affaires inachevées
The English phrase unfinished business is translated into French as affaires inachevées.
Meaning: matter that still has to be dealt with (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of affaires (affairs/matters) and inachevées (unfinished/incomplete).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is typically used in the plural form to denote a general state of unresolved matters. If you are referring to a single piece of unfinished business, use the singular form une affaire inachevée.
Did you know?
- When talking about emotional or psychological 'unfinished business', French speakers often prefer the term un non-dit, which literally translates to 'an unsaid'. This shifts the focus from the 'business' itself to the communication that was never completed.
- While affaires inachevées is a literal translation, French speakers often use the phrase avoir des comptes à régler to express unfinished business, which literally means 'to have accounts to settle'.
- The verb achever inside inachevées is often used in French literature to describe the act of completing a masterpiece or finishing off an opponent in battle.
Examples in context
- Nous devons traiter ces affaires inachevées rapidementWe need to handle these unfinished business matters quickly
- Il y a encore des choses à régler avant de conclure l'accordThere are still things to settle before finalizing the agreement
- Je dois encore terminer ce travail inachevéI still have to finish this unfinished work
- J'ai encore un truc à finir avant de partirI still have something to finish before leaving
- Et toi, as-tu des affaires inachevées dont tu aimerais parler?And you, do you have any unfinished business you'd like to talk about?
- Il a laissé tant de choses à régler après son départ.He left so many things to settle after his departure.
- J'ai toujours ce travail inachevé qui me tracasse.I still have this unfinished work that bothers me.
- Il reste encore quelques affaires inachevées à régler.There is still some unfinished business to settle.
- Il reste encore des affaires inachevées.There are still some unfinished business matters left.
- L'avocat doit régler ses affaires inachevées.The lawyer must settle his unfinished business.
Example conversation
Two former colleagues meet for coffee.
- ManonBonjour Hugo, ça fait longtemps.Hello Hugo, it has been a long time.
- HugoOui, mais nous avons des affaires inachevées.Yes, but we have some unfinished business.
- ManonTu parles du projet de l'année dernière ?Are you talking about last year's project?
- HugoExactement, il faut en discuter.Exactly, we need to discuss it.
