y aller mollo
To put all eggs in one basket
Literalmente: To go there softly/mushily
Use it to tell someone to relax, slow down, or use less force in casual situations.
En 15 segundos
- Go easy or take it slow.
- Derived from the word for 'soft'.
- Perfect for advice among friends.
Significado
It means to take it easy, go slow, or be gentle with something. It is the opposite of rushing or being aggressive.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Pouring a drink for a friend
Vas-y mollo sur le vin, je dois conduire après !
Go easy on the wine, I have to drive later!
Starting a new gym routine
C'est ta première séance, vas-y mollo.
It's your first session, take it easy.
A boss speaking to a stressed team
On va y aller mollo ce matin, l'équipe est fatiguée.
We're going to take it slow this morning, the team is tired.
Contexto cultural
The term 'mollo' is derived from the Old French 'mol', which means soft or supple. It gained popularity in the 19th century as a slang term among the working class before becoming a staple of everyday conversational French across all generations.
The 'Y' is Mandatory
Never forget the 'y'. Saying 'va mollo' sounds incomplete. It's always 'y aller mollo'.
Not for Emergencies
If a car is about to hit someone, don't say 'mollo'. Use 'Attention !' or 'Stop !'. Mollo is for non-critical pacing.
En 15 segundos
- Go easy or take it slow.
- Derived from the word for 'soft'.
- Perfect for advice among friends.
What It Means
Y aller mollo is all about moderation. It means you should slow down. Think of it as 'taking it easy' or 'going easy' on something. If you are pouring wine, go mollo. If you are starting a new workout, go mollo. It is the art of not overdoing it. It is about being gentle and cautious.
How To Use It
You use it like a verb phrase. The y is fixed. You conjugate aller normally. You can say vas-y mollo to a friend. Or on va y aller mollo for a group. It works for physical actions. It also works for emotional reactions. It is very versatile in daily life.
When To Use It
Use it when someone is being too intense. Use it at a dinner party with the salt. Tell your friend to go mollo on the accelerator. It is perfect for advice. It works well when you want to avoid a mess. It is great for pacing yourself during a long day.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this in a formal business contract. Avoid it with your boss during a performance review. It is too relaxed for very serious crises. If someone is in actual danger, use attention. Mollo is too 'chill' for life-or-death moments. It sounds a bit too playful for mourning.
Cultural Background
The word mollo comes from mou, meaning soft. It appeared in the late 19th century. It reflects the French love for 'la mesure'. Balance is everything in French culture. Not too much, not too little. It is the linguistic version of a slow Sunday brunch.
Common Variations
You might hear vas-y doucement. That is the more standard version. Some people say mollo mollo for extra emphasis. In slang, you might hear tranquille. But mollo remains the classic choice for 'easy does it'. It has a lovely, rhythmic sound to it.
Notas de uso
This phrase is firmly in the informal register. It's perfect for friends, family, and casual colleagues, but avoid it in high-stakes professional writing.
The 'Y' is Mandatory
Never forget the 'y'. Saying 'va mollo' sounds incomplete. It's always 'y aller mollo'.
Not for Emergencies
If a car is about to hit someone, don't say 'mollo'. Use 'Attention !' or 'Stop !'. Mollo is for non-critical pacing.
The 'Mollo' Rhythm
French speakers often double it: 'Mollo, mollo !' to sound more rhythmic and persuasive, like 'Easy does it!'
Ejemplos
6Vas-y mollo sur le vin, je dois conduire après !
Go easy on the wine, I have to drive later!
Commonly used for quantities of food or drink.
C'est ta première séance, vas-y mollo.
It's your first session, take it easy.
Used to suggest physical caution.
On va y aller mollo ce matin, l'équipe est fatiguée.
We're going to take it slow this morning, the team is tired.
Softens the professional atmosphere.
Vas-y mollo avec les textos, ne lui fais pas peur !
Go easy with the texts, don't scare him off!
Used for social behavior advice.
Hé, vas-y mollo ! Pas besoin de crier.
Hey, take it down a notch! No need to shout.
Used to de-escalate a situation.
Il est triste, alors vas-y mollo quand tu lui parleras.
He is sad, so go easy when you talk to him.
Shows emotional consideration.
Ponte a prueba
Your friend is putting too much hot sauce on their pizza. What do you say?
Attention, ___ mollo sur la sauce piquante !
In a casual setting with a friend, we use the 'tu' form of the imperative: 'vas-y'.
How do you say 'We should take it easy'?
On devrait ___ mollo.
After 'devrait', we need the infinitive form 'y aller'.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality Scale of 'Y aller mollo'
Slang with close friends
Vas-y mollo, gros !
Everyday conversation
Vas-y mollo sur le sel.
Polite but relaxed
On va y aller mollo.
Professional/Official
Veuillez procéder avec prudence.
Where to use 'Mollo'
Cooking
Adding spices
Driving
In a school zone
Exercise
First day back
Drinking
At a party
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt is an adverb meaning 'softly' or 'gently'. It comes from the adjective mou (soft).
Not at all! It's friendly advice. However, avoid saying it to your boss unless you have a very close relationship.
Yes, it's very common for driving. You can say Vas-y mollo sur le champignon (Go easy on the gas pedal).
You only conjugate the verb aller. For example: J'y vais mollo, Tu y vas mollo, Nous y allons mollo.
Yes, you would use Allez-y doucement or Procédez avec précaution in formal settings.
Absolutely. If someone is getting angry, you can say Vas-y mollo to tell them to calm down.
They are very similar, but mollo is more colorful and informal. Doucement is more standard.
Yes! Vas-y mollo sur les dépenses means 'Go easy on the spending'.
No, mollo is an adverb, so it never changes spelling, even if you are talking to many people.
Not at all. It is a timeless classic that people of all ages use in France today.
Frases relacionadas
Prendre son temps
Lever le pied
Doucement
Tranquillement
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