à la vie, à la mort
The English phrase "ride or die" is translated into French as à la vie, à la mort.
This phrase is used to express absolute loyalty and commitment to someone until the very end.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, à la vie, à la mort translates to "to life, to death".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is an adverbial locution and does not change its form based on the gender or number of the person being described.
Did you know?
- The word vie and the English word 'way' share a surprising connection through the Latin 'via'. This links the concept of 'life' in the phrase to a physical path or road.
- While 'ride or die' has roots in modern car and urban culture, the French expression carries a much more ancient weight, evoking the atmosphere of medieval blood oaths and chivalric codes.
- Although à la vie, à la mort is the standard translation for 'ride or die', French slang has recently adopted the English term 'ride or die' directly among younger generations.
Examples in context
- On est amis depuis toujours, et notre amitié est indéfectible.We've been friends forever, and our friendship is ride or die.
- C'est mon ami, à la vie, à la mort.He is my friend, my ride or die.
- Tu es mon frère, à la vie, à la mort.You are my brother, through life and death.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their long-standing friendship.
- HugoTu resteras toujours là pour moi ?Will you always be there for me?
- EmmaBien sûr, on est ensemble à la vie, à la mort.Of course, we are ride or die.
- HugoMerci, ça me touche beaucoup.Thank you, that touches me a lot.
- EmmaC'est ça, la vraie amitié.That's what true friendship is.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, mort, vie, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
