un seul esprit
The English phrase "one mind" can be translated into French as un seul esprit.
un seul esprit refers to a single shared consciousness or a state of complete mental agreement between people.
Which one should you use?
The informal phrase Être sur la même longueur d'onde is an informal way to convey the idea of 'one mind' and implies a strong level of understanding, similar to the English expression "being on the same wavelength".
Did you know?
- The word esprit does not just mean 'mind' or 'spirit'. In French, it is also the word used to describe 'wit' or the ability to be clever and funny.
- The word esprit has a fascinating history, evolving from the Latin spiritus, which originally referred to a breath or a puff of air.
- If you want to say people are 'of one mind' in a very formal or literary way, you might encounter unanimité, which emphasizes the consensus rather than the mental connection.
Examples in context
- Tous les membres du conseil étaient d'accord avec les propositions faites. Ils ont voté à l'unanimité.All council members agreed with the proposals made. They voted unanimously.
- Nous sommes tous d'accord pour essayer la nouvelle recette de cuisine.We all agree to try the new recipe.
- Nous travaillons efficacement ensemble parce que nous sommes sur la même longueur d'onde.We work effectively together because we are on the same wavelength.
- Ils agissent comme s'ils n'avaient qu'un seul esprit.They act as if they had only one mind.
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are discussing their perfect teamwork on a project.
- NathanOn a fini le projet très rapidement, Manon.We finished the project very quickly, Manon.
- ManonOui, on était vraiment sur la même longueur d'onde.Yes, we were really on the same wavelength.
- NathanOn aurait dit qu'on n'était qu'un seul esprit !It was as if we were just one mind!
- ManonC'est vrai, c'était très naturel.That's true, it was very natural.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries esprit, seul, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
