à but non lucratif
The English phrase "non-profit" is translated into French as à but non lucratif.
In French, non-profit is typically used as an adjective phrase following a noun like association or organisation rather than as a standalone noun.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase à but non lucratif literally translates to "with a non-profit goal".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, the phrase Organisme à but non lucratif is used to mean non-profit. In certain Francophone African countries, the term Organisation sans but lucratif is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective lucratif must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, though but (goal) is masculine, so the masculine form is standard.
Did you know?
- French has a distinct legal category called loi 1901, which refers to the specific law that governs the creation of non-profit associations in France.
- The word but comes from the Old French word for a 'mound' or 'knoll'. It evolved from the idea of a physical target, like a pile of earth used in martial training, to the modern meaning of a 'goal'.
- The phrase à but non lucratif is often abbreviated as ASBL in Belgium, which stands for Association sans but lucratif.
Examples in context
- L'ONG est une organisation à but non lucratif qui se consacre à la protection de l'environnement.The NGO is a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental conservation.
- Cette association sans but lucratif vise à promouvoir l'éducation des enfants issus de milieux défavorisés.This non-profit association aims to promote education for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Ils ont créé une association à but non lucratif pour aider les personnes sans abri.They have created a non-profit association to assist homeless individuals.
- Cette organisation sans but lucratif en Afrique francophone soutient les initiatives communautaires locales.This non-profit organization in Francophone Africa supports local community initiatives.
- C'est une association à but non lucratif.It is a non-profit association.
- Elle travaille pour une organisation à but non lucratif.She works for a non-profit organization.
- Nous soutenons ce projet à but non lucratif.We support this non-profit project.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are discussing career paths at a cafe.
- LéaTu veux travailler dans une entreprise ou une structure à but non lucratif ?Do you want to work in a company or a non-profit structure?
- HugoJe préfère une organisation à but non lucratif.I prefer a non-profit organization.
- LéaC'est une excellente idée pour aider les gens.That is an excellent idea to help people.
- HugoOui, c'est vraiment important pour moi.Yes, it is really important to me.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries but, lucratif, non, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
