I rarely have visitors

في \ a; an; each; every: twice a day; 80 miles an hour. at: (showing where): at home; at the office, (showing a point of time) at midday; at 4 o’clock; He was married at 18, (after an adj) good at English; quick at sums. by: during: We travelled by night. in: showing where: In bed; in London; in the box; in his speech, showing condition In a hurry; in trouble, showing a direction; into He fell in the river. He put his hand in his pocket, showing when; during In the past; in January 1980; in the evening, showing what sth. contains or includes There are 60 minutes in an hour. Is he in your team?, showing what sb. wears He was in his best suit, showing a shape or arrangement They stood in a row, showing employment or activity or an event He’s in the navy. She was killed in the accident. on: showing when: on Monday; on May the 6th. showing the state of sb.:: Are you here on business or on holiday?. per: for each: He earns $8000 per annum (for each year). \ في (أيّ مَكَان)‏ \ anywhere: in or to any place: Are you going anywhere?. \ See Also إلى( إلى)‏ \ في \ home: to or at one’s house: Go home! Is your son home yet?. \ See Also إلى البيت \ في \ inside: on (or to) the inside. \ See Also إلى الداخل \ في \ inland: away from the sea: We crossed the coast and flew inland. \ See Also إلى داخل البلاد \ في \ indoors: into (or in) a building: He went (or He stayed) indoors because of the rain. \ See Also إلى داخل البيت \ في \ on board: on (or onto) a ship or aeroplane: There are 70 men on board. Can I go on board the aircraft?. \ See Also إلى دَاخِل الطَّائِرَة \ في \ upstairs: on, at or to a higher floor; up the stairs; at the top of the stairs: She went upstairs because her room is upstairs. She has an upstairs bedroom. \ See Also إلى الدَّور الأَعْلى \ في \ low: to or in a low position: The sun had sunk low in the sky. \ See Also إلى وَضْع مُنْخفِض \ في \ whereabouts: in or near which place: Whereabouts did you find this ring?. \ See Also قرب أيّ مكان؟ \ في \ upstream: against the flow of the stream; up the river: They rowed (the boat) upstream. \ See Also نَحْوَ أعلى النَّهر \ في الاتجاه المعاكس \ backward(s): towards the back: He fell over backwards. \ في أَثَر \ after: following, in search of: I ran after him but could not catch him. The police are after him. \ في أثناء الخِدْمَة (خارج أوقات الخِدمة)‏ \ on duty, (off duty): at work (not at work): The night nurse has 12 hours on duty, then 12 hours off duty. She went on duty at 18.00 and came off duty at 06.00. \ في أثناء ذلك \ meanwhile, meantime: (in) the time between: You’ll have to wait till he’s ready; but you can read this (in the) meanwhile. \ في إجازة \ off: free from work: My employer gave me the afternoon off. \ See Also عطلة (عُطْلَة)‏ \ في أَحْسَن الأَحْوَال \ at best: in the most hopeful conditions: At best, we can’t be ready till Tuesday. \ في آخر \ eventually: in the end: The car kept stopping, but we got home eventually. ultimately: in the end: We must all, ultimately, die. \ See Also نهاية الأمر \ في آخر رَمَق \ on one’s last legs: (of a person or thing) not expected to last much longer; worn out; almost in ruins: That company is on its last legs. \ في آخر لحظة \ in the nick of time: just in time; almost too late: She saved him in the nick of time from falling over the cliff. \ في أَرْجَاء \ about: from place to place in: We wandered about the town. round: (also around) from place to place: He wandered (a)round (the town). We travelled (a)round (the country). \ في أَسْفَل \ under: (also underneath), in a lower position. underneath: (of position) below: It was hidden underneath the floor boards. \ See Also الأسفل (الأَسْفَل)‏ \ في الأَصْل \ originally: in the beginning: This school was originally a rich man’s home. \ في الأَعْلَى \ up: in or to higher position: She lives up in the hills. \ في أغلب الظَّنّ \ doubtless: probably: It will doubtless rain on the day of the garden party. \ في أَفْضَل حَالَة \ at one’s best: in one’s best state: My garden is at its best in spring. \ في أقلّ مِن \ within: in less than: He will arrive within an hour. I live within a mile of the sea. \ في الأمام \ in front: at the front: You go in front and I’ll follow. \ في أَوَاخِر \ late: near the end of a period of time: Late in the year; in the late afternoon. \ في الأوْج \ in full swing: (of an activity) at its highest point; very busy: The party was in full swing when I arrived. \ في أوجِ الإزْهَار \ in bloom: flowering: The roses are in bloom now. \ في أيّ مَكَان \ anywhere: in no matter what place: Put it down anywhere. \ في أيّ وقت \ ever: (esp. in a negative sentence or a question) at any time: Nobody ever writes to me. Have you ever been to Rome? If you ever go there, you must see St. Peter’s cathedral. \ في أيّ وقت مَضَى \ ever: (in a comparative sentence) at any time: He’s working harder than ever. This is the best book I’ve ever read. \ في بادئ الأمر \ at first: at the beginning: At first the new school seemed strange, but then we got used to it. \ في البَدْء \ primarily: mainly; in the first place: This book is written primarily for foreigners. \ See Also أصلا (أَصْلاً)، أساسا (أساسًا)‏ \ في بعض الوقت \ part-time: for only part of the usual working time: She’s a part-time teacher. \ في البيت \ at home: in one’s house: He’s at home in the evenings. \ في البيت المُجَاوِر \ next, next door: in the next house: He lives next door. He is my nextdoor neighbour. \ في تَحَسُّن (من النّاحية الصحّية)‏ \ on the mend: getting better in health (after an illness). \ في تِلْكَ الحالةِ \ in that case: if that happens, or has happened: He may be late. In that case, we shall go without him, if that happens, or has happened He may be late. In that case, we shall go without him. \ في تِلْكَ اللَّحظة \ just: (with continuous tenses; always directly before the present participle) at this moment; at that moment: We’re just starting dinner. We were just starting dinner when he arrived. \ في التَّوّ \ straight away: at once. \ في جانب \ in favour of: supporting: I’m in favour of your plans. \ في الجَانِب الآخَر مِن \ across: on the other side of: My home is across the river. \ في جانب \ for: in favour of: Are you for this idea or against it?. \ See Also صف (صَفّ)‏ \ في جزء أدنى مِن \ down: at a lower level: My house is a little way down the hill. \ في الجِوَار \ about: around; near: There’s a lot of illness about. I went out early, when no one was about (when no one else was out). \ في الحَال \ at once: without delay: Stop that at once!. away: right away; straight away. immediately: at once. instantly: at once. on the spot: in that place and at that moment: He gave me the bill and I paid it on the spot. readily: without delay: The book you need is not readily obtainable. straight away: at once. \ في حَالَةِ \ at: (showing a state): at war; at play. on: showing the state of sth.: The house is on fire. \ في حَالَة حَسَنَة \ well, (better, best): the opposite of ill and unwell; in good health: Don’t you feel well? You’ll soon get better if you drink this medicine. How are you? Very well, thank you. I feel best in the early morning (better than at any other time). \ في حَالَة سَيِّئَة \ in a bad way: in a bad state. \ في حَالَة عَدَم توفُّر \ failing: giving a second choice of action, if the first choice fails: Ask John to do it. Failing him, ask Michael. \ في حَالَة فَوْضَى \ chaotic: in a state of chaos: The young teacher had a chaotic classroom. \ في حَالَةِ وُجُود \ in case of: in the event of; if there is: In case of fire, ring the bell. \ في حَالَةِ ما إِذَا \ in case: because of the possibility of sth. happening: Take a stick, in case you meet a snake. \ في حركة دائِمة \ on the move: moving; travelling: He’s always on the move and never settles for long. \ في الحَقِيقَة \ as a matter of fact, in fact: really; in truth: The dog seemed dead but in fact it was only asleep. As a matter of fact, I don’t like Michael. in point of fact: actually, in fact. in reality: in fact. really: truly; in fact: Is he really your son? He does not look like you!. \ في حَيْرَة من أَمْره \ at one’s wits’ end: too worried by difficulties to know what to do. \ في حين \ whereas: but: They are looking for a house, whereas we would rather live in a flat. \ في حينه \ round: following a regular course: Wait till your turn comes round. \ في الخَارِج \ abroad: in or to another country: I spent my holiday abroad. out: in (or into) the open; away from shelter; in (or into) view: Don’t stand out in the rain. The ship was far out at sea. out of door, outdoors: in the open air; not in a house: I like sleeping out of doors under the stars. outside: not within; in the open air; on the outer side: It’s raining outside. The cup is blue outside, and white inside. overseas: across the sea; (to the British, the mainland of Europe is abroad but it is not overseas): She is working overseas, in South America. \ في خِدمَة... \ at one’s service: ready to fulfil one’s needs: The hotel car is at your service if you want to go anywhere. \ في خَريف العُمر \ middle-aged: neither young nor old; aged between about 40 and 65. \ في خطٍّ مُستقيم \ as the crow flies: in a straight line: It is 5 miles away by road, but only 2 miles as the crow flies. \ فِي الخَفَاء \ stealth: by stealth using secret and quiet action: He got into the house by stealth, not by force. \ في خِلال \ in: showing a space of time before sth. will happen; after: I’ll come in a few days (or in a minute). in the course of: during: In the course of the morning I had seven visitors. \ في الدّاخل \ in: in a building, esp. at home, work or where one is expected to be: Is anyone in? I’m afraid Mr. Jones is out, but he’ll be in at 5 o’clock. \ في داخِل \ in: showing a direction; into: He fell in the river. He put his hand in his pocket. inside: on (or to) the inside of: Please wait inside the room. \ في داخِل النَّفْس \ inwardly: secretly; as regards one’s inner feelings: I was inwardly delighted, but I pretended not to care. \ في دَرَجَة الغَلَيان \ on the boil: boiling; at this heat. \ في ذلك المكان \ there: at that place: I live there. \ في رأيي \ to my mind: in my opinion: To my mind, this is most dishonest. \ في سَبِيل \ in the process of: to be doing: I am in the process of painting my house. sake, for the sake, of, for sb.’s sake: for the good of; so as to help: Soldiers die for the sake of their county (or for their country’s sake). Don’t take any risks for my sake, for the desire of Why ruin your health for the sake of a little pleasure?. \ في سِنّ المُرَاهَقَة \ teenage: in one’s teens: a teenage girl. \ في شكّ \ in doubt: uncertain: When in doubt, ask your father. \ في صحَّة جيِّدة \ fit: healthy: We take exercise so as to keep fit. \ في صَفّ \ in single file: in one line, one behind the other: We had to ride in single file down the narrow path. \ في الطّابِق الأَسْفل \ downstairs: at the bottom of the stairs; in a room at that level: I’ll wait for you downstairs. \ في الطّابِق الفوقانيّ \ overhead: above one’s head: a noise in the room overhead; clouds in the sky overhead. \ في طَرَف \ up: along (up and down are both used like this, although the course may be quite level): He lives just up the road. \ في طريق النُّور \ in sb.’s light: preventing light from reaching him: I can’t read if you stand in my light. \ في الظّاهر \ outwardly: as regards the appearance (compared with the hidden facts or inner feelings): She was outwardly calm but inwardly full of anger. \ في العَام \ annual: happening every year; of a year: an annual feast; the annual production of oil. \ في عَجلة من أمره \ in a hurry: Ants are always in a hurry. \ في العَرَاء \ in the open: outside in the air: I like to sleep out in the open, under she stars. outdoors, out of doors: the open air; not in a building: Go outdoors and play football. \ في (عُرض) البَحْر \ at sea: on the sea; far from land: a storm at sea. \ في عُطلة \ on holiday, on vacation: having a holiday: The schools are on holiday. We’re going on vacation to the sea. \ See Also إجازة( إجازة)‏ \ في غابر الأزمان (كان يا ما كان...)‏ \ once upon a time: (used at the beginning of stories). \ في الغَالِب \ mainly: chiefly; mostly. \ في غالِب الظنّ \ probably: almost certainly; with little doubt: You’re probably right. \ في غاية الجُنون \ raving mad: noisily and violently mad. \ في غَمْضَة عَيْن \ in no time: very quickly; very soon: If you follow this path, you’ll get there in no time. \ في غِيَابِه \ behind sb.’s back: when someone is not present: He tells untrue stories about me behind my back. \ في كُلٍّ \ a; an; each; every: twice a day. 80 miles an hour. ten pence a packet. \ في كل مكان \ everywhere: in all places: I’ve looked for it everywhere. \ في كل وقت \ ever: at all times; always: I shall stay there for ever. \ في لحظة خاطفة \ in a flash: very quickly and suddenly: He seized the money and was gone in a flash. \ في اللحظة المناسبة \ in the nick of time: just in time; almost too late: She saved him in the nick of time from falling over the cliff. \ في اللَّيْل \ at night: during the night. overnight: for the night: I shall stay at a hotel overnight and come back tomorrow, on the night before; during the night I packed my suitcase overnight, so as to be ready to leave at sunrise. His car was stolen overnight. \ في المائَة \ per cent: for, out, of, each hundred: Six per cent of the boys failed the exam, (one part) of each hundred I’m a 100 per cent in agreement with you. About 70 per cent (written as 70%) of the people are farmers. \ في المُتَنَاوَل \ forthcoming: supplied when needed: We wanted a new school