poursuivre un but
to pursue a goal
Literalmente: poursuivre (to chase/pursue) un (a) but (goal/target)
Use it to show you are actively and seriously working toward a specific ambition.
Em 15 segundos
- To actively work toward a specific objective or dream.
- Uses the irregular verb 'poursuivre' (to chase/follow).
- Common in professional, academic, and personal growth contexts.
Significado
It means you have a specific target in mind and you're actively working to reach it. It’s more than just a wish; it’s a mission you are dedicated to completing.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6In a job interview
Je poursuis un but de carrière dans l'innovation technologique.
I am pursuing a career goal in technological innovation.
Talking about a hobby
Elle poursuit le but de courir un marathon avant ses trente ans.
She is pursuing the goal of running a marathon before she's thirty.
Texting a friend about studying
Je poursuis mon but : parler français couramment d'ici l'été !
I'm pursuing my goal: speaking French fluently by summer!
Contexto cultural
The word 'but' is deeply rooted in the history of French sports, specifically archery and later football (soccer). In modern French society, 'poursuivre un but' reflects the value placed on 'la persévérance' (perseverance) and having a clear direction in one's career or education.
The Silent 'T'
In the word `but`, the 't' is usually silent in standard French (pronounced like 'bu'). However, some people pronounce it to add emphasis. Stick to the silent 't' to sound more natural!
Watch the Conjugation
The verb `poursuivre` is tricky. Remember: `je poursuis`, `tu poursuis`, `il poursuit`. Don't add a 'd' like in 'repondre'!
Em 15 segundos
- To actively work toward a specific objective or dream.
- Uses the irregular verb 'poursuivre' (to chase/follow).
- Common in professional, academic, and personal growth contexts.
What It Means
Imagine you are a detective on a trail. You aren't just walking; you are following a specific path to find something. In French, poursuivre un but is exactly that. It means you have a clear objective. You are putting in the effort to make it happen. It sounds more active than just 'having' a goal. It implies movement and persistence. It is the difference between dreaming of a marathon and actually training for one.
How To Use It
You treat poursuivre as the main action verb. Be careful, it is an irregular verb. You conjugate it like suivre (to follow). For example, Je poursuis or Nous poursuivons. You can use it for big life dreams. You can also use it for specific work projects. It usually takes a direct object. You pursue 'the' goal or 'a' goal. It feels very intentional and focused. Just don't forget to pronounce the 'u' in but clearly!
When To Use It
Use this when you want to sound determined. It is perfect for job interviews. Tell them you poursuivez un but d'excellence. Use it when talking to friends about your hobbies. Maybe you are learning French to move to Paris? That is a great but to poursuivre. It works well in academic settings too. It suggests you have a plan and you are sticking to it. It is a very positive, forward-looking expression.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for tiny, everyday tasks. You don't poursuivre un but to buy milk. That is just an errand. Avoid using it if you are just starting to think about an idea. If you are just 'considering' something, use envisager. Also, don't confuse it with poursuivre quelqu'un. That means you are literally chasing a person down the street. Unless you are a cop, that might get awkward! Keep it for abstract goals and ambitions.
Cultural Background
French culture values intellectual and professional ambition. The word but actually comes from archery and target sports. It was the physical mark you tried to hit. Today, the French use it to show grit. In a society that loves philosophy, having a but is seen as noble. It shows you aren't just drifting through life. It is very common in French sports commentary too. Every player is poursuivant le but (chasing the goal) on the field.
Common Variations
You will often hear atteindre un but (to reach a goal). This is the 'mission accomplished' version. There is also se fixer un but (to set a goal for oneself). If you want to sound more corporate, try poursuivre un objectif. It means the same thing but feels more 'office-ready'. If you are struggling, you might say you are en quête d'un but. That sounds a bit more poetic and dramatic, like a knight on a journey.
Notas de uso
The phrase is neutral and versatile. It is most effective when describing long-term ambitions or serious projects rather than daily chores.
The Silent 'T'
In the word `but`, the 't' is usually silent in standard French (pronounced like 'bu'). However, some people pronounce it to add emphasis. Stick to the silent 't' to sound more natural!
Watch the Conjugation
The verb `poursuivre` is tricky. Remember: `je poursuis`, `tu poursuis`, `il poursuit`. Don't add a 'd' like in 'repondre'!
Goal vs. Objective
While `but` and `objectif` are interchangeable, `but` feels more personal and visionary, while `objectif` feels more measurable and corporate.
Exemplos
6Je poursuis un but de carrière dans l'innovation technologique.
I am pursuing a career goal in technological innovation.
Shows professional ambition and focus.
Elle poursuit le but de courir un marathon avant ses trente ans.
She is pursuing the goal of running a marathon before she's thirty.
Used for a personal, long-term challenge.
Je poursuis mon but : parler français couramment d'ici l'été !
I'm pursuing my goal: speaking French fluently by summer!
The colon helps define exactly what the goal is.
Je poursuis un seul but ce soir : trouver le meilleur burger de Paris.
I am pursuing only one goal tonight: finding the best burger in Paris.
Using a serious phrase for a trivial goal creates humor.
Notre association poursuit un but humanitaire avant tout.
Our association pursues a humanitarian goal above all else.
Standard way to describe an organization's mission.
Il est important de toujours poursuivre un but qui nous passionne.
It is important to always pursue a goal that we are passionate about.
Reflective and supportive advice.
Teste-se
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'poursuivre'.
Nous ___ un but commun pour ce projet.
The subject is 'Nous', so the verb must end in '-ons'.
Choose the best noun to complete the expression.
Chaque étudiant doit se fixer et ___ un ___ précis.
The standard collocation is 'poursuivre un but'.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of Pursuing Goals
Having an idea or a plan.
J'ai un truc en tête.
Standard way to describe an ambition.
Je poursuis un but.
Corporate or high-level academic language.
S'efforcer d'atteindre un objectif.
When to say 'Poursuivre un but'
Job Interview
Explaining your 5-year plan.
Sports Training
Focusing on a championship.
Personal Growth
Learning a new language.
Non-Profit Work
Describing a charity mission.
Perguntas frequentes
11 perguntasIt means you are working hard to achieve a specific result. It’s like saying 'I'm on a mission' in English.
Yes, avoir un but just means you have a goal. Poursuivre un but means you are actively chasing it and taking action.
It follows the pattern: je poursuis, tu poursuis, il poursuit, nous poursuivons, vous poursuivez, ils poursuivent.
Absolutely! It's very common to say a team is poursuivant le but de la victoire (pursuing the goal of victory).
Sometimes. Poursuivre can mean 'to continue' (like poursuivre la lecture), but with un but, it specifically means 'to pursue'.
It is neutral to slightly formal. You can use it with friends, but it also sounds great in a professional email or a speech.
Yes, but be careful! Poursuivre quelqu'un means to physically chase someone or to sue them in court.
But is more general and can be emotional. Objectif is usually more technical or business-oriented, like 'KPIs'.
You would say J'ai atteint mon but. The verb atteindre is the natural conclusion to poursuivre.
You can, but it sounds funny because the phrase is quite serious. It’s a great way to use sarcasm or humor!
Usually no. It sounds like 'bu'. However, in some regions or for extreme clarity, you might hear a soft 't'.
Frases relacionadas
atteindre un objectif
se fixer un défi
toucher au but
viser haut
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