monoparental
monoparental في 30 ثانية
- Refers to single-parent family structures.
- Must agree in gender and number (monoparentale, monoparentaux).
- Common in social, administrative, and legal French contexts.
- Neutral/formal register; 'parent solo' is the informal equivalent.
The adjective monoparental is a modern French term used to describe a family structure consisting of only one parent—either a mother or a father—living with one or more dependent children. In a sociological and demographic context, it is most frequently paired with the noun famille (famille monoparentale) or ménage (ménage monoparental). Understanding this word is essential for B1 learners because it appears frequently in news reports, social discussions, and administrative forms in France. Historically, the term gained prominence in the late 20th century as social structures evolved away from the traditional nuclear family model. Today, in France, approximately one in four families is considered monoparentale, making it a common reality of modern life rather than a marginal exception.
- Sociological Context
- In French society, the term encompasses various situations: divorce, separation, widowhood, or single parenthood by choice. It is often used by the INSEE (National Institute of Statistics) to track demographic trends.
When using monoparental, it is vital to remember its grammatical agreement. Since it is an adjective, it must match the gender and number of the noun it modifies. For example, un foyer monoparental (masculine singular) versus une famille monoparentale (feminine singular). In the plural, it follows the standard rule for adjectives ending in -al: des foyers monoparentaux (masculine plural) and des familles monoparentales (feminine plural). This word is neutral in register; it is neither slang nor overly academic, making it suitable for both a conversation with a friend and a formal essay on social issues.
Depuis son divorce, elle gère seule sa famille monoparentale avec beaucoup de courage.
The word carries a specific weight in public policy debates. Because single-parent households often face higher risks of economic precariousness, the term monoparental is frequently linked to discussions about social benefits, childcare costs, and housing aid. In media, you might hear about la précarité des familles monoparentales, highlighting the financial struggles often associated with raising children on a single income. However, it is also used to celebrate the resilience and unique bond formed in such households. It is a precise word that replaces longer, clunkier phrases like 'famille avec un seul parent'.
Le gouvernement a annoncé de nouvelles aides pour chaque foyer monoparental en difficulté.
- Linguistic Nuance
- Do not confuse 'monoparental' with 'célibataire'. While a single parent is often 'célibataire' (single), 'monoparental' specifically describes the structure of the family unit, not just the relationship status of the adult.
Finally, the word is part of a larger vocabulary set regarding modern families. You might hear it alongside famille recomposée (blended family) or famille homoparentale (same-sex parent family). As a B1 learner, mastering monoparental allows you to describe your own background or discuss current events with a level of precision that shows you have moved beyond basic A2 vocabulary. It is a functional, descriptive, and socially relevant term that reflects the diversity of the Francophone world today.
Les défis d'un parent en situation monoparentale sont nombreux mais gratifiants.
Using monoparental correctly requires attention to its role as an adjective. In French, adjectives usually follow the noun they modify, and monoparental is no exception. You will almost always see it after famille, foyer, or parent. The most common pitfall for English speakers is the plural form. While in English we simply add 's' to the noun (single-parent families), in French, the adjective itself changes significantly. Masculine plural: monoparentaux. Feminine plural: monoparentales. This 'al' to 'aux' shift is a classic French grammar rule that applies here.
- Common Collocation
- 'Famille monoparentale' is the standard way to say 'single-parent family'. It is much more common than saying 'famille à parent unique'.
When discussing statistics or social policy, you will often see the word used with the preposition en. For example, vivre en situation monoparentale (to live in a single-parent situation). This phrasing is slightly more formal and is common in news articles or sociological studies. It treats the condition as a state of being or a specific life circumstance. If you are describing a person, you might say un parent monoparental, though it is more frequent to say un parent solo in casual conversation, while keeping monoparental for descriptions of the family unit itself.
Il est difficile de concilier travail et vie privée dans un schéma monoparental.
In more advanced contexts, you might see the word used to analyze the psychological impact on children. Sentences like L'éducation en milieu monoparental peut favoriser l'autonomie (Education in a single-parent environment can foster autonomy) show how the word can be integrated into broader discussions. Note the use of milieu (environment/setting) here, which is another common noun paired with this adjective. It allows the speaker to talk about the atmosphere or the context of the upbringing without just repeating the word 'family'.
Les structures monoparentales sont en constante augmentation en Europe.
- Agreement Practice
- Singular: La famille monoparentale. Plural: Les familles monoparentales. Masculine Singular: Le foyer monoparental. Masculine Plural: Les foyers monoparentaux.
