Greetings and welcome! In this guide, we’ll explore how to say “retired” in French, covering both formal and informal ways. Additionally, we’ll touch upon any regional variations that might be necessary. Whether you’re planning a trip to a French-speaking country or simply expanding your language skills, this guide will provide you with various tips and examples to help you communicate effectively. So, let’s get started!
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Formal Ways to Say “Retired” in French
When referring to someone as “retired” in a formal context, you can use the following phrases:
- À la retraite: Literally translating to “at retirement,” this phrase is commonly used to indicate being retired. For example:
Mon père est à la retraite depuis deux ans. (My father has been retired for two years.)
- Retraité(e): This is the noun form of “retired” in French. It is used to describe a person who is retired. Example:
Elle est une retraitée depuis longtemps. (She has been a retiree for a long time.)
Informal Ways to Say “Retired” in French
If you’re in a more casual setting or speaking with friends, you might prefer these informal alternatives:
- À la pêche: Literally meaning “fishing,” this phrase is a playful way to indicate retirement. It has its roots in the notion that after retirement, one can spend time enjoying hobbies, such as fishing. Example:
Depuis qu’il est à la pêche, il est beaucoup plus détendu. (Since he retired, he is much more relaxed.)
- En congé définitif: Translating to “permanently on leave,” this phrase is a colloquial way to describe retirement. It suggests the idea of no longer having to go to work. Example:
Ma mère est en congé définitif maintenant et elle profite de son temps libre. (My mother is permanently on leave now and she is enjoying her free time.)
Regional Variations
When discussing regional variations, it’s worth noting that the formal phrases mentioned earlier are widely understood and used throughout French-speaking countries. However, there are some localized expressions that may vary in their usage:
France:
In France, the formal phrase “à la retraite” is predominantly used, but there are a few regional variations worth mentioning:
- En fin de carrière: While this phrase translates to “at the end of one’s career,” it is often used to refer to retirement. Example:
Mon voisin est en fin de carrière et pourra bientôt prendre sa retraite. (My neighbor is at the end of his career and will soon be able to retire.)
Québec:
In Quebec, the phrases “à la retraite” and “retraité(e)” are widely used. However, there is also a regional variation that arises from the influence of Quebec French:
- Pris sa retraite: This colloquial phrase is used in Quebec and is a direct translation of the English phrase “took his/her retirement.” Example:
Mon grand-père a pris sa retraite il y a cinq ans. (My grandfather took his retirement five years ago.)
Now that you have learned the formal, informal, and regional ways to say “retired” in French, you can confidently engage in conversations and express yourself in various contexts.
Remember that language is an ever-evolving entity, so it’s always a good idea to stay open to new expressions and regional variations you might encounter during your linguistic journey. Enjoy exploring the richness of the French language and the many cultural nuances it brings!
Wishing you all the best in your language learning endeavors!
