How to Say “Irrelevant” in French

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non pertinent
The English phrase 'irrelevant' is translated into French as non pertinent.
The phrase is used to describe something that is not related, not applicable, unimportant, not connected.
Meaning: not related, not applicable, unimportant, not connected (adj)

Which one should you use?

While non pertinent is a standard way to express irrelevance, you can use hors de propos specifically when something is irrelevant to the current topic of conversation. For an even more formal nuance of expressing a lack of connection, you may use N'ayant aucun rapport. Conversely, if you want to describe an idea or comment that is completely off track or mistaken, use the colloquial expression À côté de la plaque. For a casual way to say that something has nothing to do with a situation, use Ça n'a rien à voir.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

Non pertinent is a formal way to say 'irrelevant'. Hors de propos and N'ayant aucun rapport are also formal expressions. In informal or colloquial settings, you should use À côté de la plaque or Ça n'a rien à voir.

How does it change in a sentence?

The phrase must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form non pertinente for feminine nouns and the feminine plural form non pertinentes for multiple feminine nouns.

Did you know?

  • The colloquialism À côté de la plaque literally translates to 'beside the plate', which is a surprising way to describe someone who is completely wrong or irrelevant.
  • The phrase Ça n'a rien à voir is a common way to say something is irrelevant, but it literally translates to 'It has nothing to see'.
  • The term rapport in n'ayant aucun rapport refers to a link or connection, rather than a written document or a relationship between people.

Examples in context

  • Ce détail est non pertinent pour l'enquête.
    This detail is irrelevant to the investigation.
  • Votre argument est totalement non pertinent ici.
    Your argument is totally irrelevant here.

Example conversation

Lucas and Manon are reviewing a business report.

  1. Lucas

    Regarde ce paragraphe sur l'histoire du site.
    Look at this paragraph about the site's history.
  2. Manon

    C'est non pertinent pour notre rapport actuel.
    It is irrelevant to our current report.
  3. Lucas

    Tu as raison, je vais le supprimer.
    You are right, I will delete it.
  4. Manon

    C'est mieux comme ça, Lucas.
    It's better that way, Lucas.
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Wanda Natasha
Wanda NatashaHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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