Language/French/Vocabulary/Understanding-Espèces,-Espèce,-and-En-l'espèce

Understanding French Vocabulary: Espèces, Espèce, and En l'espèce

This article aims to clarify the use and meaning of several French terms that can be confusing: espèces, espèce, and en l'espèce. Although similar, these terms have distinct meanings in different contexts, which are important for English speakers learning French.

Espèces or "Cash"

Definition

The term espèces in this context refers to physical money, that is, coins and banknotes.

Example of Usage

When asked in a store: "How will you pay: by cheque, in cash (en espèces) or by credit card?"

The phrase des espèces sonnantes et trébuchantes is also used to denote cash.

Espèces in Biology

Definition

In a biological context, an espèce refers to a group of individuals sharing common characteristics and capable of reproducing among themselves.

Examples

• A bovine species (une espèce bovine)
• A species of turtle (une espèce de tortue)
• The human species (l'espèce humaine)
• Protected species (espèce protégée)

En l'espèce

Meanings

The term en l'espèce can be used to mean:

1. In this circumstance
2. In this specific case
3. On the matter (on this subject, in this field, in this discipline)

Examples

A) Following his accident, he designated, en l'espèce, two of his neighbors who confirmed his statements to the insurance expert.

B) En l'espèce, this athlete will undoubtedly be the next Olympic champion.

Other Uses of Espèce

General Use

Beyond its biological and monetary meanings, the word espèce can also be used in a more general sense in French. It can refer to a kind, sort, or type of thing or person in everyday speech.

Examples

* Une espèce de plaisanterie - A kind of joke

* Il est une espèce d'expert en la matière - He is a sort of expert on the subject

* Ce film est une espèce d'hybride entre la comédie et le drame - This movie is a kind of hybrid between comedy and drama

Figurative Use

In a more figurative sense, espèce can be used to express disdain or belittlement, often translated as "sort of" in a dismissive tone.

Example

* Il m'a dit une espèce d'excuse - He gave me some sort of excuse (implying that the excuse was not satisfactory or believable).

Conclusion

The word espèce in French is versatile and context-dependent. Its usage ranges from scientific terms in biology to everyday language describing types or kinds of things, and even to more nuanced, figurative expressions. Understanding these various uses can greatly enhance comprehension and expression for learners of French.