clock, but the money was not forthcoming. \ في مُتَناوَل \ within: inside; not beyond; within reach; within one’s powers. \ في متناول اليَد \ at hand: near; within reach: Help was at hand. handy: near; easily reached when wanted: Keep that book handy so that you can look at it often. \ في مَجْمُوعَة بين \ among(st): in the middle of; mixed with; surrounded by: I found this letter among my books. There is a secret enemy amongst us. \ في مِحْنة خَطَر \ in distress: (of a ship or aeroplane) in dangerous trouble; needing help. \ في المُدّة الأخيرة \ lately: not long ago; in the near past: Have you seen her lately?. \ في المرَّة التالية \ next: the next time: I’ll give it to you when I next see you. \ See Also القادمة \ في مُقَابِل \ for: showing that something is as a return or in place of: I gave him $5 for his help. Will you change this old car for a new one?. in return (for): in exchange or payment for: Give her some flowers in return for her kindness. \ في المقام الأوّل \ firstly: as the first reason, fact, etc: I need a hot drink. Firstly, because I’m cold; secondly, because I’m thirsty. \ في المقدمة \ in front: at the front: You go in front and I’ll follow. \ في مَكَان \ in sb,’s stead: in sb.’s place; instead of sb.. \ See Also بدلا من (بدلاً من)‏ \ في مَكَان آخَر \ elsewhere: in some other place. \ في المَكَان \ in position: in the correct position. \ See Also المَوضِع الصَّحيح \ في مَكَان قَريب \ by: near: He stood by and watched them. \ في مَكَانٍ ما \ somewhere: in or to some place (but usu. anywhere in negative sentences and questions): I’ve met him somewhere before. Let’s go somewhere peaceful (to some peaceful place). \ في المكان والزّمان المذكورين \ on the spot: in that place and at that moment: Fortunately a doctor was on the spot when she broke her leg. \ في مكانه \ belong: to be in the right place: This book belongs on the top shelf. \ See Also موضِعِه المناسب \ في مَلْعَبِه \ at home: (of a match) on one’s own field: Our team are playing at home tomorrow. \ في مُنْتَصَف الطَّريق \ midway: halfway; in the middle: The station is midway between the two villages. \ في مَوعِد لاَ يَتَجَاوَز \ by: before; not later than: Can you finish this by Tuesday? They ought to be here by now. \ في المَوْعِد المحدَّد \ on time: exactly at the appointed moment: The bus always leaves on time. \ في مياه أعمق من قَامَته \ out of one’s depth: in water that is too deep to stand up in: Don’t go out of your depth unless you can swim. \ في النّادِر \ rarely: not often; hardly at all: She rarely smokes. \ في نظر \ in the eyes of: in the opinion of: In his mother’s eyes he can do no wrong. \ في نَظَري \ to my mind: in my opinion: To my mind, this is most dishonest. \ في النّهايَة \ at last: in the end, after much delay: The train was very slow, but we got there at last. at length: at last; in the end: He waited two hours. At length he went home. finally: lastly; in the end. \ في نِهايَة الأمْر \ in the long run: after a period of time; in the end: It’ll be cheaper in the long run to buy good quality shoes. \ See Also عَلَى المدى الطويل \ في هذا الوقت \ now: (in a written account) at the time that is being described: The war was now over. \ في هَذا المَكَان \ about: here: Is anyone about?. \ في هذه الأَثْنَاء \ meanwhile, meantime: (in) the time between: You’ll have to wait till he’s ready; but you can read this (in the) meanwhile. \ في هذه الأَيَّام \ nowadays: in these times (compared with the past): Travel is much easier nowadays. today: the present time: the scientists of today. \ في هذه الحالة \ all right: (also alright), in that case: You don’t want it? All right, I’ll give it to someone else. \ في هذه اللَّحْظَة \ just: (with continuous tenses; always directly before the present participle) at this moment; at that moment: We’re just starting dinner. We were just starting dinner when he arrived. just now: at this moment: I’m busy just now. \ في الهواء الطَّلْق \ in the open: outside in the air: I like to sleep out in the open, under the stars. out of doors, outdoors: in the open air; not in a house: I like sleeping out of doors under the stars. outdoors, out of doors: the open air; not in a building: Go outdoors and play football. \ في الوَاقِع \ in reality: in fact. \ في الوَاقِع \ actually: in fact; really: She looks about thirty, but actually she’s thirty-nine. as a matter of fact, in fact: really; in truth: The dog seemed dead but in fact it was only asleep. As a matter of fact, I don’t like Michael. in point of fact: actually, in fact. truly: really: Are you truly sorry for your crimes?. virtually: actually but not officially: He was virtually a prisoner in his home, as he did not dare to go out while the police were watching. \ في الوَسَط \ halfway: between two places and at an equal distance from them: His house is halfway between yours and mine. \ في وَسْط المسافة \ halfway: between two places and at an equal distance from them: His house is halfway between yours and mine. \ في وَضَح (النهار)‏ \ broad: (of daylight) full; complete: The bank was robbed in broad daylight. \ في وَضع لا يجوز فيه رَكْل الكُرة \ offside: (of a player in football, etc.) breaking a rule by being in a position in which play is not allowed. \ في الوَقْت الحَاضِر \ at present: now; at the present time: At present I have no job, but I shall get one soon. for the time being: for the present: I have no job, but I’m helping my father for the time being. now: at the present time: Where are you working now? Now is the time to plant those seeds. today: the present time: the scientists of today. \ في وَقْتٍ لاَحِق \ after: later: She came first and he arrived soon after. \ في وقتٍ ما \ sometime: (often two words, some time) at a time not exactly known or stated: Come again sometime. He left sometime after dinner. \ في وقتٍ متأخر \ late: after the proper or usual time; not early: We always go to bed very late. He arrived too late for dinner. \ في وقتٍ متأخر مِن \ late: near the end of a period of time: Late in the year; in the late afternoon. \ في الوَقْتِ المُقَرَّر \ round: following a regular course: Wait till your turn comes round. \ في وَقْتٍ من الأوقات \ ever: (esp. in a negative sentence or a question) at any time: Nobody ever writes to me. Have you ever been to Rome? If you ever go there, you must see St. Peter’s cathedral. \ في الوَقْتِ المناسب \ early: in good time for one’s purpose; before the fixed time: We arrived early and got the best seats. in due course: later; after a reasonable delay: He will get better in due course. in good time: slightly early: He came in good time for the meeting. \ في وقت واحد \ at a time: together: They arrived three at a time (in groups of three). \ في يوم من الأيام \ once upon a time: (used at the beginning of stories). \ See Also كان يا ما كان

