avec des mesure
avec the mesure
Literalmente: with measures
Use it to describe doing something with balance, restraint, or in a controlled, thoughtful manner.
En 15 segundos
- Acting with moderation and careful restraint.
- The opposite of going to extremes or overreacting.
- A sophisticated way to describe balanced behavior.
Significado
It means doing something with restraint, moderation, or careful judgment. It is the French way of saying 'don't go overboard' or 'keep it balanced.'
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Giving advice on drinking
Il faut profiter du vin, mais toujours avec mesure.
You should enjoy wine, but always with moderation.
Discussing a political response
Le gouvernement a réagi avec mesure face à la crise.
The government reacted with restraint to the crisis.
Talking about exercise
Je fais du sport, mais avec mesure pour ne pas me blesser.
I exercise, but in moderation so I don't hurt myself.
Contexto cultural
The concept of 'mesure' is a pillar of French classical philosophy and aesthetics. It represents the Greco-Roman ideal of 'nothing in excess' which heavily influenced French culture during the 17th century. It remains a social marker of sophistication and emotional intelligence in modern France.
The 'Just Enough' Secret
If you want to sound very French, use this instead of 'un peu'. It sounds more intentional and wise.
Don't use for passion
Never tell a French partner you love them 'avec mesure'. It implies your love is limited and calculated!
En 15 segundos
- Acting with moderation and careful restraint.
- The opposite of going to extremes or overreacting.
- A sophisticated way to describe balanced behavior.
What It Means
Think of avec mesure as your internal volume knob. It is not about stopping an action entirely. It is about doing it with balance. In English, we might say 'with moderation.' It implies you are being thoughtful. You are avoiding extremes. It is a very 'French' way of approaching life. It suggests elegance and self-control.
How To Use It
You usually place it after a verb. It describes how you are acting. If you are drinking wine, do it avec mesure. If you are criticizing a coworker, do it avec mesure. It acts as an adverbial phrase. It adds a layer of sophistication to your speech. It shows you are a person of reason.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing habits or behaviors. It is perfect for health-related advice. Use it in professional settings to sound diplomatic. It works well when giving feedback. It is also great for philosophical debates. If someone asks how much cake you want, you can say you enjoy sweets avec mesure. It makes you sound disciplined yet appreciative.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for things that require total commitment. You do not love someone avec mesure unless you want a breakup. Do not use it for emergency situations. 'Run away with moderation' makes no sense. Avoid it in very slang-heavy conversations. It might sound a bit too 'proper' for a rowdy dive bar. It is about control, not passion.
Cultural Background
This phrase reflects the French ideal of 'la mesure.' This concept dates back to the Enlightenment. It is the rejection of excess. The French value the 'juste milieu' or the happy medium. It is why portions in France are smaller. It is why public displays of emotion are often contained. To have mesure is to be a civilized adult. It is the opposite of being 'trop' (too much).
Common Variations
You will often see avec une certaine mesure. This adds a bit of nuance. It means 'to a certain extent.' You might also hear garder la mesure. This means to keep one's cool or stay balanced. Another common one is sans mesure. That is the opposite—doing something without any limits. Use avec mesure to sound like a local who knows their limits.
Notas de uso
The phrase is highly versatile across all registers except the most extreme slang. It is particularly useful in professional or diplomatic contexts to suggest a balanced approach without sounding aggressive.
The 'Just Enough' Secret
If you want to sound very French, use this instead of 'un peu'. It sounds more intentional and wise.
Don't use for passion
Never tell a French partner you love them 'avec mesure'. It implies your love is limited and calculated!
The Art of the Middle
The French often prefer 'pas mal' (not bad) over 'incroyable' (incredible). 'Avec mesure' fits this cultural preference for understatement.
Ejemplos
6Il faut profiter du vin, mais toujours avec mesure.
You should enjoy wine, but always with moderation.
A classic piece of French advice regarding lifestyle.
Le gouvernement a réagi avec mesure face à la crise.
The government reacted with restraint to the crisis.
Shows the action was calculated and not impulsive.
Je fais du sport, mais avec mesure pour ne pas me blesser.
I exercise, but in moderation so I don't hurt myself.
Indicates a sensible approach to physical activity.
Fais les soldes avec mesure cette fois-ci !
Go shopping with some restraint this time!
A playful warning not to spend too much money.
Il utilise le sarcasme avec mesure, ce qui est rare chez lui.
He's using sarcasm sparingly, which is rare for him.
Uses the phrase to point out an unusual lack of excess.
Elle a exprimé sa tristesse avec mesure.
She expressed her sadness with quiet dignity.
Implies she didn't make a scene but felt the pain deeply.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence to suggest someone should eat chocolate carefully.
Tu peux manger du chocolat, mais fais-le ___.
The context suggests moderation, making 'avec mesure' the correct choice.
Which phrase fits a professional review of a manager's calm style?
Elle dirige son équipe ___.
In a professional context, 'avec mesure' implies a balanced and fair leadership style.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Avec Mesure'
Used with friends for advice.
Mange avec mesure !
Standard daily usage.
Il faut agir avec mesure.
Used in literature or speeches.
Une réponse pleine de mesure.
Where to use 'Avec Mesure'
At the Dinner Table
Enjoying rich food without overeating.
In a Meeting
Giving balanced, non-aggressive feedback.
Health & Fitness
Exercising without pushing too hard.
Financial Advice
Spending wisely during a trip.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, it is very close to 'moderately' or 'with moderation.' However, avec mesure often carries a nuance of wisdom and self-control.
No, for physical dimensions you would use mesures (plural) or dimensions. Avec mesure is strictly for behavior and abstract actions.
Not at all. You can text a friend Bois avec mesure ce soir ! (Drink responsibly tonight!). It sounds caring and slightly sophisticated.
The opposite is sans mesure (without limit) or avec excès (with excess). For example, Il dépense sans mesure means he spends like crazy.
It is almost always avec mesure (singular) when meaning moderation. Des mesures usually refers to specific steps or actions taken by a government.
You wouldn't say 'He is with measure.' Instead, you would say C'est un homme de mesure or Il est mesuré.
It is a bit classic, but it's still very much in use. It’s the kind of phrase that makes you sound well-educated.
Yes! You could say Mets du piment, mais avec mesure (Add chili, but be careful/moderate).
Very. It's often used in reports to describe une croissance avec mesure (steady, controlled growth).
Not directly, but slang-wise people might say tranquille or mollo. Vas-y mollo is the informal way to say 'go easy/with measure'.
Frases relacionadas
avec modération
with moderation (often used for alcohol)
garder la mesure
to keep one's sense of proportion
sans commune mesure
beyond comparison / out of all proportion
être mesuré
to be cautious or restrained in speech/action
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