reste tranquille
The English phrase "stay out of trouble" can be translated into French as reste tranquille.
The phrase is used to advise someone to avoid doing anything wrong or causing problems. In French, one can also use variations involving les ennuis (troubles) to express this idea.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase reste tranquille literally translates to "stay quiet" or "stay calm".
Which one should you use?
While reste tranquille is a gentle way to say "stay out of trouble", the phrase ne cherche pas les ennuis is more direct, acting as a warning not to provoke problems (literally "don't look for trouble").
How does it change in a sentence?
The informal singular version of the formal phrase Faites attention à ne pas vous attirer d'ennuis is Fais attention à ne pas t'attirer d'ennuis.
Did you know?
- The word ennuis in the phrase ne cherche pas les ennuis can mean 'troubles', but in other contexts it specifically refers to 'boredom'.
- In modern youth slang, the word tranquille is often used as a one-word response meaning 'it is all good' or 'no problem'.
- While reste tranquille means 'stay out of trouble' or 'behave', it is also the standard way to tell someone to stop fidgeting or to stay still for a photo.
Example conversation
Léa is leaving for a work trip and talking to Nathan.
- LéaNathan, reste tranquille jusqu'à mon retour.Nathan, stay out of trouble until my return.
- NathanNe t'inquiète pas, je vais être sage.Don't worry, I will be good.
- LéaPromets-le moi, s'il te plaît.Promise me, please.
- NathanJe te le promets, Léa.I promise you, Léa.
