Are you looking to expand your French vocabulary and learn how to say “entitled” in different contexts? In this comprehensive guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to express this concept, as well as provide you with tips, examples, and regional variations when necessary.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways
When speaking formally in French, you may want to convey the sense of entitlement in a respectful and sophisticated manner. Here are some formal expressions:
“Avoir droit à” – This phrase literally translates to “to have the right to” and is commonly used to express entitlement in a formal context. For example:
- Les citoyens ont droit à un procès équitable. (Citizens have the right to a fair trial.)
- Les employés ont droit à des congés payés. (Employees are entitled to paid leave.)
Tips:
When using “avoir droit à,” make sure to conjugate the verb “avoir” correctly to match the subject. The noun or pronoun representing the entitlement should follow “à.”
Additionally, you can use more formal synonyms of “entitled” in French, such as:
- “Prétendre à” – to claim a right
- “Revendiquer” – to demand, assert
Both of these expressions are commonly found in formal writing, legal documents, or political discourse.
2. Informal Ways
French also has informal ways to convey a sense of entitlement in casual conversations or when speaking with friends. Let’s explore some common phrases:
“Se croire tout permis” – This expression translates to “to believe oneself allowed to do anything” and is often used to describe someone who acts entitled. For example:
- Il se croit tout permis depuis qu’il est promu. (He acts entitled since he got promoted.)
- Elle se croit tout permis parce qu’elle est célèbre. (She acts entitled because she’s famous.)
Tips:
When using “se croire tout permis,” conjugate the reflexive verb “se croire” according to the subject and include “tout permis” to convey the sense of entitlement. This expression emphasizes the behavior or attitude of the person rather than directly translating “entitled.”
Another informal way to convey entitlement is by using idiomatic expressions such as:
- “Péter plus haut que son cul” – to think too highly of oneself
- “Se prendre pour le nombril du monde” – to think one is the center of the world
These expressions can be used to describe someone who has an exaggerated sense of entitlement and self-importance.
3. Regional Variations
French is spoken in many countries around the world, each with its own unique variations and regionalisms. While the concept of entitlement can be expressed using the aforementioned ways throughout the French-speaking world, it’s worth noting some regional variations:
In France:
French people commonly use “avoir droit à” and “se croire tout permis” to express entitlement. However, they also have some regional variations:
- In the South of France, you may hear “se prendre pour le nombril du monde” more frequently.
- In the North of France, the expression “être pistonné(e)” (to have connections) is often used to describe someone who is entitled due to influential connections.
In Canada (Quebec):
Quebecois may use the expression “se croire permis à tout” to convey a sense of entitlement. This phrase is similar to “se croire tout permis” but with a slight regional variation.
These regional variations add cultural richness to the French language and offer insights into the diverse ways entitlement is expressed.
Conclusion
Expanding your vocabulary in French is an exciting journey, and learning how to express the concept of entitlement is an important step. In this guide, we covered both formal and informal ways to say “entitled” in French, providing you with tips, examples, and regional variations when necessary. Remember to adapt your expressions based on the level of formality and the context of your conversations. Happy language learning!