Finally, consider the emotional tone. While monoparental is technically a descriptive adjective, in French discourse, it is often associated with the 'parent isolé' (isolated parent) status. This is a legal term in France that grants certain rights. Therefore, when you use monoparental in a sentence about someone's life, you are using a term that is both descriptive and legally significant. It's a powerful word for B1 learners to have in their toolkit when discussing personal history or societal trends in a nuanced way.
Ma voisine élève ses trois enfants dans un contexte monoparental depuis cinq ans.
If you live in France or follow French media, you will encounter monoparental in several specific environments. The most common is the news. French journalists frequently report on 'le pouvoir d'achat des familles monoparentales' (the purchasing power of single-parent families), especially during times of inflation. Because these households are statistically more vulnerable to economic shifts, they are a frequent focal point for social commentary. Listening to radio stations like France Inter or reading newspapers like Le Monde, you will hear this word used to discuss everything from housing policy to the 'rentrée scolaire' (the start of the school year) and the costs associated with it.
- Administrative Life
- You will see this word on forms for the CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales), school registration papers, and tax documents (impôts). It is the official designation for your family status.
Another place you will hear this word is in the workplace or in discussions about labor laws. The term parentalité is a big topic in French HR circles, and monoparentalité is a subset of that. Employers might discuss specific flexible working arrangements for 'parents en situation monoparentale'. If you are working in France, knowing this word helps you understand your rights or the rights of your colleagues. It is also used by labor unions when negotiating for better work-life balance for all types of families.
Le journal de 20h a consacré un reportage aux difficultés du logement monoparental à Paris.
In schools, teachers and administrators use monoparental when discussing student support. If a child is struggling, a teacher might note that they are in a cadre monoparental to provide context for their situation at home. It is used with sensitivity and professional distance. Furthermore, in the world of literature and cinema, contemporary French creators often explore the dynamics of the famille monoparentale. Films like 'Pupille' or various 'romans de société' use this term to ground their stories in modern social reality, reflecting the shift away from the 1950s ideal of the family.
L'école propose des tarifs réduits pour la cantine aux foyers monoparentaux.
- Political Discourse
- Politicians use 'monoparentalité' to discuss the 'pacte de solidarité' and how the state can support single parents through tax breaks and subsidies.
Finally, you will hear it in healthcare settings. Pediatricians or social workers might use the term monoparental to assess the support network available to a child. It is a key term in the 'carnet de santé' (health record) discussions regarding the child's environment. For a learner, hearing monoparental in these varied contexts—from the TV to the doctor's office—reinforces that it is a versatile and essential piece of vocabulary for navigating adult life in a French-speaking country.
Le médecin a demandé si l'enfant vivait dans un environnement monoparental.
One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with monoparental is failing to adjust the ending for feminine nouns. Because 'parent' looks masculine, learners often forget that the word it usually modifies—famille—is feminine. Writing *une famille monoparental is a common B1 mistake. You must add the 'e' at the end: une famille monoparentale. Even though you are talking about a single father, if the word 'famille' is used, the adjective must be feminine. This is a fundamental rule of French grammar that requires constant vigilance.
- The Plural Trap
- Mistake: 'Les foyers monoparentals'. Correct: 'Les foyers monoparentaux'. Adjectives ending in -al change to -aux in the masculine plural.
Another mistake is confusing monoparental with célibataire. While they often overlap in reality, they are not interchangeable. Célibataire refers to a person's relationship status (unmarried/single), whereas monoparental refers to the structure of a household with children. You can be a parent célibataire (a single parent), but you live in a famille monoparentale. Using 'famille célibataire' is incorrect and would sound very strange to a native speaker. It is important to distinguish between the individual and the family unit.
Attention : on dit une famille monoparentale, même si le parent est un homme.
Learners also sometimes try to create a verb out of it, like 'monoparentaliser', which does not exist in standard French. If you want to talk about the act of becoming a single parent, you would use phrases like devenir parent solo or se retrouver en situation de monoparentalité. Similarly, the noun form is la monoparentalité, not 'le monoparentalisme'. Using the wrong suffix can make your speech sound 'invented' rather than natural. Stick to the established noun and adjective forms to maintain clarity.
Il ne faut pas confondre le statut marital et la structure monoparentale.
