Say: 'Un travail soigné.'
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Say: 'Soins intensifs.'
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Say: 'Aux bons soins de.'
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Say: 'Prends soin de ton vélo.'
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Listen and identify the word: 'soin'.
Listen and identify the phrase: 'prendre soin de'.
Listen and identify: 'avec soin'.
Listen and identify: 'les soins'.
Listen and identify: 'soin hydratant'.
Listen and identify: 'aux petits soins'.
Listen and identify: 'soins intensifs'.
Listen and identify: 'prendre soin de soi'.
Listen and identify: 'laisser le soin de'.
Listen and identify: 'un travail de soin'.
Listen and identify: 'premiers soins'.
Listen and identify: 'soin du corps'.
Listen and identify: 'apporter du soin'.
Listen and identify: 'accès aux soins'.
Listen and identify: 'soin particulier'.
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'soin' is essential for expressing both nurturing care and professional meticulousness. Example: 'Prendre soin de sa famille' (nurturing) vs 'Travailler avec soin' (meticulousness).
- Soin means care, attention, or medical treatment.
- Use 'prendre soin de' for looking after someone or something.
- Use 'avec soin' to describe doing a task meticulously.
- The plural 'soins' usually refers to healthcare or beauty treatments.
Preposition Rule
Always use 'de' after 'prendre soin'. Example: 'Prendre soin de la nature'.
Beauty Products
Look for 'soin' on French cosmetic labels to find treatments like moisturizers.
Warm Closings
Use 'Prends soin de toi' to show genuine concern when leaving a friend.
Quality Work
Describe your work as 'fait avec soin' to impress French employers with your attention to detail.
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à condition de
B1On condition that; provided that.
à court terme
B1A curto prazo; que se refere a um futuro imediato.
à jeun
B1De estômago vazio; antes de comer. Esta condição é frequentemente exigida antes de exames médicos ou cirurgias.
à l'abri
B1Sheltered; safe from danger or harm.
à l'aide de
A2Com a ajuda de, por meio de.
à l'encontre de
B1Contra; ao contrário de (por exemplo, conselhos, regras).
à l'hôpital
B1Located or being in a hospital.
à long terme
B1A longo prazo; referente a um período de tempo extenso no futuro.
à risque
B1Em situação de risco ou vulnerabilidade.
à titre
B1Esta expressão significa 'na qualidade de' ou 'a título de'. É muito comum em contextos formais e jurídicos.