enfant intérieur
masculine
The phrase "inner child" in French is enfant intérieur.
enfant intérieur refers to the childlike aspect of a person's psyche. You may also encounter the metaphorical expression retrouver l'enfant qui est en moi, which translates to "finding the child within me."
Meaning: childlike aspect of a person's psyche (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation where enfant means "child" and intérieur means "inner" or "inside".
Did you know?
- The word enfant is historically linked to the Latin 'infans', which literally translates to 'one who is not speaking'.
- In French, the word intérieur is used to describe the inside of a building or a room. This gives the phrase enfant intérieur a subtle spatial feeling, as if the child is living in a physical room within the adult.
- French often uses the phrase avoir un cœur d'enfant to describe someone who has kept their 'inner child' in a positive way. It focuses on the 'heart' rather than the 'interior' to signal kindness and wonder.
Examples in context
- Le travail sur l'enfant intérieur est essentiel pour guérir les blessures émotionnellesWorking on the inner child is essential for healing emotional wounds
- Mon amie travaille sur son enfant intérieur depuis des moisMy friend has been working on her inner child for months
- Il faut écouter son enfant intérieur.One must listen to one's inner child.
- Son enfant intérieur aime les dessins animés.His inner child loves cartoons.
- Je cherche à libérer mon enfant intérieur.I am trying to free my inner child.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are discussing their hobbies at a café.
- EmmaNathan, tu joues encore aux Lego ?Nathan, are you still playing with Legos?
- NathanOui, je nourris mon enfant intérieur.Yes, I am nourishing my inner child.
- EmmaC'est une très belle façon de s'amuser.That is a very beautiful way to have fun.
- NathanMerci, Emma, ça me rend heureux.Thanks, Emma, it makes me happy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “inner child” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries enfant, intérieur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
