trouble de la personnalité limite
masculine
The English phrase "borderline personality disorder" is translated into French as trouble de la personnalité limite. Wiktionary also lists trouble de la personnalité borderline.
Meaning: Translations (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| trouble de la personnalité limite | masculine |
| trouble de la personnalité borderline | masculine |
Which one should you use?
While both terms refer to the same condition, trouble de la personnalité limite is the official French medical translation used in clinical settings. In contrast, trouble de la personnalité borderline incorporates the English loanword "borderline" and is commonly used in informal or semi-formal conversation.
Did you know?
- In French, the term limite is used as a noun in this phrase, but it is also a common adjective. This allows French speakers to describe a person as limite, which in slang can mean someone is 'on the edge' or 'sketchy'.
- The word trouble is related to the English words 'trouble' and 'turbulent'. It likely evolved from the Latin turbidus, which describes a state of being muddy or confused.
- In French, the word trouble is used for both a medical disorder and a common state of confusion or agitation. This makes the phrase trouble de la personnalité literally describe a personality that is 'disturbed' or 'unsettled'.
Examples in context
- La patiente a été diagnostiquée avec un trouble de la personnalité borderline.The patient has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.
- Le trouble de la personnalité limite peut être difficile à gérer.Borderline personality disorder can be difficult to manage.
- Elle étudie les symptômes du trouble de la personnalité limite.She is studying the symptoms of borderline personality disorder.
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are discussing a psychology course.
- EmmaLucas, est-ce que tu étudies le trouble de la personnalité limite ?Lucas, are you studying borderline personality disorder?
- LucasOui, c'est un chapitre très complexe.Yes, it is a very complex chapter.
- EmmaJe trouve les symptômes vraiment intéressants.I find the symptoms really interesting.
- LucasMoi aussi, on peut en discuter ensemble.Me too, we can discuss it together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “borderline personality disorder” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, la, limite, personnalité, trouble, CC BY-SA 4.0.
