on s'en fiche
The English phrase "we don't care" can be translated into French as on s'en fiche.
If you want to specify what you do not care about, you can add de ça to the end of the phrase to say on s'en fiche de ça (we don't care about that).
Which one should you use?
On s'en fiche is an informal expression, whereas on s'en fout is a much more vulgar and aggressive version used to mean "we don't give a damn". In formal situations, you may use Nous ne nous soucions pas, Cela n'a pas d'importance pour nous or Nous sommes indifférents à cela.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
On s'en fiche is informal and should be avoided in formal writing or professional settings. For a more formal tone, use Nous ne nous soucions pas, Cela n'a pas d'importance pour nous or Nous sommes indifférents à cela. The phrase On s'en fout is considered slang.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase on s'en fiche, the word on literally means "one", but in modern spoken French, it is the standard way to say "we" in an informal context.
Did you know?
- The verb inside on s'en fiche originally comes from ficher, which means to stick or plant something firmly in the ground.
- The verb ficher in on s'en fiche is actually a polite, euphemistic substitute for a much more vulgar verb. It is used to soften the impact of the sentiment.
- Even though on s'en fiche feels casual, using the more formal nous ne nous soucions pas can sometimes sound overly dramatic or even poetic in conversation.
Examples in context
- On s'en fiche de ce qu'ils pensent.We don't care about what they think.
- Cela n'a pas d'importance pour nous, nous avons d'autres priorités.It doesn't matter to us, we have other priorities.
- On s'en fiche du menu.We don't care about the menu.
- On s'en fiche de la météo.We don't care about the weather.
- Franchement, on s'en fiche.Honestly, we don't care.
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are discussing a movie review.
- EmmaLe critique dit que le film est nul.The critic says the movie is bad.
- LucasOn s'en fiche, on veut quand même le voir.We don't care, we still want to see it.
- EmmaTu as raison, Lucas.You are right, Lucas.
- LucasAllons acheter les billets alors.Let's go buy the tickets then.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fiche, on, CC BY-SA 4.0.
