Use of with

Joseph M.A1Kwiziq community member

Use of with

In the sentence:  "On ne doit pas parler la bouche pleine."  what french word translates to the word with in english? 

Asked 3 years ago
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Literal translations can sound odd - 'one should not speak mouth full' sounds unusual in English. As Jim notes, the translation is how the expression is used in English - it is a 'free' translation, although in this case very close to a literal one also.

Similarly with "on ne doit pas manger la bouche ouverte". 

Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi Joseph,

The verb parler can be used intransitively (without an object) so there is no direct word for word translation in the structure that you have given.

"On ne doit pas parler la bouche pleine" -->  "One should not speak with one's mouth full" is the English "understood" translation.

Hope this helps.

Jim

Joseph M. asked:

Use of with

In the sentence:  "On ne doit pas parler la bouche pleine."  what french word translates to the word with in english? 

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Let me take a look at that...