m'occuper de mes affaires
The English phrase "minding my business" is translated into French as m'occuper de mes affaires.
You use m'occuper de mes affaires to describe the act of minding your own business.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "occupying myself with my affairs".
Which one should you use?
While m'occuper de mes affaires describes the act of minding one's own business, the phrase mêle-toi de tes affaires is the imperative command used to tell someone else to mind their own business.
Did you know?
- If you want to be more colorful and informal, you can say je m'occupe de mes oignons, which literally translates to 'I am occupying myself with my onions'.
- In French, the concept of 'minding one's business' is often linked to the word discrétion. Being discret is a highly valued social trait in France, often implying a strategic silence about others' affairs.
- The word affaires in this phrase does not just mean 'business' or 'tasks'. It can refer to a secret, a scandal or a private romantic entanglement, making the phrase carry a hint of avoiding gossip.
Examples in context
- Je ne fais que m'occuper de mes affaires.I am just minding my business.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are at a cafe and notice a loud argument nearby.
- EmmaRegarde, ils commencent encore à se disputer !Look, they're starting to argue again!
- NathanJe préfère m'occuper de mes affaires, Emma.I prefer to mind my own business, Emma.
- EmmaTu as raison, ce n'est pas notre problème.You're right, it's not our problem.
- NathanExactement, restons tranquilles.Exactly, let's just stay quiet.
