How to Say ‘It was very close!’ in French
C'était très proche !
say ay-tay tray prohsh
[say ay-tay tray prohsh]
💬 Usage Tip: Good basic reaction, though in very natural French people often say C’était chaud ! or Ça s’est joué à rien !
🇫🇷 In France: Close calls are prime shouting material in French football culture—everyone becomes a commentator for a few seconds.
Phrase Breakdown
C'
[say]
it / that
Short form of ce used before était in the expression 'it was'.
C' était très proche de finir en but.
It was very close to ending in a goal.
était
[ay-tay]
was
Past descriptive form of être in the imperfect tense.
C'était très proche à la fin du match.
It was very close at the end of the match.
très
[tray]
very
Intensifier that strengthens proche.
C'était très proche du cadre.
It was very close to the frame of the goal.
proche
[prohsh]
close
Means near; often used for a shot that almost went in.
C'était très proche, mais pas assez pour marquer.
It was very close, but not enough to score.
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