enfant gâté
The English phrase "spoiled brat" is translated into French as enfant gâté.
This phrase is used to describe a child who behaves badly because they are given everything they want.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase enfant gâté literally translates to "spoiled child."
Which one should you use?
While the English term "brat" often carries an extra sense of malice or annoyance, the French enfant gâté focuses more specifically on the fact that the child has been overindulged.
Did you know?
- The word enfant comes from the Latin īnfantem, which literally means 'unable to speak'.
- The phrase enfant gâté can be used ironically as a term of endearment by grandparents who take pride in overindulging their grandchildren.
- The adjective gâté is also used for people who are 'spoiled' by luck, such as someone who is gâté par le sort, meaning 'spoiled by fate'.
Examples in context
- Tu es vraiment une enfant gâtée.You really are a spoiled brat.This sentence is useful for saying that someone is a spoiled brat.Tatoeba #11265582 by lbdx, translation #3728034 by CM
- Tu te comportes comme un enfant gâté.You're acting like a spoiled brat.Tatoeba #9870988 by lbdx, translation #5374264 by Hybrid
- Il agit comme un enfant gâté.He behaves like a spoiled brat.
- Elle est vraiment une enfant capricieuse.She is truly a spoiled brat.
- Arrête de te comporter comme un sale gosse.Stop acting like a spoiled brat.
- Cet enfant est vraiment un morveux.This child is such a spoiled brat.
- Cet enfant gâté pleure pour un jouet.This spoiled brat is crying for a toy.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are watching a child in a park.
- NathanRegarde cet enfant gâté, il fait une scène.Look at that spoiled brat, he is making a scene.
- LéaIl veut tout de suite ce nouveau vélo.He wants that new bike right now.
- NathanSes parents sont trop gentils avec lui.His parents are too kind to him.
- LéaC'est vrai, il a l'habitude de tout avoir.It's true, he is used to having everything.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries enfant, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
