parent
/pa.ʁɑ̃/masculine
The English phrase "next of kin" is translated into French as parent.
In French, parent refers to a closest blood relative, often heir to inheritance.
Meaning: closest blood relative, often heir to inheritance (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word parent literally translates to "relative".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form provided is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables: /pa.ʁɑ̃/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly assume the French word parent means "parent" (mother or father), but it actually means "relative".
Did you know?
- In medical emergencies, a French person might designate a personne de confiance, allowing a close friend or partner to act as the next of kin regardless of blood relation.
- While parent means 'relative', a French speaker referring to their parents in the plural almost always means specifically their father and mother.
- The Latin root parentem originally referred to 'one who gives birth' or 'progenitor', which is why the English and French words shared a path before diverging in scope.
Examples in context
- Les proches parents ont été prévenus.The next of kin have been notified.This sentence shows how to say the next of kin have been notified using parent.Tatoeba #10466126 by lbdx, translation #4493581 by CK
- Quelqu'un devrait informer les proches parents.Someone should notify the next of kin.This sentence shows how to suggest someone should notify the next of kin using parent.Tatoeba #963984 by sacredceltic, translation #963955 by darinmex
- La personne à contacter en cas d'urgence est son parent proche.The person to contact in case of emergency is his next of kin.
- Il est son seul parent survivant.He is his only surviving next of kin.
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are filling out emergency contact forms at a clinic.
- NathanEmma, as-tu désigné un parent ?Emma, have you designated a next of kin?
- EmmaOui, j'ai choisi mon frère.Yes, I chose my brother.
- NathanC'est prudent pour les documents légaux.That's prudent for the legal documents.
- EmmaJe suis d'accord avec toi, Nathan.I agree with you, Nathan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “next of kin” translations and entries parent, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries parent, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
