l' lent inconvénient
the slow disadvantage
直訳: the slow disadvantage
Use this to describe a problem that isn't a crisis but wears you down over time.
15秒でわかる
- A problem that develops or annoys you very gradually.
- Used for long-term drawbacks like old tech or commutes.
- Requires 'le' instead of 'l' because 'lent' starts with a consonant.
意味
It describes a drawback or problem that isn't immediate, but rather develops or annoys you gradually over a long period.
主な例文
3 / 6Talking about an old phone
Le lent inconvénient de ce vieux téléphone est sa batterie.
The slow disadvantage of this old phone is its battery.
In a business meeting
Nous devons anticiper le lent inconvénient de cette réduction de budget.
We must anticipate the slow disadvantage of this budget cut.
Texting a friend about a long commute
J'adore mon job, mais le trajet est un lent inconvénient.
I love my job, but the commute is a slow disadvantage.
文化的背景
The French often use the word 'inconvénient' in debates to weigh options. It reflects a cultural tendency toward critical thinking and skepticism. Unlike some cultures that focus only on the 'pro,' French discourse thrives on identifying the 'con' to reach a balanced truth.
The 'Le' Rule
Never use 'l' before 'lent'. Even though 'inconvénient' starts with a vowel, the adjective 'lent' blocks the elision. It's always 'le lent inconvénient'.
Don't use for speed
Don't use this phrase to say someone is slow at driving. It's for abstract disadvantages, not physical speed.
15秒でわかる
- A problem that develops or annoys you very gradually.
- Used for long-term drawbacks like old tech or commutes.
- Requires 'le' instead of 'l' because 'lent' starts with a consonant.
What It Means
Imagine a tiny leak in your ceiling. It does not flood your house today. But slowly, it ruins the plaster. That is a lent inconvénient. It is a problem that takes its time. It is not a sudden shock. It is a gradual decline. You use it for things that wear you down slowly. It is the opposite of an immediate crisis. It is about the long game of annoyance.
How To Use It
In French, you usually say le lent inconvénient. Note that we use le and not l'. This is because lent starts with a consonant. You can place the adjective lent before the noun for emphasis. It makes the sentence sound a bit more descriptive. You can also say un inconvénient lent. However, putting it first highlights the 'slowness' of the issue. It functions just like any standard noun-adjective pair. Just remember to match the gender and number if you change it.
When To Use It
Use it when talking about your old laptop. It still works, but it gets slower every day. Use it for a long commute to a new job. The drive is fine at first. Then, the fatigue becomes a lent inconvénient. It is great for professional meetings. It shows you are thinking about long-term effects. Use it when discussing a relationship that has small, lingering issues. It is a very useful phrase for life’s little marathons.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for emergencies. If your car tire blows out, that is a problème. It is not "slow." Do not use it for things that are purely positive. It has a negative connotation. Avoid using it if the disadvantage is huge and immediate. If you lose your job, do not call it a lent inconvénient. That would be a massive understatement. Also, never use l' before lent. It sounds wrong to a French ear.
Cultural Background
French people love to analyze the "pour" and "contre." They value being realistic over being purely optimistic. Discussing drawbacks is a national pastime in cafes. It is not seen as complaining. It is seen as being intellectually honest. They often look for the "hidden" or "slow" problems in any plan. This phrase fits perfectly into that analytical mindset. It shows you have looked past the surface.
Common Variations
You might hear un inconvénient majeur for a big problem. People also use un petit bémol for a minor flat note. Un point faible is a very common way to say a weak point. If you want to be fancy, use le revers de la médaille. That means the other side of the coin. For something very small, try un léger désavantage. All these help you navigate the nuances of French life.
使い方のコツ
The phrase is neutral and safe for all contexts. Ensure you use the masculine 'le' and remember that 'lent' describes the nature of the drawback, not the speed of an action.
The 'Le' Rule
Never use 'l' before 'lent'. Even though 'inconvénient' starts with a vowel, the adjective 'lent' blocks the elision. It's always 'le lent inconvénient'.
Don't use for speed
Don't use this phrase to say someone is slow at driving. It's for abstract disadvantages, not physical speed.
The Art of the 'Bémol'
French people often use the word 'bémol' (a flat note in music) to describe a small disadvantage. It's a very classy way to complain!
例文
6Le lent inconvénient de ce vieux téléphone est sa batterie.
The slow disadvantage of this old phone is its battery.
The battery doesn't die instantly, but it gets worse over time.
Nous devons anticiper le lent inconvénient de cette réduction de budget.
We must anticipate the slow disadvantage of this budget cut.
Refers to long-term negative effects on the company.
J'adore mon job, mais le trajet est un lent inconvénient.
I love my job, but the commute is a slow disadvantage.
The commute is fine once, but tiring over months.
Son lent inconvénient, c'est qu'il met deux heures à se préparer !
His slow disadvantage is that he takes two hours to get ready!
Using 'lent' literally and figuratively for humor.
Le manque de communication est le lent inconvénient de notre couple.
The lack of communication is the slow disadvantage of our relationship.
A serious reflection on a gradual issue.
C'est beau, mais le bruit de la rue sera un lent inconvénient.
It's beautiful, but the street noise will be a slow disadvantage.
Predicting a problem that will eventually become annoying.
自分をテスト
Choose the correct article for the phrase.
___ lent inconvénient de vivre ici est l'humidité.
We use 'Le' because 'lent' is a masculine adjective starting with a consonant.
Which word best fits a problem that takes time to appear?
C'est un ___ inconvénient.
'Lent' means slow, which fits the context of a gradual problem.
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ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality of Describing Problems
Un petit souci (A little worry)
J'ai un petit souci.
Le lent inconvénient
C'est le lent inconvénient.
Un préjudice graduel
Nous subissons un préjudice graduel.
When to use 'Le lent inconvénient'
Aging Technology
A laptop getting slower.
Daily Habits
A long commute every day.
Relationships
Small recurring arguments.
Bureaucracy
Slow paperwork processes.
よくある質問
10 問In French, elision (using l') only happens before a vowel or a mute H. Since 'lent' starts with 'L', we keep 'le'.
Yes, they are very close. 'Inconvénient' is the standard word for a drawback or a con in a pro/con list.
Yes! If asked about a weakness, you could describe a 'lent inconvénient' of a certain software or method. It sounds professional.
Not always, but putting it before inconvénient adds a stylistic touch that emphasizes the 'slowness' of the problem.
No, it is not slang. It is neutral, everyday French that you would hear in a conversation or read in a newspaper.
You could say 'un avantage immédiat' (an immediate advantage).
The 't' is silent. It sounds like 'lan' with a nasal 'an' sound.
You can say someone is 'lent', but calling a person an 'inconvénient' is quite rude!
It is used in both. It's common in spoken debates and written reports.
You can, but 'inconvénient' is much more common in this specific context in French.
関連フレーズ
un petit bémol
le revers de la médaille
un point faible
un inconvénient majeur
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