des actes, pas des mots
The English phrase "deeds not words" is translated into French as des actes, pas des mots.
This phrase is used to emphasize that taking action is more important than making promises.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation where actes means deeds/actions and mots means words.
How does it change in a sentence?
The use of the partitive article des is standard here to refer to an indefinite quantity of actions and words.
Did you know?
- In older versions of French, speakers could use words meaning 'a drop' goutte or 'a crumb' mie instead of pas to express negation.
- While actes means 'deeds' here, in a legal context, actes refers to official written documents or deeds of ownership.
- The concept of 'action' in French is often contrasted with discours, a word meaning 'speech' or 'discourse', which carries a more formal weight than mots.
Examples in context
- Il faut passer aux actes, pas seulement aux mots.One must move to action, not just to words.
- Il faut des actes, pas des mots.It takes deeds, not words.
- Montre-le moi, car je veux des actes, pas des mots.Show me, because I want deeds, not words.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are discussing a politician's promises during a coffee break.
- GabrielIl promet beaucoup de changements.He promises many changes.
- LéaOui, mais nous voulons des actes, pas des mots.Yes, but we want deeds, not words.
- GabrielTu as raison, Léa.You are right, Léa.
- LéaL'action est la seule chose qui compte.Action is the only thing that counts.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries des, pas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