- Preposition Usage
- Mistake: 'Une famille de monoparental'. Correct: 'Une famille monoparentale'. The word is an adjective, so it doesn't need 'de' before it.
Finally, avoid using monoparental as a noun to refer to a person. You cannot say *C'est un monoparental. Instead, say C'est un parent solo or C'est un chef de famille monoparentale. This is a subtle but important distinction. In English, we sometimes use adjectives as nouns (e.g., 'the unemployed'), but in this specific case in French, monoparental remains strictly an adjective. Keeping these four points in mind—feminine agreement, plural forms, distinction from 'célibataire', and avoiding noun-usage—will help you use the word like a pro.
Le pluriel de monoparental est monoparentaux, ne l'oubliez pas !
When you want to vary your vocabulary or find a word that fits a specific nuance, there are several alternatives to monoparental. The most common informal alternative is solo. You will often hear the term maman solo or papa solo in blogs, magazines, and casual conversations. While monoparental sounds official and clinical, solo is warm and conversational. If you are talking about your own life to a friend, Je suis un papa solo sounds much more natural than Je suis à la tête d'une famille monoparentale.
- Monoparental vs. Isolé
- 'Monoparental' describes the family structure. 'Isolé' (isolated) is often used in administrative contexts (e.g., 'parent isolé') to imply a lack of financial or social support from the other parent.
Another related term is famille recomposée (blended family). This is the next stage for many familles monoparentales when a parent finds a new partner who also has children. Understanding the difference is key: monoparental means one parent, recomposée means a new unit formed from previous ones. There is also la garde partagée (joint custody). Even if parents are separated and the family is technically monoparentale on paper for tax purposes, the reality of garde partagée means the child lives in two different households.
Elle est passée d'une famille monoparentale à une famille recomposée l'année dernière.
For a more academic or sociological tone, you might encounter uniparental. While very similar to monoparental, uniparental is often used in biology or very specific legal niches. In everyday French, monoparental is the undisputed king. You might also hear célibat géographique, which describes a situation where one parent is physically absent for long periods (due to work) but the couple is still together. This is different from a famille monoparentale because the legal and financial structure of the couple remains intact.
Le terme monoparental est plus courant que le terme technique uniparental.
- Comparison Table
-
- Monoparental: Official, descriptive, neutral.
- Solo: Informal, modern, positive.
- Isolé: Administrative, implies need for help.
- Nucléaire: Traditional (two parents + children).
Finally, it's worth noting the phrase chef de famille. In the past, this usually referred to the father. Today, in a famille monoparentale, the single parent is the 'chef de famille'. This term is still used in administrative contexts, although it is becoming less common in daily speech. By knowing these alternatives, you can choose the right word for the right situation—whether you're filling out a form at the 'mairie' or chatting with a neighbor about the challenges of raising kids alone.
Dans le langage courant, on dira souvent une « maman solo » plutôt qu'une « mère monoparentale ».
How Formal Is It?
حقيقة ممتعة
The word didn't exist in the 19th century because the concept of a 'single-parent family' wasn't recognized as a distinct sociological category; such families were simply called 'veufs' or 'filles-mères'.
دليل النطق
- Pronouncing the 'l' at the end like an English 'dark l'. It should be light.
- Failing to nasalize the 'an' syllable.
- Over-stressing the 'mono' prefix.
- Pronouncing the 'aux' in the plural like 'awks' instead of a closed 'o'.
- Adding a 'd' sound before 'parental'.
مستوى الصعوبة
Easy to recognize because of the 'mono' and 'parent' roots.
Requires attention to gender and complex plural agreement (aux).
Long word, but phonetic and follows standard rules.
Distinctive sound, usually clear in context.
ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك
المتطلبات الأساسية
تعلّم لاحقاً
متقدم
قواعد يجب معرفتها
Adjective Agreement (Gender)
Un foyer monoparental vs Une famille monoparentale.
Plural of adjectives in -al
Un défi parental -> Des défis parentaux.
Position of Adjectives
Une famille (noun) monoparentale (adjective).
Prefix 'Mono-' usage
Monologue, Monotone, Monoparental.
Preposition 'En' with status
Être en situation monoparentale.
أمثلة حسب المستوى
C'est une famille monoparentale.
It is a single-parent family.
Notice the 'e' at the end of 'monoparentale' because 'famille' is feminine.
Il y a un parent dans ce foyer monoparental.
There is one parent in this single-parent household.
'Foyer' is masculine, so we use 'monoparental' without the 'e'.
