Mourir versus y rester

Carole G.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Mourir versus y rester

This sentence was an example:  Tu as failli y rester.   The translation was you almost died.

Couldn't it also be Tu as failli mourir?

Asked 4 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Carole,

Yes,  you could use the verb 'mourir' instead of 'y rester'.

Two ways of saying the same thing.

CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Chris, 

The 'y'  is idiomatic in the case of 'y rester'  as it is used in the infinitive  without knowing what it refers to, like the 'en' of s'en aller.

Others include -

s'y mettre = to get started

s'y prendre =  to go about it 

etc.

chris w.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

What is the 'y'  doing there?

Carole G. asked:

Mourir versus y rester

This sentence was an example:  Tu as failli y rester.   The translation was you almost died.

Couldn't it also be Tu as failli mourir?

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