Ⅰ m (G pl gości, Ipl gośćmi) 1. (osoba zaproszona) guest 2. (w restauracji) customer; (w sklepie) client 3. pot. (człowiek) guy pot., bloke GB pot. Ⅱ goście plt Sport visitors

['raro]

ʀɑʀ ʀɒʀ adj

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► peu se traduit souvent par l'équivalent anglais de pas beaucoup.

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   a. ( = pas beaucoup) not much

• il mange peu he doesn't eat much

• il lit peu he doesn't read much

• il lit assez peu he doesn't read very much

• il lit très peu he reads very little

• je le connais trop peu I don't know him well enough

► peu de (quantité) not much ; (nombre) not many

• nous avons eu peu de soleil we didn't have much sunshine

• nous avons eu très peu de pluie we've had very little rain

• peu de gens connaissent cet endroit not many people know this place

• il y a peu d'enfants dans cet immeuble there aren't many children in this building

• en peu de mots in a few words

• il est ici pour peu de temps he's not staying long

• il faut peu de chose pour le choquer it doesn't take much to shock him

• peu de monde few people

   b. ( = pas très) not very

• il est peu sociable he's not very sociable

• c'est peu probable it's not very likely

• ils sont trop peu nombreux there are too few of them

• un auteur assez peu connu a relatively unknown author

   c. ( = pas longtemps) shortly

• elle est arrivée peu après she arrived shortly afterwards

• peu avant 11 heures shortly before 11 o'clock

   d. ( = rarement) ils se voient peu they don't see each other very often

• elle sort peu she doesn't go out much

   e. (locutions)

► peu à peu little by little

• peu à peu, l'idée a gagné du terrain little by little the idea gained ground► à peu près about

• il pèse à peu près 50 kilos he weighs about 50 kilos► de peu

• il est plus âgé de peu he's a little older

• il l'a battu de peu he just beat him

• il a manqué le train de peu he just missed the train► pour peu que + subjonctif if

• pour peu qu'il soit sorti sans sa clé... if he should have come out without his key...

