restes humains
The English phrase "human remains" is translated into French as restes humains.
restes humains refers to the dead body or parts of a dead body of a person. While the English term can refer to either a whole body or fragments, in French restes humains is most commonly used to describe skeletal or fragmented remains rather than a complete, intact corpse.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of restes (remains/leftovers) and humains (human).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
restes humains is the standard formal and technical term used in forensic, archaeological or journalistic contexts. Another formal option is dépouilles mortelles.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions of France, the term reliques humaines may be used to refer to human remains in historical or religious contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective humains must agree in gender and number with the masculine plural noun restes.
Did you know?
- The alternative phrase dépouilles mortelles uses a noun derived from the verb dépouiller, which means to strip or plunder. It originally referred to the spoils of war taken from a fallen enemy.
- The word restes is also the standard term for 'leftovers' after a meal. This can make the phrase sound strangely domestic to a French speaker if the context is not clearly formal.
- The word dépouille can be used to describe the skin or shell of an animal, such as a snake shedding its skin. This links the concept of human remains to the natural process of molting.
Examples in context
- Il y avait beaucoup de restes humains dans ce lieu.There were a lot of human remains in that place.This sentence is useful for describing the presence of many restes humains in a specific location.Tatoeba #3991623 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #3991525 by Amastan
- Des restes humains furent trouvés au cours de l'excavation.Human remains were found during the excavation.This sentence is useful for describing restes humains being discovered during an excavation.Tatoeba #820604 by sacredceltic, translation #569049 by darinmex
- Les experts ont examiné les restes humains trouvés sur le site archéologique.The experts examined the human remains found at the archaeological site.
- La famille a demandé que les dépouilles mortelles soient traitées avec respect.The family requested that the human remains be treated with respect.
- Le cimetière est rempli d'ossements datant du XVIIIe siècle.The cemetery is filled with human remains dating back to the 18th century.
- L'expert a identifié les restes humains.The expert identified the human remains.
Example conversation
Two forensic experts are discussing a discovery at a site.
- HugoHugo, regarde ces restes humains ici.Hugo, look at these human remains here.
- LéaC'est possible, mais c'est très ancien.It is possible, but it is very old.
- HugoOn doit analyser les restes humains rapidement.We must analyze the human remains quickly.
- LéaJe vais appeler le laboratoire tout de suite.I will call the laboratory right away.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
