un second chez-soi
The English phrase "home away from home" can be translated into French as un second chez-soi.
un second chez-soi is used to describe a place (like a hotel, a friend's house or a vacation spot) where one feels as comfortable as in one's own home.
Meaning: place in which one is comfortable (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France, the phrase Un chez-soi, loin de chez soi. translates to "a home, far from home."
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the adjective 'second' to imply that this place functions as a second residence or a second place of comfort.
Did you know?
- The preposition chez is unique because it allows a person's name to function as a location, turning a person into a destination.
- While 'home away from home' uses a spatial metaphor in English, the French chez-soi literally translates to 'at oneself', focusing on the person's presence rather than the building.
- While chez usually means 'at the home of', in un second chez-soi, it transforms into a noun meaning 'home' or 'private sanctuary'.
Examples in context
- Cet hôtel est un second chez-soi pour moi.This hotel is a second home to me.
- Sa petite maison à la campagne est un second chez-soi.Her little house in the countryside is a second home.
- Je considère ce café comme un second chez-soi.I consider this cafe a second home.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are talking about Manon's favorite library.
- GabrielTu passes tout ton temps à la bibliothèque !You spend all your time at the library!
- ManonC'est vrai, c'est un second chez-soi pour moi.It's true, it is a second home to me.
- GabrielTu t'y sens vraiment bien, alors.You feel really comfortable there, then.
- ManonAbsolument, je m'y sens comme à la maison.Absolutely, I feel at home there.
