tenir bon
The English phrase 'stand your ground' is translated into French as tenir bon.
tenir bon is used to mean 'stand your ground' or 'hold fast'. It can be applied to physical situations, such as holding a position in a battle or to metaphorical situations, such as resisting temptation or staying firm in an opinion. It is also often used interchangeably with the sense of 'enduring' a difficult situation or 'hanging in there'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using 'stand your ground' as a command, the form changes based on who you are addressing. Use the imperative form tiens bon when commanding a single person you know well.
Did you know?
- The word tenir is a linguistic relative of the English word 'tenure'. Both derive from the Latin 'tenēre' which means 'to hold'.
- French has a similar expression tenir tête, which specifically means to stand your ground against someone in an argument or a fight.
- Although bon means 'good', in the context of tenir bon, it functions more like the English word 'fast' in 'hold fast', indicating stability rather than moral goodness.
Examples in context
- Nous devons tenir bon face à leurs demandes excessives.We must stand our ground against their excessive demands.
- Restons fermes dans nos convictions et défendons notre point de vue.Let's stand strong in our convictions and defend our point of view.
- Je ne céderai pas face à l'adversité.I will not give in to adversity.
- Tiens bon, je suis sûr que tu réussiras!Stay strong, I'm sure you'll succeed!
- Garde ta position, tu as raison.Hold your ground, you're right.
- Ne te laisse pas faire, défends-toi!Don't let yourself be pushed around, stand up for yourself!
- Il faut tenir bon face aux critiques.You have to stand your ground against criticism.
- Elle a su tenir bon pendant la réunion.She knew how to stand her ground during the meeting.
Example conversation
Emma is feeling overwhelmed by pressure at her new job.
- HugoC'est difficile, mais tu dois tenir bon.It is difficult, but you must stand your ground.
- EmmaJe vais essayer, Hugo, merci.I will try, Hugo, thank you.
- HugoNe laisse personne te décourager.Don't let anyone discourage you.
- EmmaTu as raison, je vais rester forte.You are right, I am going to stay strong.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bon, tenir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
