mêle-toi de tes affaires
The English phrase "mind your business" can be translated into French as mêle-toi de tes affaires.
mêle-toi de tes affaires is a sharp command used to tell someone to stop interfering in matters that do not concern them. This phrase is considered blunt and may be perceived as rude or confrontational depending on the tone of voice used.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from the reflexive verb se mêler (to mix or interfere) and tes affaires (your affairs or business), literally meaning "mix yourself with your affairs".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal or polite approach, you can use Occupez-vous de vos affaires. If you want to use a more colorful, colloquial and slightly less aggressive expression, you can say occupe-toi de tes oignons, which literally means "mind your own onions".
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing more than one person or using the formal vous addressing a single person, the phrase changes to mêlez-vous de vos affaires.
Did you know?
- The verb mêler in mêle-toi de tes affaires shares its roots with the English word 'muddle'. In both languages, the core idea involves a state of mixing or confusion.
- In very casual settings, the command mêle-toi de tes affaires can be shortened or paired with a shrug of the shoulders to intensify the feeling of dismissal.
- In a heated argument, using the 'tu' form in mêle-toi de tes affaires can escalate the conflict faster than the 'vous' form. It signals a sudden drop in social distance and respect.
Examples in context
- Excusez-moi, Monsieur, mais pourriez-vous vous occuper de vos affaires ?Excuse me, sir, but could you please mind your own business?
- Pourquoi veux-tu savoir ? Occupe-toi de tes oignons !Why do you want to know? Mind your own business!
- Mêle-toi de tes affaires !Mind your own business!
- Laisse-moi tranquille et mêle-toi de tes affaires.Leave me alone and mind your business.
Example conversation
Gabriel asks Chloé about a private phone call.
- ChloéAvec qui tu parlais au téléphone ?Who were you talking to on the phone?
- GabrielMêle-toi de tes affaires, Gabriel !Mind your own business, Gabriel!
- ChloéJe voulais juste savoir si tout allait bien.I just wanted to know if everything was okay.
- GabrielÇa ne te regarde pas.It's none of your business.
