Saut vs. bond
In French, the words 'saut' and 'bond' both refer to the action of jumping or leaping. However, they are used in different contexts and can convey slightly different nuances.
Saut
'Saut' generally refers to a jump or leap, often suggesting a vertical or long-distance movement. It is used in a wide range of contexts, from physical jumps to metaphorical leaps in logic or progress.
Il a fait un grand saut pour franchir la flaque d'eau.
(He made a big jump to get over the puddle.)
Le saut à la perche est une discipline de l'athlétisme.
(Pole vaulting is an athletics discipline.)
Un saut dans le temps signifie un voyage temporel.
(A leap in time means time travel.)
Bond
'Bond' often implies a sudden or quick leap, usually shorter and more abrupt than 'saut'. It's often used to describe animals or people in sudden action, and can also figuratively suggest a rapid advance.
Le chat a fait un petit bond pour attraper le jouet.
(The cat made a small leap to catch the toy.)
Elle a bondi de joie en apprenant la nouvelle.
(She jumped for joy upon hearing the news.)
L'entreprise a fait un bond en avant avec cette innovation.
(The company made a leap forward with this innovation.)
Summary
'Saut' and 'bond' both refer to jumps or leaps, but have different nuances. 'Saut' refers to jumps, both literal and metaphorical, and tends to imply distance or height. On the other hand, 'bond' refers to a quick, sometimes small jump, used mainly for sudden movements or advances.