Ma voisine a une famille monoparentale.
My neighbor has a single-parent family.
Adjectives usually come after the noun in French.
Est-ce une situation monoparentale ?
Is it a single-parent situation?
'Situation' is feminine.
L'école aide les familles monoparentales.
The school helps single-parent families.
Plural feminine: add 's' to 'monoparentale'.
Le petit garçon vit dans un cadre monoparental.
The little boy lives in a single-parent setting.
'Cadre' is masculine.
Elle est une mère monoparentale.
She is a single-parent mother.
While 'maman solo' is more common, this is grammatically correct.
Le formulaire demande : famille monoparentale ?
The form asks: single-parent family?
Common administrative use.
Elle élève seule son fils dans un foyer monoparental.
She is raising her son alone in a single-parent household.
Use of 'seule' reinforces the meaning of 'monoparental'.
Les familles monoparentales sont nombreuses ici.
Single-parent families are numerous here.
Plural agreement: 'familles' (fem. plur.) + 'monoparentales'.
Il est difficile d'être un parent monoparental.
It is difficult to be a single parent.
'Parent' is masculine singular here.
Ma ville propose des aides pour chaque famille monoparentale.
My city offers aid for every single-parent family.
'Chaque' is followed by the singular.
Le divorce crée parfois une situation monoparentale.
Divorce sometimes creates a single-parent situation.
Cause and effect sentence structure.
Nous étudions les types de familles, comme la famille monoparentale.
We are studying types of families, like the single-parent family.
Using 'comme' to provide an example.
Dans un milieu monoparental, l'enfant est souvent très proche de son parent.
In a single-parent environment, the child is often very close to their parent.
'Milieu' is a common noun to pair with this adjective.
Le père monoparental prépare le dîner.
The single-parent father is preparing dinner.
Adjective follows the noun 'père'.
Le gouvernement soutient davantage les familles monoparentales.
The government is supporting single-parent families more.
Adverb 'davantage' used with the verb 'soutenir'.
Vivre dans un foyer monoparental demande une grande organisation.
Living in a single-parent household requires great organization.
Gerund-like use of the infinitive 'Vivre' as a subject.
La précarité touche souvent les mères en situation monoparentale.
Precariousness often affects mothers in a single-parent situation.
'En situation monoparentale' is a fixed prepositional phrase.
Il y a une augmentation des foyers monoparentaux en France.
There is an increase in single-parent households in France.
Masculine plural: 'foyers' + 'monoparentaux' (al -> aux).
L'équilibre entre travail et famille est un défi monoparental majeur.
The balance between work and family is a major single-parent challenge.
'Majeur' agrees with 'défi'.
Les enfants issus de familles monoparentales sont de plus en plus communs.
Children from single-parent families are increasingly common.
'Issus de' means 'coming from' or 'born into'.
Elle a écrit un livre sur son expérience de mère monoparentale.
She wrote a book about her experience as a single-parent mother.
'De' indicates the role or status.
Le statut monoparental donne droit à certaines allocations familiales.
Single-parent status entitles one to certain family allowances.
'Donner droit à' is a useful B1 expression.
L'évolution des mœurs a banalisé le schéma monoparental dans la société actuelle.
The evolution of customs has normalized the single-parent model in today's society.
'Banalisé' implies it is now common or ordinary.
Les politiques publiques doivent s'adapter à la réalité des ménages monoparentaux.
Public policies must adapt to the reality of single-parent households.
'Ménages' is a more formal word for 'foyers'.
La monoparentalité est souvent corrélée à un risque de pauvreté accru.
Single parenthood is often correlated with an increased risk of poverty.
Noun form: 'la monoparentalité'.
Certains sociologues étudient l'impact du milieu monoparental sur la scolarité.
Some sociologists study the impact of the single-parent environment on schooling.
Academic context.
Les pères monoparentaux font face à des stéréotypes différents des mères.
Single-parent fathers face different stereotypes than mothers.
Comparison structure: 'différents de'.
L'accès au logement reste un obstacle majeur pour toute famille monoparentale.
Access to housing remains a major obstacle for any single-parent family.
'Toute' here means 'any' or 'every'.
Le passage d'une structure nucléaire à une structure monoparentale est une transition délicate.
The transition from a nuclear structure to a single-parent structure is a delicate one.
Contrast between 'nucléaire' and 'monoparentale'.
Les entreprises commencent à proposer des services dédiés aux parents monoparentaux.
