Age meanings in French

âge

Example:

She is at a young age.

Elle est à un jeune âge.

What is your age?

Quel est votre âge?

Usage: formal/informalContext: Used to refer to the number of years someone has lived.

Note: Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. 'Âge' can refer to both people and objects (e.g., the age of a car).

ère

Example:

We live in the digital age.

Nous vivons à l'ère numérique.

The age of exploration was significant.

L'ère de l'exploration était significative.

Usage: formalContext: Used to describe a distinct period in history or a particular phase.

Note: The term 'ère' is often used in historical contexts to indicate an era characterized by specific events or developments.

période

Example:

This was a difficult age for the country.

C'était une période difficile pour le pays.

The age of the dinosaurs was fascinating.

La période des dinosaures était fascinante.

Usage: formal/informalContext: Used to denote a time frame or period in which certain events occur.

Note: While 'période' can refer to age in a broader sense, it is more about duration and phases rather than specific years.

maturité

Example:

He is beyond his age in maturity.

Il est au-delà de son âge en maturité.

Her age shows in her wisdom.

Son âge se voit dans sa sagesse.

Usage: informalContext: Used to describe someone's level of maturity or experience compared to their age.

Note: This meaning is more subjective and often used to comment on personal development and wisdom.

years

Years refer to the length of time measured in units of 365 days.

Example: She is 30 years old.

Note: Similar to age, but more specific in terms of time measurement.

era

Era refers to a particular period in history characterized by specific events, culture, or developments.

Example: The Victorian era was known for its cultural advancements.

Note: Refers to a specific historical period rather than an individual's lifespan.

generation

Generation refers to a group of individuals born and living at the same time.

Example: The younger generation is more tech-savvy.

Note: Focuses on a group of people born around the same time rather than an individual's age.

epoch

Epoch signifies a particular period marked by distinctive features or events.

Example: The Renaissance was a significant epoch in European history.

Note: Similar to era, but often used in a more specific or grand historical context.

Age is just a number

This phrase means that a person's age does not necessarily reflect their capabilities, interests, or how they feel.

Example: I know he's older than me, but age is just a number, right?

Note: The phrase shifts the focus from the literal meaning of 'age' as a numerical value to the idea that age should not limit or define someone.

Act your age

This phrase is used to tell someone to behave in a way that is appropriate for their age.

Example: Stop playing pranks and act your age!

Note: The phrase emphasizes the expected behavior based on one's age rather than the numerical value of age itself.

Come of age

To come of age means to reach the age when one is legally considered an adult or to reach a stage of maturity and responsibility.

Example: She came of age when she turned 18 and could legally vote.

Note: The phrase conveys the transition into adulthood or maturity rather than just stating the numerical age.

Age before beauty

This phrase is a playful way to suggest that older people should go first before younger, more attractive individuals.

Example: You go first, age before beauty!

Note: The phrase humorously prioritizes age over physical appearance in a lighthearted manner.

Ages ago

When something happened 'ages ago,' it means it took place a long time in the past.

Example: I read that book ages ago, I can barely remember the plot now.

Note: The phrase conveys a vague and extended period of time in the past without specifying an exact age.

Of a certain age

This phrase delicately refers to someone who is middle-aged or older without directly stating their age.

Example: The actress, though of a certain age, still captivates audiences with her performances.

Note: The phrase tactfully avoids mentioning the specific age of the person while implying they are not young.

Age has its privileges

This phrase suggests that advancing age brings certain benefits or advantages, such as respect and authority.

Example: In some cultures, age has its privileges, with elders being respected and revered.

Note: The phrase highlights the positive aspects of aging and the respect that comes with it rather than focusing solely on the number of years lived.

Newbie

Newbie is a slang term for a newcomer or someone who is new to a particular activity or group.

Example: I'm a newbie in this field, so please be patient with me.

Note: Newbie is a casual and colloquial term, whereas 'newcomer' is a more formal and standard way to refer to someone who is new.

Oldie but goodie

Oldie but goodie is a phrase used to describe something that is considered old or classic but still valuable or enjoyable.

Example: That song is an oldie but goodie, it never gets old.

Note: The slang term 'oldie but goodie' emphasizes the notion that something old can still be of high quality or relevance, which may not be immediately apparent in the word 'old'.

Golden oldies

Golden oldies refer to popular and nostalgic songs, movies, or any cultural artifacts from a past era that are seen as enduring classics.

Example: I love listening to golden oldies from the '80s.

Note: The term 'golden oldies' adds a sense of value and timelessness to old classics, which is not explicitly present in the word 'oldies'.

Time warp

Time warp is a phrase describing a situation where one feels transported back in time, usually due to a place or experience evoking strong memories or nostalgia.

Example: Visiting my old neighborhood felt like stepping into a time warp.

Note: The slang term 'time warp' conveys a sense of disorientation or surreal experience in time travel, which is more vivid than simply saying 'going back in time'.

Age ain't nothing but a number

Age ain't nothing but a number is a slang phrase asserting that one's age should not be a defining factor or limit in life.

Example: They say age ain't nothing but a number, and I believe it.

Note: The slang term 'age ain't nothing but a number' challenges the traditional notion of the significance of one's age, conveying a more rebellious or nonconformist attitude compared to the neutral term 'age'.

My age is 25.

J'ai 25 ans.

She is in her golden age.

Elle est dans sa belle époque.

Age is just a number.

L'âge n'est qu'un nombre.

Age - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)

Lemma: age

Conjugations

Noun, plural (Noun, plural): ages, age

Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): age

Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): aged

Verb, past participle (Verb, past participle): aged

Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): aging, ageing

Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): ages

Verb, base form (Verb, base form): age

Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): age

Syllabification and Stress

age Contains 1 syllables: age

Phonetic transcription: ˈāj

age , ˈāj (The red syllable is stressed)

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.

age: 400 - 500 (Extremely common).

This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Age