Dieu d'abord
The English phrase "God first" is translated into French as Dieu d'abord.
This phrase is used as a motto or a statement of priority to indicate that one's faith or God takes precedence over all other matters.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Dieu (God) and d'abord (first/at first/above all). The word d'abord is a contraction of de and abord, where abord refers to the beginning or the first step.
Which one should you use?
While Dieu d'abord is a direct translation of "God First", you can also use Dieu avant tout, which translates to "God above all".
Did you know?
- The word abord in d'abord originally described the act of a ship coming alongside a pier or another vessel.
- In French, the word dieu is not capitalized when referring to a generic deity or a pagan god, but is always capitalized as Dieu when referring to the single God of monotheism.
- While Dieu d'abord expresses priority, French speakers often use the phrase Dieu voulant to express that something will happen if God wills it, similar to the Arabic 'Inshallah'.
Examples in context
- Il est important de placer Dieu d'abordIt is important to put God first
- J'ai réalisé que pour être heureux, je dois mettre Dieu en premierI realized that to be happy, I must put God first
- Ma famille et moi, nous mettons Dieu en prioritéMy family and I prioritize God above all
- Dans ma vie, c'est Dieu d'abord.In my life, it is God first.
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are discussing their personal values.
- ManonQu'est-ce qui est le plus important pour toi ?What is the most important thing to you?
- LucasPour moi, c'est Dieu d'abord.For me, it is God first.
- ManonJe comprends tout à fait, Lucas.I completely understand, Lucas.
- LucasC'est ce qui me guide chaque jour.It is what guides me every day.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Dieu, dieu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
