Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “partner in crime” in French. Whether you are looking for a formal or informal expression, this article will equip you with various options to convey this popular idiom effectively. We’ll also provide regional variations where suitable, although French is relatively consistent across different countries. So without further ado, let’s explore how to express this unique concept in the French language.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When it comes to formal situations, it’s important to use appropriate language. These expressions carry a sense of professionalism, making them suitable for official conversations, business settings, or more serious contexts.
1. Partenaire dans le crime
The most direct translation of “partner in crime” in a formal context is “partenaire dans le crime.” This phrase perfectly captures the essence of the English expression and can be used in various settings without sounding too colloquial.
For example: “J’ai eu la chance de travailler avec mon partenaire dans le crime sur ce projet complexe.” (I had the chance to work with my partner in crime on this complex project.)
2. Complice
If you’re looking for an alternative, less literal expression, “complice” can be used to convey the meaning of a partner in crime. It implies a close collaboration and shared responsibility.
For example: “Mon complice et moi avons remporté de nombreux succès ensemble.” (My partner in crime and I have achieved many successes together.)
3. Allié de confiance
For a more formal tone, you can use “allié de confiance,” which translates to “trusted ally.” Although it may not explicitly refer to a partner in crime, it conveys a similar sense of companionship and collaboration.
For example: “Dans ce domaine difficile, il est essentiel d’avoir un allié de confiance.” (In this challenging field, having a trusted ally is essential.)
Informal Expressions
When speaking in a more casual or familiar setting, feel free to use these expressions to capture the relaxed nature of your relationship.
1. Complice
Just like in formal situations, “complice” remains an appropriate and widely used expression in informal contexts. It implies a strong bond and a shared sense of mischief.
For example: “Ce festival était incroyable ! On est complices, n’est-ce pas ?” (This festival was amazing! We’re partners in crime, aren’t we?)
2. Acolyte
“Acolyte” is a playful term that conveys the same sense of partnership and shared adventures. It is commonly used among friends or in more light-hearted conversations.
For example: “Mon acolyte et moi, on prépare toujours de superbes surprises pour les anniversaires.” (My partner in crime and I always plan amazing surprises for birthdays.)
3. Frère de canaille (Brother in mischief)
If you prefer a more whimsical expression, you can use “frère de canaille.” While it literally translates to “brother in mischief,” it is often used in a broader sense to refer to your partner in crime.
For example: “Depuis notre enfance, nous sommes devenus bien plus que des amis, nous sommes frères de canaille.” (Since childhood, we’ve become more than just friends; we’re brothers in mischief.)
Regional Variations
French is spoken across several countries, and although there are slight regional variations, the expressions mentioned above remain widely understood and used. However, we’ll explore a couple of regional alternatives for the sake of completeness.
Québec, Canada
In Quebec, the expressions mentioned earlier are still commonly used. However, you may also encounter the term “acolyte de crime,” which can be a fun variation to use in informal situations.
Belgium and Switzerland
Expressions in Belgium and Switzerland closely resemble the standard French variants mentioned previously. However, when referring to a partner in crime, Belgians may occasionally use the term “compère,” and the Swiss may use “compagnon” or “ami des mauvais coups.” These informal expressions emphasize camaraderie and shared mischievousness.
Conclusion
By now, you should feel confident in expressing the idea of a “partner in crime” in French. Whether you’re looking for a formal, informal, or regional variant, you have a range of options to choose from. Remember to adapt your expressions to the appropriate setting and enjoy the wonderful world of French idiomatic expressions!
