garde la foi
The English phrase "keep the faith" is translated into French as garde la foi.
This is an encouraging expression used to tell someone to remain hopeful and believe that things will improve.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb garde (keep/hold), the definite article la (the) and the noun foi (faith).
Which one should you use?
Garde la foi is the informal version, while Gardez la foi is the formal version. Additionally, the expression Continuez à avoir confiance can be used as a formal way to say "continue to have faith".
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are addressing more than one person or using the formal vous form, you must use gardez la foi instead of garde la foi.
Did you know?
- While 'garde la foi' sounds very spiritual, in modern French, 'avoir la foi' is often used colloquially by younger generations to mean 'to have confidence' in a person or a specific outcome, even in non-religious contexts.
- The word garde in this phrase shares an ancestral root with the English word 'ward', such as in 'warden' or 'beware'. Both words trace back to a Germanic root meaning 'to protect' or 'to watch over'.
- The word foi is a homophone of fois, which means 'time' (as in 'once' or 'many times'). This can lead to playful wordplay in French, though the meanings are entirely unrelated.
Examples in context
- Gardez la foi, et votre persévérance sera récompensée!Keep the faith, and your perseverance will be rewarded!
- Tout ira bien, garde la foi.Everything will be fine, keep the faith.
- Garde la foi, tout va s'arranger.Keep the faith, everything will work out.
- Garde la foi malgré les difficultés.Keep the faith despite the difficulties.
Example conversation
Léa is comforting Nathan during a difficult time at work.
- LéaNe t'inquiète pas, Nathan.Don't worry, Nathan.
- NathanC'est vraiment difficile en ce moment.It is really difficult right now.
- LéaGarde la foi, les choses vont changer.Keep the faith, things will change.
- NathanMerci de ton soutien, Léa.Thank you for your support, Léa.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries foi, garde, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