Companies are starting to offer services dedicated to single parents.
'Dédiés à' means 'dedicated to'.
La monoparentalité subie diffère grandement de la monoparentalité choisie.
Suffered single parenthood differs greatly from chosen single parenthood.
Nuanced distinction using past participles as adjectives.
L'analyse des trajectoires monoparentales révèle une grande diversité de situations.
The analysis of single-parent trajectories reveals a great diversity of situations.
'Trajectoires' refers to life paths or histories.
Le législateur a dû redéfinir les contours de la protection sociale pour les foyers monoparentaux.
The legislator had to redefine the boundaries of social protection for single-parent households.
Formal legal/political context.
La vulnérabilité économique des familles monoparentales est un enjeu de cohésion sociale.
The economic vulnerability of single-parent families is an issue for social cohesion.
Abstract concept: 'cohésion sociale'.
Il convient d'interroger les représentations médiatiques de la monoparentalité.
It is appropriate to question media representations of single parenthood.
'Il convient de' is a high-level formal introductory phrase.
Les disparités territoriales accentuent les difficultés des mères monoparentales.
Territorial disparities accentuate the difficulties of single-parent mothers.
'Accentuer' means to make worse or emphasize.
L'émergence du modèle monoparental remet en question la centralité du mariage.
The emergence of the single-parent model challenges the centrality of marriage.
'Remettre en question' is a common C1 idiom for 'to challenge/question'.
La solidarité familiale supplée parfois aux carences de l'État envers le monde monoparental.
Family solidarity sometimes compensates for the State's shortcomings toward the single-parent world.
'Suppléer à' means to compensate for or fill a gap.
L'institutionnalisation de la monoparentalité s'inscrit dans une déconstruction plus large du patriarcat.
The institutionalization of single parenthood is part of a broader deconstruction of patriarchy.
Highly academic sociological discourse.
On observe une corrélation ténue entre la monoparentalité et certains déterminismes sociaux.
A tenuous correlation is observed between single parenthood and certain social determinisms.
'Ténue' (tenuous) and 'déterminismes' are advanced vocabulary.
La rhétorique politique oscille souvent entre compassion et stigmatisation des familles monoparentales.
Political rhetoric often oscillates between compassion and stigmatization of single-parent families.
Analysis of discourse and rhetoric.
Les mutations du droit de la famille ont entériné la légitimité du cadre monoparental.
Changes in family law have ratified the legitimacy of the single-parent framework.
'Entériner' is a formal verb for 'to ratify' or 'to confirm'.
L'approche intersectionnelle permet de mieux appréhender la réalité monoparentale.
The intersectional approach allows for a better understanding of the single-parent reality.
'Appréhender' here means 'to understand' or 'to grasp'.
La précarisation des trajectoires professionnelles fragilise les équilibres monoparentaux déjà précaires.
The precariousness of professional trajectories weakens already precarious single-parent balances.
Complex sentence with repeated themes of precariousness.
L'atomisation de la cellule familiale classique au profit de formes monoparentales est un fait saillant du siècle.
The atomization of the classic family cell in favor of single-parent forms is a salient fact of the century.
'Fait saillant' means 'salient fact' or 'highlight'.
Il serait fallacieux de postuler une uniformité des vécus au sein de la sphère monoparentale.
It would be fallacious to postulate a uniformity of experiences within the single-parent sphere.
'Fallacieux' (fallacious) and 'postuler' (to postulate) are high-level academic terms.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
— Being in a single-parent situation. Used in formal and administrative contexts.
Beaucoup de femmes sont en situation monoparentale après un divorce.
— Head of a single-parent family. Used on official forms.
En tant que chef de famille monoparentale, il remplit sa déclaration.
— A single-parent family in a financially unstable situation.
Les aides visent surtout les familles monoparentales précaires.
— A parent living in a single-parent setup.
Le parent en situation monoparentale doit tout gérer seul.
— A child from a single-parent family.
Les enfants de familles monoparentales sont suivis par l'assistante sociale.
— Benefits for single-parent families.
Le gouvernement a revalorisé les allocations pour familles monoparentales.
— The setup or framework of a single-parent household.
La structure monoparentale modifie les habitudes de consommation.
— Single parenthood by choice (e.g., through solo adoption or IVF).
On parle de plus en plus de monoparentalité choisie.
— Single parenthood that is not by choice (e.g., death or unwanted divorce).
La monoparentalité subie est souvent plus difficile psychologiquement.
