parents
The English phrase "parents" is translated into French as parents.
parents refers to the people who are the father and mother of a child. However, be aware that in many contexts, this word can also mean "relatives" or your extended family.
Which one should you use?
While parents usually refers to the immediate mother and father, it can also mean extended family members depending on the context of the conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form parent is used to refer to a single parent, such as either a mother or a father.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to assume parents only means a child's mother and father. In French, it is frequently used to mean relatives or the wider extended family.
Did you know?
- In some old French texts, 'parent' was used more strictly to mean someone with whom you shared a common lineage, similar to 'kinsman'.
- French uses the term parent social to describe a person who performs the role of a parent without having a biological link to the child.
- In French, the word parent can describe any legal guardian or protector of a child, not just a biological mother or father.
Examples in context
- As-tu des parents ?Do you have parents?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has parents.Tatoeba #7644772 by tras, translation #7587315 by AmarMecheri
- Obéis à tes parents.Obey your parents.This sentence is useful for giving a command to obey one's parents.Tatoeba #8556215 by marioo, translation #2549027 by CK
- Mes parents sont là.My parents are there.This sentence is useful for stating that one's parents are present.Tatoeba #10619939 by Naya, translation #3635927 by CK
- Les parents sont importants dans la vie des enfantsParents are important in children's lives
- J'adore passer du temps avec les parents de mon amiI love spending time with my friend's parents
- Les parents doivent s'impliquer activement dans l'éducation de leurs enfants.Parents must actively participate in their children's education.
- Je passe un week-end formidable chez les parents de mon meilleur ami.I'm having a great weekend at my best friend's parents' place.
- 1144 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are discussing weekend plans.
- GabrielTu vas faire quoi ce week-end ?What are you doing this weekend?
- ManonJe vais rendre visite à mes parents.I am going to visit my parents.
- GabrielEst-ce que tes parents sont loin d'ici ?Are your parents far from here?
- ManonNon, ils habitent juste à côté.No, they live just nearby.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
