environ exact

You can use it as an adjective phrase to describe a noun. It often follows words like chiffre (figure), montant (amount), or heure (time). You might say, 'C'est un montant environ exact.' You can also use it to answer a question directly. If someone asks if a measurement is right, you can say, 'C'est environ exact.' It shows you are confident but also cautious. It is very common in spoken French. You will hear it in shops, cafes, and offices. It is a great way to sound more natural.

Use it when you want to be helpful but honest. It is perfect for splitting a bill at a restaurant. It works well when you are giving directions to a tourist. If a walk takes ten minutes, say it is environ exact. Use it when you don't want to be blamed for a tiny error later. It is a safety net for your conversations. It sounds professional yet realistic. It is great for texting when you are in a rush. It tells the other person not to worry about the tiny details.

Never use this in a chemistry lab or during surgery. Do not use it when building a house or a bridge. If your boss asks for a final tax report, avoid this phrase. It implies a small margin of error exists. In very formal legal contracts, you should use the word précis instead. Avoid it if the difference of one cent or one second really matters. It is too relaxed for high-stakes precision. It might make you look a bit careless in a high-pressure scientific environment.

The French love to be precise and logical. They are famous for their philosophy and clear thinking. However, they are also very practical people who enjoy life. This phrase shows the balance between these two sides. It acknowledges that life is rarely 100% perfect. It is a very 'real world' expression. It shows you understand that 'close' is often 'good enough' for a happy life. It reflects a pragmatic approach to daily problems. It is a very human way to communicate in a busy world.

You will often hear à peu près exact in daily life. This is very common and slightly more casual. Sensiblement exact is a bit more formal and elegant. You might see it in newspapers or hear it on the news. Presque juste is another simple way to say it. If you want to be very casual with friends, you can just say c'est ça, quoi. Each one has a slightly different flavor. Environ exact remains a solid, neutral choice for most situations.