— Housing specifically for or occupied by single parents.
Il y a une forte demande pour le logement monoparental en ville.
يُخلط عادةً مع
Refers to parents of the same gender, whereas monoparental refers to a single parent.
Refers to relationship status, not household structure.
A legal status implying lack of support, often used for single parents but not synonymous.
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
— To go it alone. While not containing 'monoparental', it describes the life of a single parent.
Elle fait cavalier seul pour élever ses trois enfants.
informal— To be everywhere at once. Often used by single parents to describe their busy lives.
En tant que mère monoparentale, elle est au four et au moulin.
informal— To wear many hats (mother, father, provider, etc.).
Un parent monoparental doit porter toutes les casquettes.
neutral— To handle multiple things at once (career and kids).
Elle mène de front sa carrière et sa famille monoparentale.
neutral— To work twice as hard or be in two places at once.
Il doit se démultiplier pour s'occuper de son foyer monoparental.
neutral— To tighten one's belt (save money). Often associated with the economic side of monoparentalité.
Beaucoup de familles monoparentales doivent se serrer la ceinture.
informal— To be overwhelmed. Common in the context of single parenting stress.
Avec le travail et les enfants, ce parent monoparental a la tête sous l'eau.
informal— To stay in control (like steering a ship).
Elle tient la barre de sa famille monoparentale malgré les tempêtes.
neutral— To be the pillar/foundation of the family.
Dans un foyer monoparental, le parent est le seul pilier.
neutral— To not be idle/to be very busy.
Les parents monoparentaux ne chôment jamais !
informalسهل الخلط
It's the root word.
Parental means 'relating to parents' (e.g., authority), while monoparental specifically means 'one parent'.
L'autorité parental vs La famille monoparentale.
Same prefix meaning.
Uniparental is biological/technical; monoparental is sociological/common.
Reproduction uniparentale vs Foyer monoparental.
Opposite meaning.
Biparental means two parents.
Un modèle biparental classique.
Both are 'modern' family types.
Recomposé involves step-parents; monoparental involves just one parent.
Elle a quitté sa vie monoparentale pour une famille recomposée.
Family terminology.
Nucléaire refers to the 'core' family (two parents + kids), the opposite of monoparental.
La fin de la famille nucléaire au profit du monoparental.
أنماط الجُمل
C'est une famille [adjective].
C'est une famille monoparentale.
Il vit dans un [noun] monoparental.
Il vit dans un foyer monoparental.
Les familles [adjective] ont besoin d'aide.
Les familles monoparentales ont besoin d'aide.
En raison de sa situation [adjective], elle...
En raison de sa situation monoparentale, elle travaille de nuit.
Le nombre de [noun] monoparentaux augmente.
Le nombre de ménages monoparentaux augmente.
La [noun] est un enjeu de...
La monoparentalité est un enjeu de santé publique.
Malgré un cadre [adjective], l'enfant...
Malgré un cadre monoparental, l'enfant a réussi ses examens.
L'analyse du prisme [adjective] permet...
L'analyse du prisme monoparental permet de comprendre les inégalités.
عائلة الكلمة
الأسماء
الصفات
مرتبط
كيفية الاستخدام
High in social and administrative contexts; medium in casual chat.
-
Une famille monoparental
→
Une famille monoparentale
Adjectives must agree with the feminine noun 'famille'.
-
Les foyers monoparentals
→
Les foyers monoparentaux
Masculine adjectives ending in -al change to -aux in the plural.
-
C'est un monoparental
→
C'est un parent solo
Monoparental is an adjective, not a noun for a person.
-
Une situation monoparental
→
Une situation monoparentale
'Situation' is a feminine noun in French.
-
Vivre en monoparental
→
Vivre en situation monoparentale
You need a noun for the adjective to modify, or use the fixed phrase.
نصائح
Watch the Plural
Remember the -al to -aux rule for masculine plural. 'Des foyers monoparentaux' is a common test question for B1 students.
Use 'Solo' with Friends
If you want to sound more like a native in casual conversation, use 'maman solo' or 'papa solo' instead of the longer 'monoparental'.
Listen for the Nasal
The 'an' in 'parental' is a nasal vowel. Practice saying 'en' while holding your nose to feel the vibration.
Agreement Check
When writing about a single father, if you use the word 'famille', you must still use 'monoparentale' (feminine).
CAF Knowledge
Knowing this word helps you understand social benefits in France, which are a huge part of French culture and life.
