tolérance zéro
/tɔ.le.ʁɑ̃s ze.ʁo/feminine
The English phrase "zero tolerance" is translated into French as tolérance zéro.
tolérance zéro is used to describe a strict policy of enforcing all the laws or rules. It is a common expression in administrative, legal and educational contexts to describe a policy of strict enforcement without exceptions.
Meaning: strict policy of enforcing all the laws or rules (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of "zero tolerance", where tolérance means tolerance and zéro means zero.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because tolérance is a feminine noun, it is preceded by the feminine article la when used in a sentence, as in la tolérance zéro.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɔ.le.ʁɑ̃s ze.ʁo/
Did you know?
- The use of tolérance zéro in French is a relatively recent linguistic import from American legal culture and is called an 'anglicisme'.
- In a strictly legal French context, a judge might use the term fermeté to imply the same spirit of 'zero tolerance' without using the English-style phrasing.
- In French, the word zéro can also be used to mean 'nothing' or 'absolutely nothing' in many informal contexts, much like 'zilch' in English.
Examples in context
- Cette école pratique la tolérance zéro.This school has a zero tolerance policy.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use tolérance zéro in the context of a school policy.Tatoeba #3229668 by sacredceltic, translation #3222447 by Hybrid
- Dans notre entreprise, nous avons une politique de tolérance zéro en matière de harcèlement.In our company, we have a zero tolerance policy towards harassment.
- La tolérance zéro est appliquée dans ce parc.Zero tolerance is applied in this park.
- Le nouveau règlement impose la tolérance zéro.The new regulation imposes zero tolerance.
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are discussing the rules of their new office.
- LucasEst-ce qu'on peut arriver un peu tard ?Can we arrive a bit late?
- EmmaNon, le patron pratique la tolérance zéro.No, the boss practices zero tolerance.
- LucasC'est vraiment très strict ici.It is really very strict here.
- EmmaOui, Lucas, sois à l'heure demain.Yes, Lucas, be on time tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “zero tolerance” translations and entries tolérance zéro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
