il vaut mieux tard que jamais

/il vo mjø tɑʁ kə ʒə.mɛ/

proverb★Intermediate— better late than never◆proverb

◆ What It Really Means

Encouragement to take action, even if delayed, as it is better than not doing it at all.

¶ Literal Meaning

It is better late than never.

Literal Breakdown

il vaut mieuxit is better+tardlate+que jamaisthan never

◇ Mental Image

A mental picture of someone taking action after a delay, emphasizing that the effort is still valuable.

◈ When to Use

A friend who starts learning a new language later in life might be told 'il vaut mieux tard que jamais' to encourage them.

◉ Cultural Note

This proverb reflects a cultural value of perseverance and the belief that effort is valuable regardless of timing.

informal

It is better to do something late than not to do it at all; emphasizing that delayed action is preferable to inaction.

J'ai enfin commencé à apprendre le piano à 40 ans, mais il vaut mieux tard que jamais.

I finally started learning piano at 40, but better late than never.

💡

This proverb is used to encourage action even if it is delayed, highlighting the value of persistence and effort regardless of timing.

Synonyms

mieux vaut tard que jamaisproverb

better late than never

This phrase is often used in casual conversations to encourage someone who is hesitant to start something due to perceived lateness.

Use this phrase to motivate someone to take action, even if it is delayed.

The phrase originates from French and is a traditional proverb emphasizing the value of taking action, even if delayed.

This expression is commonly used to reassure someone who has started something late or to encourage someone to take action despite delays.

il vaut mieux

it is better

phrase

tard

late

adverb

que jamais

than never

phrase

Dictionnaire Français-Anglais