Also means
delay, period
Usage Note
délai does NOT mean 'delay' as in a holdup — it means the allotted time to do something. Dans les meilleurs délais means 'as soon as possible'. Confusing délai with English 'delay' is a very common false-friend error for English speakers.
Examples
"Vous devez rendre le rapport dans un délai de cinq jours."
Natural Translation
You must submit the report within a five-day deadline.
Literal Translation
You must return the report within a deadline of five days.
Related Words
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