Significado
One should not be too sure about future actions or make definitive statements.
Contexto cultural
In France, this proverb is often associated with the 19th-century 'Romantisme' and the works of Alfred de Musset. It reflects a cultural appreciation for the irony of fate. While used in Quebec, it may sometimes be replaced by more direct North American expressions, but it remains a mark of high-level French proficiency. In many West African countries, proverbs are a vital part of daily speech. This one fits well with local traditions of using nature metaphors to teach humility. Using this in a business meeting can be a very subtle way to suggest that a competitor's strategy might be worth considering later, without being confrontational.
The Short Version
If you want to sound like a native, just say 'Il ne faut jamais dire fontaine...' and let the other person finish the thought in their head.
Don't be too literal
Never use this if someone is actually refusing a glass of water. It will sound very confusing!
Significado
One should not be too sure about future actions or make definitive statements.
The Short Version
If you want to sound like a native, just say 'Il ne faut jamais dire fontaine...' and let the other person finish the thought in their head.
Don't be too literal
Never use this if someone is actually refusing a glass of water. It will sound very confusing!
Social Lubricant
This is a great phrase to use when you want to disagree with someone's stubbornness without being rude.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the proverb with the missing words.
Il ne faut jamais dire « fontaine, je ne _______ pas de ton _______ ».
The correct form uses the simple future 'boirai' and the noun 'eau' (water).
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Il ne faut jamais dire fontaine'?
Situation: Marc a juré qu'il ne s'achèterait jamais de voiture électrique, mais il vient d'en commander une.
The proverb is perfect for someone who does exactly what they said they would never do.
Choose the best response to complete the dialogue.
A: Je ne remettrai plus jamais les pieds dans ce restaurant ! B: ________________________
Response B uses the proverb to suggest that A might actually go back to the restaurant one day.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
3 ejerciciosIl ne faut jamais dire « fontaine, je ne _______ pas de ton _______ ».
The correct form uses the simple future 'boirai' and the noun 'eau' (water).
Situation: Marc a juré qu'il ne s'achèterait jamais de voiture électrique, mais il vient d'en commander une.
The proverb is perfect for someone who does exactly what they said they would never do.
A: Je ne remettrai plus jamais les pieds dans ce restaurant ! B: ________________________
Response B uses the proverb to suggest that A might actually go back to the restaurant one day.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Preguntas frecuentes
3 preguntasYes, but often ironically or in its shortened form. It's considered a 'classic' that everyone knows.
It might be a bit too informal/proverbial for a standard email, but it works well in a consultative or friendly business conversation.
The fountain was the traditional source of water in French villages, making it a more intimate and essential metaphor than a river.
Frases relacionadas
Il ne faut jurer de rien
similarOne should not swear to anything.
Ne jamais dire jamais
synonymNever say never.
Tourner casaque
builds onTo change one's mind or side completely.
L'homme propose, Dieu dispose
similarMan proposes, God disposes.
