B2 Collocation Neutro 3 min de leitura

sans le mesure

sans the mesure

Literalmente: without the measure

Use it to describe anything—from love to ambition—that has grown beyond normal, reasonable boundaries.

Em 15 segundos

  • Means doing something without limits or in an excessive way.
  • Used to describe intense emotions, grand actions, or rapid growth.
  • Adds a touch of poetic drama to your everyday French.

Significado

This phrase describes something done without moderation, limits, or restraint. It is used when someone goes 'all out' or acts in an excessive, boundless way.

Exemplos-chave

3 de 6
1

Describing a friend's generosity

Il donne de son temps sans mesure pour aider les autres.

He gives his time without measure to help others.

🤝
2

Talking about a successful business

L'entreprise s'est développée sans mesure ces dernières années.

The company has grown without limit over the last few years.

💼
3

Expressing deep affection

Je t'aime sans mesure, tu le sais bien.

I love you beyond measure, you know that well.

💭
🌍

Contexto cultural

The concept of 'mesure' is central to French Cartesian logic and classical art, emphasizing balance and order. Using 'sans mesure' implies a romantic or grand departure from this traditional restraint, often associated with 19th-century Romanticism.

💡

The 'Sans' vs 'Sans la' trick

In modern French, we almost always say `sans mesure` without the article 'la'. Adding 'la' makes it sound archaic or like a specific technical measurement.

⚠️

Don't confuse with 'Outre mesure'

While similar, `outre mesure` is usually used in negative sentences like 'Ne t'inquiète pas outre mesure' (Don't worry excessively).

Em 15 segundos

  • Means doing something without limits or in an excessive way.
  • Used to describe intense emotions, grand actions, or rapid growth.
  • Adds a touch of poetic drama to your everyday French.

What It Means

Think of sans mesure as the French way of saying 'no limits.' It describes actions or feelings that go beyond the usual boundaries. It is about excess, intensity, and a lack of restraint. When you do something sans mesure, you aren't checking the clock or the cost. You are fully immersed and perhaps a bit over the top. It is the opposite of being 'reasonable.'

How To Use It

You usually place it after a verb or a noun. It acts like an adverbial phrase to describe *how* something is happening. If you love someone sans mesure, your heart is basically a firework show. If a project grows sans mesure, it is becoming a beautiful (or scary) giant. It is a versatile tool for adding drama to your sentences. Use it to emphasize that something is truly massive or intense.

When To Use It

Use it when you want to sound slightly poetic or very passionate. It works great when discussing art, deep emotions, or grand ambitions. You might use it at a dinner party to describe a chef's talent. Or use it in a meeting to describe a market's growth. It feels sophisticated but remains very clear. It is perfect for those moments when 'a lot' just isn't enough.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid using it for mundane, small-scale things. Don't say you added salt to your pasta sans mesure unless you want a heart attack. It carries a certain weight and elegance. Using it for trivial tasks makes you sound like a dramatic soap opera character. Also, be careful in strictly technical or scientific reports. In those cases, use more precise terms like excessif or démesuré instead.

Cultural Background

French culture often balances 'la mesure' (moderation) with 'la passion' (passion). The concept of 'mesure' comes from classical French philosophy and aesthetics. It is about harmony and staying within 'the golden mean.' By saying sans mesure, you are intentionally breaking those classical rules. It is a linguistic rebellion against the typical French reserved nature. It celebrates the wilder, more romantic side of the Gallic spirit.

Common Variations

You will often hear sans aucune mesure for extra emphasis. This adds the word 'any' to make it 'without any measure at all.' Another common one is démesuré, which is the adjective form. You might also hear outre mesure, which means 'excessively' or 'beyond what is necessary.' While sans mesure is often positive or neutral, outre mesure can sometimes sound a bit more critical. Stick to sans mesure for that 'limitless' vibe.

Notas de uso

The phrase is a fixed adverbial locution. It is most effective when describing abstract concepts like love, ambition, or growth rather than physical quantities.