2. <

• bien peu le savent very few people know

• peu d'entre eux sont restés not many of them stayed

3. <

( = petite quantité) little

• j'ai oublié le peu de français que j'avais appris I've forgotten the little French I'd learnt

• le peu de cheveux qui lui reste what little hair he has left

► un (petit) peu a bit a little

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► un peu se traduit souvent par l'expression a bit, qui est plus familière que a little ; de même, on peut dire a bit of au lieu de a little pour traduire un peu de.

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• il te ressemble un peu he looks a bit like you

• restez encore un peu stay a bit longer

• essaie de manger un peu try to eat a little

• il travaille un peu trop he works a bit too much

• c'est un peu fort ! that's a bit much! (inf)

• c'est un peu grand it's a bit big

• il y a un peu moins de bruit it is a little less noisy

• donnez-m'en juste un petit peu just give me a little bit

• elle va un tout petit peu mieux she's a little better

• il y a un peu plus d'un an just over a year ago

• on trouve ce produit un peu partout you can get this product just about anywhere

• un peu plus et il oubliait son rendez-vous he very nearly forgot his appointment

• je me demande un peu où sont les enfants I'm just wondering where the children are

• un peu ! (inf) and how! (inf)

• il nous a menti, et pas qu'un peu ! (inf) he lied to us bigtime! (inf)

► un peu de a little a bit of

• un peu d'eau a little water

• un peu de patience a little patience

• un peu de silence, s'il vous plaît ! can we have a bit of quiet please!► pour un peu

• pour un peu, il m'aurait accusé he all but accused me

* * *

Note: Les emplois de peu avec avant, d'ici, depuis, sous sont traités respectivement sous chacun de ces mots

Il sera également utile de se reporter à la note d'usage sur les quantités

pø
1.

adverbe

1) ( modifiant un verbe) not much

elle gagne assez peu — she doesn't earn very much

elle gagne très peu — she earns very little

le radiateur chauffe peu — the radiator doesn't give out much heat

je sais me contenter de peu — I'm satisfied with very little

deux semaines c'est trop peu — two weeks isn't long enough

si peu que ce soit — however little

tu ne vas pas t'en faire pour si peu — you're not going to worry about such a little thing

la catastrophe a été évitée de peu — disaster was only just avoided

ça importe peu — it doesn't really matter

c'est peu dire — to say the least

il est aussi borné que son père et ce n'est pas peu dire! — (colloq) he's as narrow-minded as his father and that's saying a lot!

un homme comme on en voit peu — the kind of man you don't often come across

très peu pour moi! — (colloq) fig no thanks! (colloq)

2) ( modifiant un adjectif) not very

assez peu connu — little-known

ils se sentent très peu concernés par... — they feel quite unconcerned about...

nous étions peu nombreux — there weren't many of us

un individu peu recommandable — a disreputable character

elle n'est pas peu fière — she's more than a little proud

2.

pronom indéfini

peu leur font confiance — few ou not many people trust them

3.

peu de déterminant indéfini

1) ( avec un nom dénombrable)

peu de mots — few words

2) ( avec un nom non dénombrable)

peu de temps — little time

en peu de temps — in next to no time

il y a peu de bruit — there's not much noise

c'est peu de chose — it's not much

avec peu de chose elle a fait un repas délicieux — with very little she made a delicious meal

on est bien peu de chose! — we're so insignificant!

4.

nom masculin

1) ( petite quantité)

le peu de — the little [confiance, liberté]; the few [livres, amis]

il a voulu montrer le peu d'importance qu'il attachait à l'affaire — he wanted to show how unimportant the matter was to him

2) ( manque)

le peu de — the lack of

5.

un peu locution adverbiale

1) ( dans une mesure faible) a little, a bit

reste encore un peu — stay a little longer

‘elle aime le fromage?’ - ‘oui, pas qu'un peu (colloq)!’ — ‘does she like cheese?’ - ‘does she ever (colloq)!’

2) ( modifiant un adverbe) a little, a bit

parle un peu moins fort — keep your voice down

elle se maquille un peu trop — she wears a bit too much make-up

un peu plus de gens — a few more people

un peu moins de — slightly less [pluie]; slightly fewer [gens]

amène tes amis, un peu plus un peu moins... — bring your friends, another two or three people won't make much difference

‘il avait l'air un peu contrarié’ - ‘un peu beaucoup même (colloq)’ — ‘he looked a bit annoyed’ - ‘more than a bit’

3) ( emploi stylistique) just

répète un peu pour voir! — (colloq) you just try saying that again!

je vous demande un peu! — (colloq) I ask you!

il sait un peu (colloq) de quoi il parle — he does know what he's talking about

4) ( emploi par antiphrase) a little

tu ne serais pas un peu jaloux toi? — aren't you just a little jealous?

5) (colloq) ( pour renforcer une affirmation)

il est un peu bien ton copain! — your boyfriend is a bit of all right (colloq) GB ou a good-looker! (colloq)

‘tu le ferais toi?’ - ‘un peu (que je le ferais)!’ — ‘would you do it?’ - ‘I sure would (colloq)!’

6.

peu à peu locution adverbiale gradually, little by little

7.

pour un peu locution adverbiale

pour un peu ils se seraient battus — they very nearly had a fight

8.

pour peu que locution conjonctive if

pour peu qu'il ait bu, il va nous raconter sa vie — if he's had anything at all to drink, he'll tell us his life story

* * *

pø

1. adv

1) (modifiant un verbe) not much

Il boit peu. — He doesn't drink much.

Il voyage peu. — He doesn't travel much.

J'ai peu mangé à midi. — I didn't eat much for lunch.

2) (modifiant un adjectif) not very

Il est peu bavard. — He's not very talkative.

