nid vide
The English phrase 'empty nest' is translated into French as nid vide.
The term nid vide refers to a home or family where the children have moved away. If you wish to specifically describe the psychological phenomenon known as 'empty nest syndrome', French speakers use the phrase le syndrome du nid vide.
Meaning: home or family where the children have moved away (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of 'empty nest', where nid means 'nest' and vide means 'empty'.
Did you know?
- A French speaker might describe a very small but comfortable home as un petit nid douillet. This transforms the 'nest' from a symbol of departure in nid vide into a symbol of intimacy and warmth.
- In French, the word nid is used in the common idiom faire son nid, which literally means 'to make one's nest' but actually means to settle down and build a comfortable life.
- The word vide in nid vide shares a common ancestor with the English word 'void', both tracing back to the concept of being empty or vacant.
Examples in context
- On se retrouve maintenant seuls à la maison, les enfants ont quitté le nid.We find ourselves alone at home now, the children have left the nest.
- Le nid vide leur fait un peu peur.The empty nest scares them a little.
- Ils doivent s'habituer au nid vide.They must get used to the empty nest.
- Vivre dans un nid vide est difficile.Living in an empty nest is difficult.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their adult children.
- ChloéLes enfants sont tous partis à l'université.The children have all left for university.
- HugoTu as donc un nid vide maintenant, Chloé ?So you have an empty nest now, Chloé?
- ChloéOui, la maison semble très calme.Yes, the house seems very quiet.
- HugoC'est le début d'une nouvelle étape, Hugo.It is the start of a new stage, Hugo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nid, vide, CC BY-SA 4.0.