The 'O' Sounds
The first two 'o's in 'monoparental' are short and open. Don't make them too long like in English 'moon'.
Prefix Power
Use your knowledge of 'mono-' to guess other words like 'monolingue' (one language) or 'monochrome' (one color).
Avoid 'Famille Célibataire'
Never say 'famille célibataire'. Use 'monoparentale' for the family and 'célibataire' for the person.
Noun Derivative
Learn 'la monoparentalité' to discuss the abstract concept in essays or debates.
احفظها
وسيلة تذكّر
Think of 'Mono' (one) like 'Monopoly' (one winner) or 'Monorail' (one track). 'Parental' is just like 'Parent'. So, one parent.
ربط بصري
Imagine a seesaw with a parent on one side and a child on the other, balancing perfectly without a second adult.
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Write three sentences: one about a single mother, one about a single father, and one about the plural 'foyers monoparentaux'.
أصل الكلمة
Formed from the Greek prefix 'mono-' (one, single) and the French adjective 'parental' (relating to parents). It appeared in the French language in the late 20th century as a sociological term.
المعنى الأصلي: Pertaining to a single parent.
Indo-European (via Greek and Latin roots).السياق الثقافي
While neutral, always use the term descriptively. Avoid using it to imply that a family is 'broken' or 'incomplete'.
In the US/UK, we often say 'single-parent family'. The French 'monoparental' is slightly more formal but used much more frequently in daily news.
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
News & Media
- Hausse de la monoparentalité
- Familles monoparentales en difficulté
- Pouvoir d'achat monoparental
- Débat sur la monoparentalité
Administration
- Cocher la case monoparentale
- Statut de parent isolé
- Déclaration de situation
- Aides aux familles
School & Education
- Fiche de renseignements
- Contexte familial
- Tarifs sociaux
- Réunion parents-profs
Sociology
- Évolution des structures
- Ménage à parent unique
- Risque de pauvreté
- Lien parental
Legal
- Garde de l'enfant
- Résidence principale
- Autorité parentale
- Pension alimentaire
بدايات محادثة
"Connais-tu beaucoup de familles monoparentales dans ton entourage ?"
"Penses-tu que la société française aide assez les parents monoparentaux ?"
"Quels sont les plus grands défis d'un foyer monoparental selon toi ?"
"Est-ce que le terme 'monoparental' est courant dans ta langue maternelle ?"
"Comment l'image de la famille monoparentale a-t-elle évolué au cinéma ?"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
Décrivez les différences entre une famille nucléaire et une famille monoparentale.
Imaginez la routine quotidienne d'un parent dans une situation monoparentale.
Pensez-vous que le mot 'monoparental' est trop technique ou bien adapté ?
Racontez une histoire où un enfant grandit dans un cadre monoparental heureux.
Analysez l'impact des aides financières sur les foyers monoparentaux.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNo, it is gender-neutral. It applies to any single parent, whether a mother or a father. However, statistics show that a majority of single-parent families are headed by women.
For masculine nouns like 'foyer', it is 'monoparentaux'. For feminine nouns like 'famille', it is 'monoparentales'.
No, it is strictly an adjective. To use it as a noun, use 'la monoparentalité' (the concept) or 'un parent solo' (the person).
It is neutral to formal. It's the standard term used in news and documents. In very casual speech, 'solo' is often used instead.
Not necessarily. It simply describes the current living situation, which could be due to divorce, death, or choice.
Yes. 'Famille monoparentale' is a description of the family structure. 'Parent isolé' is often a legal status used for social benefits.
Yes, clearly, just like in the English word 'total'.
The most common way is 'une famille monoparentale'.
Yes, it is used throughout the Francophone world, including Quebec, Belgium, and Switzerland.
Technically, each household might be considered monoparental if the parent is living alone with the child during their time.
اختبر نفسك 180 أسئلة
Décrivez votre famille en utilisant le mot 'monoparental' ou son contraire.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Quels sont les avantages et inconvénients d'un foyer monoparental ?
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Faites une phrase avec 'foyers monoparentaux'.
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Expliquez la différence entre 'célibataire' et 'monoparental'.
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Utilisez 'en situation monoparentale' dans une phrase formelle.
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Traduisez : 'Single-parent families are common in France.'
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Donnez un synonyme informel de 'mère monoparentale'.
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Écrivez une courte annonce pour un groupe de soutien aux parents monoparentaux.
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Comment dit-on 'single-parent household' ?