3) (modifiant un adverbe)

peu avant — shortly before

peu après — shortly afterwards

4) (modifiant un nom)

peu de (avec nom pluriel) — not many, few, (avec nom singulier) not a lot of, not much

peu de gens — not many people, few people

peu d'arbres — not many trees, few trees

Il y a peu de bons films au cinéma. — There aren't many good films on at the cinema.

Elle a peu d'amis. — She hasn't got many friends.

Il reste peu de lait. — There isn't much milk left., There isn't a lot of milk left.

Il a peu d'espoir. — He hasn't got much hope., He has little hope.

Il a peu d'espoir de réussir. — He doesn't have much hope of succeeding.

Il lui reste peu d'argent. — He hasn't got much money left.

c'est peu de chose — it's nothing, it's not much

pour peu de temps — for a short while

à peu de frais — for very little cost

5) (autres locutions)

peu à peu — little by little

à peu près — just about, more or less

J'ai à peu près fini. — I've just about finished., I've more or less finished.

à peu près 10 kg — about 10 kg, around 10 kg

à peu près deux heures — about two hours, around two hours

Le voyage prend à peu près deux heures. — The journey takes about two hours., The journey takes around two hours.

pour peu qu'il fasse — if he should do, if by any chance he does

avant peu — before long

sous peu — shortly

depuis peu (au présent) — for a short while, for a little while

Je suis parisien depuis peu. — I've only been living in Paris for a short while., (au passé) a short while ago, a little while ago

Il est rentré depuis peu. — He came back a short while ago.

de peu — only just

Chantal a manqué son train de peu. — Chantal only just missed her train.

Il est de peu mon cadet. — He's just a bit younger than me.

2. nm

1)

le peu de gens qui — the few people who

le peu de sable qui — what little sand, the little sand which

2)

un peu (emploi pronominal) — a little

J'en voudrais un peu. — I'd like a little., (emploi adverbial, avec adjectif) a little, a bit

Elle est un peu timide. — She's a bit shy., She's a little shy.

un peu de — a little, a bit of

un peu de gâteau — a bit of cake

un peu de lait — a little milk, a bit of milk

un peu d'espoir — a little hope, a bit of hope

un petit peu — a little bit

un petit peu de crème — a little bit of cream

un peu plus de [vent, sucre, personnes, voitures] — slightly more

un peu moins de [vent, sucre] — slightly less, [personnes, voitures] slightly fewer

3) (autres locutions)

pour un peu il...; un peu plus et il... — he very nearly..., he all but...

essayez un peu! — just try it!

3. pron

few

peu le savent — few people know

* * *

peu

❢ Les emplois de peu avec avant, d'ici, depuis, sous sont traités respectivement sous chacun de ces mots. Il sera également utile de se reporter à la note d'usage sur les quantités ⇒ Les quantités.

A adv

1 ( modifiant un verbe) not much; il travaille/dort/parle peu he doesn't work/sleep/talk much; elle gagne assez peu she doesn't earn very much; elle gagne très/trop peu she earns very/too little; le radiateur chauffe peu the radiator doesn't give out much heat; je sors assez/très peu I don't go out very much/very much at all; je sais me contenter de peu I'm satisfied with very little; 40 euros/un demi-litre/1,50 m, c'est (bien) peu 40 euros/half a litre^GB/1,50 m, that's not (very) much; 20 personnes, c'est peu 20 people, that's not many; dix minutes/deux mois ça fait peu ten minutes/two months, that's not long; deux semaines c'est trop peu two weeks isn't long enough; si peu que ce soit however little, no matter how little; tu ne vas pas t'en faire pour si peu you're not going to worry about such a little thing; je ne vais pas me casser la tête pour si peu I'm not going to rack my brains over such a little thing; il leur en faut peu pour pleurer/paniquer it doesn't take much to make them cry/panic; la catastrophe a été évitée de peu disaster was only just avoided; tu les as ratés de peu you've just missed them; il est mon aîné de peu he's slightly older than me; j'aime peu sa façon de dévisager les gens I don't much care for the way he stares at people; ça compte or importe peu it doesn't really matter; la cuisine n'est pas très bonne, et c'est peu dire the food isn't very good to say the least; il est aussi borné que son père et ce n'est pas peu dire○! he's as narrow-minded as his father and that's saying a lot!; un homme comme on en voit or fait○ peu the kind of man you don't often come across; très peu pour moi○! fig no thanks○!;

2 ( modifiant un adjectif) not very; peu soigneux/ambitieux/fier not very tidy/ambitious/proud; il est très peu jaloux he's not at all jealous; c'est un endroit assez peu connu it's a relatively little-known spot; cet endroit trop peu connu des touristes this spot which is sadly little known to tourists; pour les personnes trop peu qualifiées for people who haven't got enough qualifications; ils se sentent très ou fort peu concernés par… they feel quite unconcerned about…; nous étions peu nombreux there weren't many of us; nous étions très/trop peu nombreux there were very/too few of us; un individu peu recommandable a disreputable character; elle n'est pas peu fière she's more than a little proud.

B pron indéf peu lui font confiance few ou not many people trust him/her; il a écrit beaucoup de livres, peu lui survivront he has written many books, few will outlive him.

