main-d'œuvre bon marché
The English phrase "cheap labour" is translated into French as main-d'œuvre bon marché.
The term refers to workers who are paid very low wages.
Which one should you use?
While main-d'œuvre bon marché is the standard phrase, you may also see main-d'œuvre à bas coût, which is a common alternative used to describe labor with low costs.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase main-d'œuvre bon marché, the adjective bon marché is invariable. It does not change to agree with the feminine noun main-d'œuvre.
Did you know?
- In French, bon marché can describe something that is a bargain, but if you call a person bon marché, it can imply they are lacking in dignity or are 'easy'.
- The term main-d'œuvre literally translates to 'work of the hand'. This provides a physical, almost artisanal image of labour that differs from the more abstract concept of 'workforce' in English.
- The word marché comes from the Latin 'mercatus', which is the same root used for 'merchandise' and 'merchant' in English. This links the idea of 'cheapness' directly to the act of trading and commerce.
Examples in context
- Le travail à bas prix pose des problèmes sociaux importants.Cheap labour poses significant social issues.
- Ils cherchent de la main-d'œuvre bon marché.They are looking for cheap labour.
- Cette usine utilise de la main-d'œuvre bon marché.This factory uses cheap labour.
- On ne peut pas dépendre de la main-d'œuvre bon marché.We cannot rely on cheap labour.
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are discussing a new business strategy at a café.
- HugoNous devrions utiliser de la main-d'œuvre bon marché.We should use cheap labour.
- EmmaJe ne suis pas d'accord, Hugo.I don't agree, Hugo.
- HugoPourquoi penses-tu cela ?Why do you think that?
- EmmaLa qualité sera trop mauvaise.The quality will be too poor.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bon, marché, CC BY-SA 4.0.
