derniers sacrements
The English phrase last rites can be translated into French as derniers sacrements.
In religious contexts, the phrase refers to the final spiritual rituals performed before a person's death. When referring to a priest or religious official performing these rites, the standard collocation is to use the verb donner (to give), as in donner les derniers sacrements.
Meaning: Catholic sacrament (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase derniers sacrements is composed of derniers (last) and sacrements (sacraments).
Which one should you use?
While derniers sacrements is a common way to refer to the last rites, the term extrême-onction is another formal and predominantly Catholic term that specifically refers to the sacrament of anointing the sick or dying.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is almost always used with the definite article les in the plural form.
Did you know?
- The French word sacrement can be used as an interjection or mild swear word, such as Sacrebleu!, which is a euphemism designed to avoid blasphemy by referencing the holy sacraments.
- In a secular or metaphorical sense, a French person might say donner les derniers sacrements to a failing project or a dying relationship to signal its absolute and irreversible end.
- The term extrême-onction contains the word onction, which is a direct relative of the English word 'unction'. In English, 'unction' has evolved to mean a smooth or oily way of speaking, far from its original meaning of anointing with oil.
Examples in context
- Un prêtre fut convoqué pour donner les derniers sacrements au mourant.A priest was called in to give last rites to the dying man.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use derniers sacrements with the verb donner.Tatoeba #800827 by sacredceltic, translation #731334 by darinmex
- Il a reçu les derniers sacrements avant de partir.He received the last rites before leaving.
- La famille a demandé les derniers sacrements pour son grand-père.The family requested the last rites for their grandfather.
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are talking about a relative in the hospital.
- LéaGabriel, est-ce que le prêtre est arrivé ?Gabriel, has the priest arrived?
- GabrielOui, il vient de donner les derniers sacrements.Yes, he just gave last rites.
- LéaC'est important pour sa famille et pour lui.It is important for his family and for him.
- GabrielJe suis d'accord, c'est plus apaisant ainsi.I agree, it is more peaceful this way.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
