What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Occupe-toi de tes oignons literally translates to "Take care of your onions".
Which one should you use?
You may also encounter the colloquial variation Mêle-toi de tes oignons. For a more direct way to ask someone to leave you alone or mind their own business in an informal setting, you can use Laisse-moi tranquille.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Occupe-toi de tes oignons and Laisse-moi tranquille are used in informal situations. For a formal manner, you can use Occupez-vous de vos affaires.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form Occupe-toi de tes oignons uses the tu form and is used with friends, family or people you know well. If you are speaking to a stranger, a superior or a group of people, use the formal/plural form Occupez-vous de vos oignons.
Did you know?
- Using Occupe-toi de tes oignons to a stranger is not just informal but can be perceived as an aggressive social snub due to its bluntness.
- The phrase is considered quite colorful and slightly impolite, much like telling someone to 'mind their own beeswax' in English.
- The verb mêler in Mêle-toi de tes oignons literally means 'to mix'. The phrase implies that the other person is 'mixing' their life into yours.
Examples in context
- Vous devriez vous occuper de vos affaires.You should mind your own business.
- Arrête de poser des questions, mêle-toi de tes oignons !Stop asking questions, mind your own business!
- Occupe-toi de tes oignons !Mind your own business!
- Laisse-moi tranquille et occupe-toi de tes oignons.Leave me alone and mind your own business.
- Tu n'as rien à faire ici, occupe-toi de tes oignons.You have no business here, mind your own business.
Example conversation
Nathan is asking Emma too many personal questions about her job.
- EmmaPourquoi me poses-tu ces questions ?Why are you asking me these questions?
- NathanJe veux juste savoir combien tu gagnes.I just want to know how much you earn.
- EmmaOccupe-toi de tes oignons, Nathan !Mind your own business, Nathan!
- NathanD'accord, je ne dirai plus rien.Okay, I won't say anything more.
