ras

The French word "ras" is an adjective meaning "level," "even," or "shaved very close." It is often used to describe something that is very close to a surface, cut short, or very shallow in height.

Meanings and uses:

1. Very short or close-cut:

   • "cheveux ras" = shaved or very short hair
   • "barbe rasée" = close-shaved beard

2. Level with a surface:

   • "la mer est ras de la plage" = the sea is level (at) with the shore

3. In expressions:

   • "à ras bord" = filled to the brim (too full, nearly overflowing)
   • "un mur ras" = a wall level with something; not protruding

Synonyms and differences:

• court – simply means "short," but doesn’t always indicate “very close” or "level."
• près – means "near," but is about proximity, not about cut or level.
• aplati or plat – means "flat;" can overlap with "ras" in the sense of "level," but "ras" is more specifically about being right at the surface or edge.
• dégarni – describes something thinning out (e.g., hair) but doesn’t necessarily mean it’s cut very close down to the skin.

Summary:

"Ras" emphasizes closeness to a surface, or being cut very close (e.g., shaving), or level without protrusion. It is commonly used in everyday French when talking about haircuts or something that is even with or barely above a surface.