C peu de dét indéf

1 ( avec un nom dénombrable) peu de mots/d'occasions few words/opportunities;

2 ( avec un nom non dénombrable) peu de temps/d'espoir little time/hope; en peu de temps in next to no time; j'ai peu de temps pour le faire I haven't got much time to do it; il y a peu de changement there's little change; il y a peu de bruit there's not much noise; il est tombé peu de neige/pluie cet hiver there hasn't been much snow/rain this winter; il a peu de patience he's not very patient; c'est peu de chose it's not much; cela représente peu de chose it stands for little; avec peu de chose elle a fait un repas délicieux with very little she made a delicious meal; on est bien peu de chose! we're so insignificant!; il y a peu de visiteurs/divergences there are few ou not many visitors/differences; très peu de personnes sont atteintes very few people are affected; en peu de mots/jours in a few words/days; je sais peu de choses sur lui I don't know much about him; il y a peu de chances qu'il accepte he's unlikely to accept; la proposition a peu de chances d'aboutir the proposal has little chance of getting through.

D nm

1 ( petite quantité) le peu de the little [importance, confiance, pluie, liberté]; the few [livres, souvenirs, amis]; il a oublié le peu d'anglais qu'il savait he's forgotten the ou what little English he knew; elle s'est fait voler le peu d'objets qu'il lui restait she was robbed of the few things she had left; je vais dépenser le peu d'argent qu'il me reste I'm going to spend the ou what little money I've got left; il a voulu montrer le peu d'importance qu'il attachait à l'affaire he wanted to show how unimportant the matter was to him; je leur ai dit le peu que je savais I told them the ou what little I knew; il a dépensé le peu qu'il lui restait he spent what little he had left;

2 ( manque) le peu de the lack of; malgré le peu d'intérêt manifesté despite the lack of interest; j'ai remarqué ton peu d'enthousiasme I've noticed your lack of enthusiasm; ton peu d'appétit m'inquiète your lack of appetite is worrying me.

E un peu loc adv

1 ( dans une mesure faible) a little, a bit; mange un peu eat a little; cela m'inquiète/m'énerve/m'ennuie un peu it worries me/annoys me/bothers me a little ou a bit; ça m'agace plus qu'un peu○ it annoys me to say the least; le rôti est un peu brûlé the roast is a bit ou slightly burned; elle est un peu médium/poète○ she's a bit of a ou something of a medium/poet; tu ne serais pas un peu casse-cou? you're a bit of a daredevil, aren't you?; dors/attends/reste encore un peu sleep/wait/stay a little longer; ‘il a plu?’-‘pas qu'un peu○!’ ‘did it rain?’-‘did it ever○!’; ‘elle aime le fromage?’-‘oui, pas qu'un peu!’ ‘does she like cheese?’-‘does she ever○!’;

2 ( modifiant un adverbe) a little, a bit; mange un peu plus/moins eat a bit more/less; parle un peu plus fort speak a little ou a bit louder; parle un peu moins fort keep your voice down; va un peu moins/plus vite go a bit slower/faster; il fait un peu moins froid qu'hier it's a little less cold than yesterday; il fait un peu plus froid qu'hier it's slightly ou a little colder than yesterday; un peu au-dessous/au-dessus de la moyenne slightly below/above average; elle se maquille un peu trop she wears a bit too much make-up; un peu plus de bruit/vent a bit more noise/wind; un peu plus de gens/problèmes a few more people/problems; un peu moins de slightly less [pluie, humour]; slightly fewer [gens, tableaux]; peux-tu me donner un tout petit peu plus de carottes can you give me just a few more carrots; amène tes amis, un peu plus un peu moins tu sais… bring your friends, another two or three people won't make much difference; donne-moi ton linge à laver, un peu plus un peu moins… give me your laundry, a bit more won't make any difference; ‘il avait l'air un peu contrarié’-‘un peu beaucoup même○’ ‘he looked a bit annoyed’-‘more than a bit’;

3 ( emploi stylistique) just; arrête un peu de faire l'idiot! just stop behaving like an idiot!; répète un peu pour voir○! you just try saying that again!; vise un peu la perruque○! just look at the wig!; réfléchis un peu just think; je vous demande un peu○! I ask you!; il sait un peu de quoi il parle○ he does know what he's talking about;

4 ( emploi par antiphrase) a little; tu ne serais pas un peu jaloux toi? aren't you just a little jealous?; ton histoire est un peu tirée par les cheveux your story is a little far-fetched to say the least; c'est un peu tard! it's a bit late!; tu exagères ou pousses○ un peu! you're pushing it a bit○!;

5 ○( pour renforcer une affirmation) il est un peu bien ton copain! your boyfriend is a bit of all right○!; ‘tu le ferais toi?’-‘un peu (que je le ferais)!’ ‘would you do it?’-‘I sure would○!’; comme organisateur il se pose un peu là! as an organizer he's great!

F peu à peu loc adv gradually, little by little; les nuages se dissiperont peu à peu the clouds will gradually clear.

G pour un peu loc adv very nearly; pour un peu ils se seraient battus they very nearly had a fight; pour un peu il m'aurait insulté! he very nearly insulted me!

H pour peu que loc conj if; pour peu qu'il ait bu, il va nous raconter sa vie if he's had anything at all to drink, he'll tell us his life story.

