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décalage

gap, discrepancy

noun deh-kah-LAHZH Rare
Time Time Expressions

Also means

time difference, offset

Usage Note

Décalage derives from décaler ('to shift, to offset') and covers a wide range of 'gaps': a time zone difference (le décalage horaire is specifically jet lag / time difference), a cultural or social gap, or a mismatch between expectations and reality. Décalage horaire is one of the most common compound uses and is worth memorising as a fixed phrase.

Examples

"Le décalage horaire m'a fatigué pendant trois jours."

Natural Translation

The time difference tired me out for three days.

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