deux vérités et un mensonge
The English phrase "two truths and a lie" is translated into French as deux vérités et un mensonge.
This phrase is used to introduce the specific icebreaker game in social or educational settings, where a person shares three statements about themselves and others must guess which one is false.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of the English expression: deux means two, vérités means truths, et means and, un means one and mensonge means lie.
Which one should you use?
Deux vérités et un bluff is an informal alternative.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun vérités is plural to match the number deux, while mensonge remains singular to match the number un.
Did you know?
- While the game uses the word mensonge, the word itself is an unexpected relative of the English word 'mention', both descending from roots related to the mind or speech.
- In French culture, icebreakers like deux vérités et un mensonge are often used in 'team building' seminars, a term often used in English even by native French speakers.
Examples in context
- Hey, je propose de jouer à un jeu amusant ! On pourrait faire 'Deux vérités et un bobard'. Tu connais ?Hey, I suggest playing a fun game! We could play 'Deux vérités et un bobard.' Have you heard of it?
- Pour mieux se connaître, jouons à 'Deux vérités et un mensonge'. Je vais commencer !To get to know each other better, let's play 'Deux vérités et un mensonge.' I'll start!
- On joue à deux vérités et un mensonge ?Shall we play two truths and a lie?
- J'adore ce jeu de deux vérités et un mensonge.I love this two truths and a lie game.
- C'est le moment pour deux vérités et un mensonge.It is time for two truths and a lie.
Example conversation
Two friends are hanging out at a party.
- LucasOn fait deux vérités et un mensonge ?Do you want to do two truths and a lie?
- ChloéBonne idée, Lucas ! Je commence.Good idea, Lucas! I'll go first.
- LucasD'accord, Chloé, on t'écoute.Okay, Chloé, we're listening.
- ChloéVoici mes trois affirmations.Here are my three statements.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries deux, et, mensonge, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