💡

The 'Sans' vs 'Sans la' trick

In modern French, we almost always say `sans mesure` without the article 'la'. Adding 'la' makes it sound archaic or like a specific technical measurement.

⚠️

Don't confuse with 'Outre mesure'

While similar, `outre mesure` is usually used in negative sentences like 'Ne t'inquiète pas outre mesure' (Don't worry excessively).

💬

The Spirit of Molière

French literature loves the tension between 'la mesure' (the rule) and 'la démesure' (the chaos). Using this phrase makes you sound like a classic protagonist!

Exemplos

6
#1 Describing a friend's generosity
🤝

Il donne de son temps sans mesure pour aider les autres.

He gives his time without measure to help others.

Highlights a positive, selfless trait.

#2 Talking about a successful business
💼

L'entreprise s'est développée sans mesure ces dernières années.

The company has grown without limit over the last few years.

Professional context describing rapid expansion.

#3 Expressing deep affection
💭

Je t'aime sans mesure, tu le sais bien.

I love you beyond measure, you know that well.

Very romantic and slightly poetic.

#4 Complaining about someone's ego
😊

Son ambition est sans mesure, il veut tout contrôler.

His ambition is boundless; he wants to control everything.

Can be used to describe a negative trait like greed.

#5 At a fancy art gallery
👔

L'artiste exprime sa créativité sans mesure sur cette toile.

The artist expresses their creativity without restraint on this canvas.

Fits the sophisticated vibe of an art critique.

#6 Joking about a friend's shopping habit
😄

Elle achète des chaussures sans mesure, c'est une addiction !

She buys shoes without limit; it's an addiction!

Hyperbolic and funny for everyday gossip.

Teste-se

Choose the correct phrase to describe someone working too much.

Il travaille ___ depuis qu'il a eu sa promotion.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: sans mesure

To describe working excessively or without limits, 'sans mesure' is the perfect fit.

Complete the romantic sentence.

Elle admire son partenaire ___.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: sans mesure

'Sans mesure' is the fixed expression for 'without limit' or 'boundlessly.'

🎉 Pontuação: /2

Recursos visuais

Formality of 'sans mesure'

Informal

Used with friends for hyperbole.

Il mange du chocolat sans mesure.

Neutral

Standard usage in conversation.

Une passion sans mesure.

Formal

Used in literature or speeches.

Un dévouement sans mesure à la patrie.

Where to use 'sans mesure'

sans mesure
❤️

Romantic relationships

Aimer sans mesure.

📈

Professional growth

Un succès sans mesure.

🎨

Artistic expression

Créer sans mesure.

💸

Personal habits

Dépenser sans mesure.

Perguntas frequentes

11 perguntas

It means doing something without limits, restraint, or moderation, like aimer sans mesure (to love boundlessly).

It is neutral to slightly formal. You can use it in a romantic letter or a business report about growth.

Yes, you can describe a problem growing sans mesure, meaning it is spiraling out of control.

Beaucoup is just 'a lot,' while sans mesure implies there are no boundaries at all.

Always use sans mesure. The version with 'la' is not used in this idiomatic sense.

Démesuré is an adjective meaning 'disproportionate,' whereas sans mesure is a descriptive phrase.

Yes, if you are being dramatic! Il a mangé sans mesure implies he ate everything in sight.

The opposite would be avec modération or avec mesure, meaning with restraint.

Yes, it has a slightly literary or romantic flair compared to more basic words.

It is common enough to be understood by everyone, though people might use sans arrêt for 'non-stop' more often.

Sure! It's a great way to show enthusiasm, like Merci sans mesure ! (though that is very high-energy).

Frases relacionadas

à gogo (in abundance/galore)

sans limite (without limit)

outre mesure (excessively)

à profusion (profusely/in great supply)

Foi útil?
Nenhum comentário ainda. Seja o primeiro a compartilhar suas ideias!

Comece a aprender idiomas gratuitamente

Comece Grátis