In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving work environment, the concept of “working from home” has become increasingly popular. Whether you’re traveling, dealing with a personal matter, or simply seeking a more flexible work schedule, being able to express this idea in different languages can be incredibly useful. In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “work from home” in French, both formally and informally, with tips, examples, and even a few regional variations.
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Formal Expressions for “Work from Home”
When communicating in a professional context or addressing more formal situations, using the appropriate vocabulary and expressions is essential. Here are some formal ways to say “work from home” in French:
- Télétravailler: This is the most common and recognized term for “working from home” in formal French. It combines the verb “travailler” (to work) with the prefix “télé-” denoting remote or distant work. Example: “Je préfère télétravailler aujourd’hui” (I prefer to work from home today).
- Exercer son activité à domicile: This expression translates to “to exercise one’s activity at home” and is often used in formal contexts. Example: “La société permet à ses employés d’exercer leur activité à domicile” (The company allows its employees to work from home).
- Travailler à distance: This phrase literally means “to work at a distance,” and while it is less frequently used than “télétravailler,” it still conveys the notion of working remotely. Example: “Nous avons la possibilité de travailler à distance quand cela est nécessaire” (We have the ability to work remotely when necessary).
Informal Expressions for “Work from Home”
When conversing with friends, colleagues, or in less formal situations, you may opt for more colloquial expressions to convey the idea of “working from home.” Here are some informal ways to express this concept in French:
- Bosser à la maison: “Bosser” is a commonly used informal term for “to work,” and when combined with “à la maison” (at home), it becomes an informal way to say “work from home.” Example: “Aujourd’hui, je bosse à la maison” (Today, I’m working from home).
- Faire du télétravail: This expression is a combination of the informal verb “faire” (to do) and the formal term “télétravail.” While it maintains a more relaxed tone, it is still widely used in casual conversations. Example: “Je fais du télétravail pour la première fois cette semaine” (I’m working from home for the first time this week).
- Taffer chez soi: “Taffer” is another informal slang verb commonly used in French to mean “to work.” When combined with “chez soi” (at one’s place), it becomes an informal expression for “work from home.” Example: “Je taffe chez moi aujourd’hui, ça me permet de me concentrer” (I’m working from home today, it allows me to focus).
Regional Variations for “Work from Home”
French is spoken not only in France but also in many other countries and regions around the world. While the above expressions are widely used across the French-speaking world, including Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and African countries, there are also a few regional variations worth noting:
In Quebec: The term commonly used in Quebec for “work from home” is “travailler de la maison.” Example: “Je travaille de la maison cette semaine” (I’m working from home this week).
In Switzerland: “Télétravailler” remains the most prevalent and recognized expression in Switzerland as well, although you may occasionally encounter the variation “travailler à domicile.” Example: “Je peux télétravailler deux jours par semaine” (I can work from home two days a week).
Using “Work from Home” in Sentences
To give you a better understanding of how to use these expressions, here are a few examples of how to incorporate “work from home” in French sentences:
- “Je préfère télétravailler plutôt que de me rendre au bureau tous les jours” (I prefer to work from home rather than going to the office every day).
- “Demain, je vais faire du télétravail pour pouvoir m’occuper de mon fils malade” (Tomorrow, I’ll be working from home to take care of my sick son).
- “J’ai demandé à mon employeur si je peux travailler à distance quelques jours par mois” (I asked my employer if I can work remotely a few days a month).
- “Je bosse chez moi afin de pouvoir organiser ma journée plus librement” (I work from home to have a more flexible schedule).
- “Mon entreprise m’a accordé la possibilité d’exercer mon activité à domicile pendant le confinement” (My company allowed me to work from home during the lockdown).
- “Travailler de la maison me permet d’économiser du temps de déplacement” (Working from home allows me to save commuting time).
Now armed with these formal, informal, and regional variations for “work from home” in French, you can confidently communicate your preferences or discuss remote work arrangements in a variety of situations. Remember to adapt your language choice based on formality and consider local expressions if you find yourself in specific French-speaking regions. Bon courage and happy teleworking!