[pø] adverbe

A.[EMPLOYÉ SEUL]

1. [modifiant un verbe] little, not much

il mange/parle peu he doesn't eat/talk much

je le connais peu I don't know him well

c'est peu le connaître it just shows how little you know him

il vient très peu he comes very rarely, he very seldom comes

on s'est très peu vu we saw very little of each other

j'ai trop peu confiance en elle I don't trust her enough

2. [modifiant un adjectif, un adverbe etc] not very

une avenue peu fréquentée a quiet street

il est assez peu soigneux he doesn't take much care

l'alibi est fort peu crédible the alibi is highly implausible

peu avant shortly ou not long before

peu après soon after, shortly ou not long after

je ne suis pas peu fier du résultat I'm more than a little proud of the result

B.[EMPLOI NOMINAL]

1. (avec déterminant) [indiquant la faible quantité]

le peu que tu gagnes the little you earn

(sans déterminant)

il vit de peu he lives off very little

il est mon aîné de peu he's only slightly older than me

il a raté son examen de peu (familier) he just failed his exam, he failed his exam by a hair's breadth

c'est peu it's not much

hommes/gens de peu (littéraire) worthless men/people

c'est peu (que) de le dire, encore faut-il le faire! that's easier said than done!

c'est peu dire that's an understatement, that's putting it mildly

ce n'est pas peu dire! and that's saying something!

très peu pour moi! (familier) not on your life!

2. [dans le temps]

ils sont partis il y a peu they left a short while ago, they haven't long left

d'ici peu very soon, before long

vous aurez de mes nouvelles avant peu you'll hear from me before long

je travaille ici depuis peu I've only been working here for a while, I haven't been working here long

3. [quelques personnes] a few (people)

nous étions peu à le croire only a few of us believed it

C.[PRÉCÉDÉ DE 'UN']

1. [modifiant un verbe]

un peu a little, a bit

je le connais un peu I know him a little ou a bit

reste un peu avec moi stay with me for a while

veux-tu manger un peu? do you want something to eat?

pousse-toi un (tout) petit peu move up a (little) bit

viens un peu par là come here a minute

pose-lui un peu la question, et tu verras! just ask him, and you'll see!

fais voir un peu... let me have a look...

tu l'as vu? — un peu! (familier) did you see it? — you bet I did ou and how!

un peu que je vais lui dire ce que je pense! (familier) I'll give him a piece of my mind, don't you worry (about that)!

2. [modifiant un adjectif, un adverbe etc]

un peu a little, a bit

je suis un peu pressée I'm in a bit of a hurry

il est un peu poète he's a bit of a poet

un peu partout just about ou pretty much everywhere

un peu plus a little ou bit more

un peu plus de

a. [suivi d'un nom comptable] a few more

b. [suivi d'un nom non comptable] a little (bit) more

un peu moins a little ou bit less

roule un peu moins vite drive a little more slowly

un peu moins de

a. [suivi d'un nom comptable] slightly fewer, not so many

b. [suivi d'un nom non comptable] a little (bit) less

nous avons un peu moins de difficultés we're not having quite so many difficulties

un peu trop a little ou bit too (much)

il en fait vraiment un peu trop! he's really making too much of it!

un peu beaucoup (familier) a bit much

tu as bu un peu beaucoup hier soir (familier) you certainly had a few last night

elle est jolie — un peu, oui! (familier) she's pretty — just a bit!

un peu plus et l'évier débordait! another minute and the sink would have overflowed!

un peu plus et on se serait cru au bord de la mer you could almost imagine that you were at the seaside

un peu plus, et je partais I was just about to leave

un peu plus et je me faisais écraser! I was within an inch of being run over!

peu à peu locution adverbiale

little by little, bit by bit, gradually

on s'habitue, peu à peu you get used to things, bit by bit ou gradually

————————

peu de locution déterminante

1. [suivi d'un nom non comptable] not much, little

[suivi d'un nom comptable] not many, few

cela a peu d'intérêt it's of little interest

peu de temps: je ne reste que peu de temps I'm only staying for a short while, I'm not staying long

il n'a que peu de temps à me consacrer he can only give me a small amount of time

peu de temps avant/après not long before/after

il y avait peu de neige there wasn't much snow

j'ai peu d'amis I have few friends, I don't have many friends

en peu de mots in a few words

on est peu de chose what an insignificant thing man is

c'est peu de chose it's nothing

2. [avec un déterminant]

le peu de

a. [suivi d'un nom comptable] the ou what few

b. [suivi d'un nom non comptable] the ou what little

le peu de connaissances que j'ai the ou what few acquaintances I have

le peu de fois où je l'ai vu on the few ou rare occasions when I've seen him

le peu d'expérience que j'avais what little experience I had

son peu d'enthousiasme his lack of enthusiasm

avec ce peu de matériel/d'idées with such limited material/ideas

peu ou prou locution adverbiale

(littéraire)

more or less

————————

pour peu que locution conjonctive

pour peu qu'il le veuille, il réussira if he wants to, he'll succeed

pour un peu locution adverbiale

pour un peu il m'accuserait! he's all but accusing me!

pour un peu, j'oubliais mes clés I nearly forgot my keys

————————

quelque peu locution adverbiale

(soutenu)

1. [modifiant un verbe] just a little

2. [modifiant un adjectif] somewhat, rather

il était quelque peu éméché he was somewhat ou rather tipsy

————————

quelque peu de locution déterminante

(soutenu)

not a little

————————

si peu que locution conjonctive

si peu que j'y aille, j'apprécie toujours beaucoup l'opéra although I don't go very often, I always like the opera very much

————————

si peu... que locution conjonctive

si peu réaliste qu'il soit however unrealistic he may be

————————

sous peu locution adverbiale

before long, in a short while

vous recevrez sous peu les résultats de vos analyses you will receive the results of your tests in a short while

————————

un peu de locution déterminante

a little (bit) of

prends un peu de gâteau have a little ou some cake

un peu de tout a bit of everything

avec un peu de chance... with a little luck...

allons, un peu de patience! come on, let's be patient!

avec un (tout) petit peu de bonne volonté... with (just) a little willingness...

tu l'as quitté par dépit? — il y a un petit peu de ça so you left him in a fit of pique? — that was partly it ou that was part of the reason