essai
Essai means an attempt or trial — and it wears many jerseys. In rugby, un essai is a try (the crowd-lifting score). Elsewhere: a test (un essai gratuit, a free trial), a first attempt, or a literary essay. The verb behind it is essayer, to try. Context picks the meaning.
Where you'll hear it
Maxime
C'est clair! Mais bon, l'ambiance ici au pub est quand même pas mal. Tu as vu tous ces supporters irlandais? Ils sont super sympas, on a même partagé des pintes avec eux tout à l'heure.
Definitely! But hey, the atmosphere here at the pub is pretty good too. Did you see all these Irish supporters? They're super nice, we even shared pints with them earlier.
Lilou
C'est ça que j'adore dans le rugby. Les supporters des deux équipes peuvent regarder le match ensemble sans souci. Du coup, c'est toujours la fête, peu importe le résultat.
That's what I love about rugby. Supporters from both teams can watch the match together without any problems. So it's always a party, regardless of the result.
Maxime
Regarde! La mêlée française est impressionnante. Dupont est en train de faire une passe... Et oui! ESSAI de Damian Penaud!
Look! The French scrum is impressive. Dupont is making a pass... And yes! TRY by Damian Penaud!
Lilou
Quelle action collective magnifique! Les Irlandais à côté sont en train d'applaudir. Tu vois, c'est ça l'esprit du rugby. Même quand l'équipe adverse marque, on reconnaît le beau jeu.
What a magnificent team action! The Irish next to us are applauding. You see, that's the spirit of rugby. Even when the opposing team scores, we recognize good play.
How it shows up
Quel essai magnifique en fin de match !
What a magnificent try at the end of the match!
Profitez d'un essai gratuit de sept jours.
Enjoy a free seven-day trial.
Mon premier essai était raté, mais j'ai réessayé.
My first attempt failed, but I tried again.
Related expressions
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