Meaning
To also contribute or participate actively.
Cultural Background
In French dinner parties, 'ne pas être de reste' is a social imperative. If you are hosted, you must contribute to the conversation and the atmosphere. The phrase is used similarly in Quebec, though often 'ne pas être en reste' is slightly more frequent in spoken media. In Belgian French, the phrase is common in political discourse to show that Belgium is keeping pace with European standards. In countries like Senegal or Ivory Coast, the phrase can be used in the context of family ceremonies (weddings, baptisms) where families compete in generosity.
Use it in Business
In a job interview, if they ask about your skills, say: 'Mes collègues étaient très compétents, mais je n'ai pas été de reste pour atteindre les objectifs.' It sounds very professional.
Singular Only
Never say 'de restes' with an 's'. Even if you are talking about many people, the word 'reste' stays singular.
Meaning
To also contribute or participate actively.
Use it in Business
In a job interview, if they ask about your skills, say: 'Mes collègues étaient très compétents, mais je n'ai pas été de reste pour atteindre les objectifs.' It sounds very professional.
Singular Only
Never say 'de restes' with an 's'. Even if you are talking about many people, the word 'reste' stays singular.
The 'En' vs 'De' Debate
You will hear 'en reste' more often in the streets. Use 'de reste' in your essays to impress your teachers with your classical knowledge!
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'ne pas être de reste'.
Tous les pays ont signé l'accord, et la France ______.
The sentence means France also signed/participated, matching the other countries.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Choose the correct usage:
This correctly shows social reciprocity. The first option is about food, and the third uses 'de reste' incorrectly for 'superfluous'.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: Pierre a donné 50 euros pour l'association. B: ____________________, j'ai donné 60 euros !
Speaker B is showing they matched or exceeded the contribution.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Everyone at the party is telling a joke, and you tell a very funny one too.
You are participating actively in the group activity.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTous les pays ont signé l'accord, et la France ______.
The sentence means France also signed/participated, matching the other countries.
Choose the correct usage:
This correctly shows social reciprocity. The first option is about food, and the third uses 'de reste' incorrectly for 'superfluous'.
A: Pierre a donné 50 euros pour l'association. B: ____________________, j'ai donné 60 euros !
Speaker B is showing they matched or exceeded the contribution.
Everyone at the party is telling a joke, and you tell a very funny one too.
You are participating actively in the group activity.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is very polite and even slightly sophisticated. It's perfect for formal and neutral settings.
Yes, you can say someone 'n'a pas été de reste pour critiquer' (wasn't outdone in criticizing), but it's more common for positive contributions.
There is no functional difference in meaning. 'En reste' is slightly more modern and common in speech.
Technically yes, meaning 'I am superfluous', but it sounds very archaic. Usually, we only use the negative form today.
No, it is used with the indicative (est, était, a été).
Yes, it is universally understood across the Francophonie.
No, it is almost exclusively used for people, groups, or entities like companies and countries.
You can say 'faire pareil' or 'ne pas se laisser dépasser'.
Very. You will find it in the works of Proust, Zola, and Hugo.
Yes: 'Je ne serai pas de reste'.
Related Phrases
N'être pas en reste
synonymTo not be outdone.
Rendre la pareille
similarTo return the favor.
Faire la surenchère
builds onTo outbid or overdo.
Être de trop
contrastTo be unwanted/superfluous.
