de base
The English phrase grassroots is translated into French as de base.
While de base is the standard adjective, when you want to refer specifically to the people who make up the grassroots, you should use the noun militants (activists) or adhérents (members) paired with de base.
Meaning: of the grass roots (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the phrase la base communautaire is used to refer to grassroots movements or initiatives.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to the people themselves (the grassroots), French often uses the noun militants or adhérents combined with de base, such as in the phrase les militants de base (the grassroots activists).
Did you know?
- The French word militant, used to describe the people in a 'grassroots' movement, comes from the Latin 'militare' meaning 'to serve as a soldier'.
- While 'grassroots' in English evokes imagery of soil and plants, the French de base is purely structural and lacks any agricultural or botanical connection.
- The word adhérent is used for grassroots members because it literally means 'one who sticks to' or 'clings to' an organization.
Examples in context
- Elle soutient les mouvements de base.She supports grassroots movements.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use de base when describing movements.Tatoeba #13365286 by Igider, translation #12776982 by Igider
- Ils ont organisé une série d'actions de proximité pour mobiliser la base populaire .They organized a series of grassroots actions to mobilize the popular base.
- Les militants de terrain se sont engagés activement dans la campagne électorale.The grassroots activists actively engaged in the electoral campaign.
- Le succès de cette initiative est dû à l'implication de la base communautaire .The success of this initiative is due to the involvement of the grassroots community.
- C'est une organisation de base.It is a grassroots organization.
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are discussing a local community project.
- ChloéCe projet vient d'une organisation de base.This project comes from a grassroots organization.
- GabrielC'est super, ils connaissent les besoins réels.That's great, they know the real needs.
- ChloéOui, c'est beaucoup plus efficace ainsi.Yes, it's much more effective this way.
- GabrielJe veux bien les aider, Gabriel.I would love to help them, Gabriel.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
