alcoolique sobre
The English phrase recovering alcoholic is expressed in French as alcoolique sobre.
The term is used to describe a person who was addicted to alcohol but has stopped drinking.
Which one should you use?
The phrase alcoolique sobre emphasizes the person's current state of being sober. In contrast, un ancien alcoolique (a former alcoholic) focuses more on the fact that the addiction is in the past.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun alcoolique is epicene, meaning it is gender-neutral in its spelling. Therefore, alcoolique sobre can be used to refer to either a male or a female recovering alcoholic.
When do people say it?
To be more descriptive about the process of active recovery, you may use the phrase une personne alcoolique en rétablissement (a person in alcohol recovery).
Did you know?
- In French, the word sobre does not just mean 'sober' in the sense of recovery, but is also used to describe a style of dress or decor that is understated and minimalist.
- French speakers use the specific verb se sevrer to describe the physical process of weaning off alcohol, a nuance that the English word 'recovering' bundles into a general term.
- The word sobre in French shares its exact same Latin root, sobrius, as the English word 'sober', making the connection between the two languages very direct.
Examples in context
- Mon oncle est un alcoolique sobre très courageux.My uncle is a very courageous recovering alcoholic.
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are discussing a support group meeting.
- LéaLucas, as-tu rencontré un alcoolique sobre aujourd'hui ?Lucas, did you meet a recovering alcoholic today?
- LucasOui, il est très inspirant.Yes, he is very inspiring.
- LéaC'est courageux de sa part.It is brave of him.
- LucasAbsolument, je suis fier de lui.Absolutely, I am proud of him.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alcoolique, sobre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
