n'oublions jamais
Canada
The English phrase "lest we forget" is translated into French as n'oublions jamais in Canada.
This phrase is used in solemn contexts, such as military commemorations, war memorials and Remembrance Day ceremonies, as a caution against forgetting those who died in war.
Meaning: used in ceremonies and memorials as a caution against forgetting those who died in war (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal construction of "let us never forget". The word n'oublions is the first-person plural imperative of oublier (to forget) and jamais means "never".
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form n'oublions jamais is the standard French translation used in Canada for the Remembrance Day slogan "Lest we forget".
When do people say it?
The phrase is used primarily in solemn contexts, such as military commemorations, war memorials and Remembrance Day ceremonies.
Did you know?
- The word jamais used in this phrase contains a hidden history of 'more' and 'more'. It stems from the Old French 'ja mais', combining 'now' and 'more' to express a sense of 'never again' or 'no more'.
- While n'oublions jamais is used in Canada, France often uses the phrase au souvenir de or en mémoire de on its war memorials.
- Because n'oublions jamais uses the imperative form, it is not a suggestion but a direct command to the audience. It functions as a collective call to action for the living to perform the duty of remembering.
Examples in context
- Nous honorons aujourd'hui les soldats tombés au combat. Que nul n'oublie leur sacrifice.Today, we honor the soldiers who fell in battle. May no one forget their sacrifice.
- En cette journée spéciale, n'oublions jamais ceux qui se sont battus pour notre liberté.On this special day, let's never forget those who fought for our freedom.
- N'oublions jamais les soldats tombés au combat.Lest we forget the soldiers who fell in combat.
- Lors de ce moment de silence, n'oublions jamais.During this moment of silence, lest we forget.
- N'oublions jamais le sacrifice de nos aînés.Lest we forget the sacrifice of our elders.
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are standing at a war memorial.
- EmmaC'est un moment très solennel.It is a very solemn moment.
- HugoOui, n'oublions jamais leur courage.Yes, lest we forget their courage.
- EmmaLeur souvenir reste vivant ici.Their memory remains alive here.
- HugoC'est essentiel pour les futures générations.It is essential for future generations.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lest we forget” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jamais, CC BY-SA 4.0.
