surveille ton langage
The English phrase "mind your language" can be translated into French as surveille ton langage.
A warning used to tell someone to stop using rude or offensive words.
Which one should you use?
The phrase Surveille ce que tu dis is a common alternative that focuses on the content of the speech rather than the 'language' itself.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France, the expression Fais gaffe à ton langage is commonly used in informal settings, particularly among younger generations.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form surveille ton langage uses the informal tu and is used with friends, family or children.
Did you know?
- The word surveille comes from the roots for 'over' and 'wake', meaning that to 'mind' one's language in French is literally to keep a wakeful watch over it.
- The word langage shares an ancient root with the English word 'tongue', tracing back to the Latin lingua. While langue refers to the system of communication, langage refers to the actual act of speaking.
- In very informal French, you might hear people use the verb dire instead of surveiller, such as Dis pas de bêtises, which literally means 'don't say foolish things' but serves as a milder way to tell someone to mind their language.
Examples in context
- Faites attention à votre langage.Please, mind your language when speaking to the clients.
- Prêtez attention à vos propos.Could you please pay attention to your words when discussing sensitive topics?
- Fais attention à ton langage.Hey, mind your language when talking to our teacher.
- Fais gaffe à ce que tu dis.You should be careful about what you say during the meeting.
- Fais gaffe à tes paroles.Make sure to be careful with your words when discussing sensitive topics.
- Attention à ce que tu racontes.Be cautious about what you're saying, especially in front of your boss.
- Surveille ton langage, s'il te plaît.Mind your language, please.
- Surveille ton langage devant les enfants.Mind your language in front of the children.
Example conversation
Nathan is using a swear word during a game with Chloé.
- NathanPutain, j'ai encore perdu !Damn, I lost again!
- ChloéNathan, surveille ton langage !Nathan, mind your language!
- NathanDésolé, j'étais juste frustré.Sorry, I was just frustrated.
- ChloéC'est pas grave, mais fais attention.It's okay, but be careful.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries langage, surveille, ton, CC BY-SA 4.0.