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Accordez l'adjectif : 'Des structures (monoparental)'.
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Accordez l'adjectif : 'Un schéma (monoparental)'.
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Accordez l'adjectif : 'Des défis (monoparental)'.
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Faites une phrase avec 'monoparentalité'.
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Pourquoi dit-on 'monoparentale' avec famille ?
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Traduisez : 'He was raised in a single-parent home.'
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Quel est le contraire de 'monoparental' ?
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Est-ce que 'monoparental' s'utilise pour les animaux ?
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Faites une phrase sur les aides de la CAF.
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Comment s'écrit le mot au pluriel masculin ?
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Donnez une phrase avec 'maman solo'.
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Prononcez : monoparental.
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قلت:
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Prononcez : monoparentale.
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Prononcez : monoparentaux.
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Prononcez : monoparentales.
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Dites : 'C'est une famille monoparentale.'
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Dites : 'Les foyers monoparentaux.'
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Épelez le mot 'monoparental'.
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Dites : 'Je suis un parent solo.'
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Répétez : 'La monoparentalité'.
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Dites : 'En situation monoparentale'.
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Faites une phrase orale sur votre voisin.
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Expliquez oralement le mot 'mono'.
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Dites le contraire de 'monoparental'.
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Dites : 'Un défi monoparental'.
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Dites : 'Des aides monoparentales'.
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Prononcez 'parental' puis 'monoparental'.
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Dites : 'Le nombre augmente'.
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Répétez 3 fois : monoparental.
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Dites : 'Ma famille est monoparentale.'
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Dites : 'C'est difficile mais possible.'
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Écoutez et écrivez le mot entendu : [monoparental]
Écoutez et écrivez le mot entendu : [monoparentale]
Écoutez et écrivez le mot entendu : [monoparentaux]
Est-ce singulier ou pluriel ? [monoparentaux]
Est-ce masculin ou féminin ? [monoparentale]
Combien de mots entendez-vous ? 'Famille monoparentale'
Quel est le dernier son de 'monoparental' ?
Quel est le dernier son de 'monoparentaux' ?
Entendez-vous 'mono' ou 'bi' ? [monoparental]
Écrivez la phrase : 'C'est un foyer monoparental.'
Écrivez la phrase : 'Elle est maman solo.'
Identifiez l'adjectif : 'Une aide monoparentale'.
Quel mot commence par 'm' ?
Écoutez : 'La monoparentalité'. Combien de syllabes ?
Entendez-vous un 's' à la fin de 'monoparentales' ?
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'monoparental' is the standard adjective for 'single-parent' in French. Always remember that it usually follows 'famille' (feminine) or 'foyer' (masculine), requiring careful grammatical agreement: 'une famille monoparentale'.
- Refers to single-parent family structures.
- Must agree in gender and number (monoparentale, monoparentaux).
- Common in social, administrative, and legal French contexts.
- Neutral/formal register; 'parent solo' is the informal equivalent.
Watch the Plural
Remember the -al to -aux rule for masculine plural. 'Des foyers monoparentaux' is a common test question for B1 students.
Use 'Solo' with Friends
If you want to sound more like a native in casual conversation, use 'maman solo' or 'papa solo' instead of the longer 'monoparental'.
Context is Key
Pair 'monoparental' with 'situation' or 'cadre' to vary your sentences beyond just using 'famille'.
Listen for the Nasal
The 'an' in 'parental' is a nasal vowel. Practice saying 'en' while holding your nose to feel the vibration.
مثال
Les familles monoparentales bénéficient d'aides spécifiques.
محتوى ذو صلة
هذه الكلمة بلغات أخرى
مزيد من كلمات family
à charge
B2شخص يعيله آخر؛ فرد من العائلة يعتمد مالياً على رب الأسرة.
à deux
A2معاً كاثنان؛ كزوج أو ثنائي.
à domicile
A2في المنزل
à jamais
A2Forever, for all time.
à la charge de
B2Dependent on; at the expense of.
à la mémoire de
B2في ذكرى؛ تعبير رسمي يستخدم لتكريم شخص متوفى.
à la place de
B21. تناولت قهوة بدلاً من شايي المعتاد. 2. أعطاني المعلم تمريناً إضافياً بدلاً من الامتحان.
à l'amiable
B2Amicably, by mutual agreement.
à l'égard de
A2With regard to; concerning.
à l'image de
B2على غرار؛ على شاكلة.