How to say I almost missed my exam?

Question

If "J'ai failli rater mon examen" means I almost failed my exam, how would one say I almost missed my exam? Seems like there is some ambiguities in the word rater in this context. Thanks.

Maarten Kamp · Accepted Answer

«J'ai failli manquer mon examen» perhaps?

Céline Pickard · Answer

Bonjour Winston,
Maarten has translated the phrase impeccably. 
A few more details on 'rater', it is also a verb that is used as a synonym of 'manquer' (= 'to miss') in a very familiar or an oral context.
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée!

chris wallis · Answer

Bonjour Celine, in the context of being synonymous with manquer, does je te rate mean you miss me or I miss you?

Céline Pickard · Answer

Bonjour Chris,
As mentioned earlier ‘rater’ can be used to replace ‘manquer’ in a very familiar context. I have included some examples to clarify:
‘manquer [qqn/qch]’ / ‘rater [qqn/qch]’ = ‘miss [sb/sth]’
Tu l’as manquée / ratée de peu = you’ve just missed her
Tu viens juste de la manquer / rater = You’ve just missed her 
J’ai manqué / raté mon train = I missed my train
Le tireur a manqué / raté sa cible = the sniper missed his target
 
Attention: ‘rater’ can’t be used in the context of ‘to miss [sb]’ (= to feel a void). You will use ‘manquer à [qqn]’
Tu me manques = I miss you
Je te manque = you miss me
 
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !