In 15 Seconds
- Meaning: Acting based on an official instruction.
- Use: Explaining compliance with rules or orders.
- Vibe: Official, bureaucratic, 'following orders.'
- Caution: Avoid for casual or personal decisions.
Meaning
This phrase basically means 'by order of' or 'as instructed by a higher authority.' It's that feeling of 'I'm just following orders!' It carries a vibe of officialdom, sometimes a bit of reluctant compliance. Think of it as the official stamp on why something is happening, even if you don't fully agree with it.
Key Examples
3 of 12Customer service call
Désolé, nous ne pouvons pas accepter les retours après 30 jours, c'est `par le directive`.
Sorry, we cannot accept returns after 30 days, it's by directive.
Work meeting explanation
La nouvelle politique de télétravail sera appliquée `par le directive` de la direction générale.
The new remote work policy will be applied by directive from senior management.
Texting a friend about a rule
Je ne peux pas te laisser entrer sans masque, c'est `par le directive` du magasin.
I can't let you in without a mask, it's by the store's directive.
Cultural Background
In France, 'la directive' is often associated with the 'fonction publique' (civil service). It reflects a culture where written rules are highly respected and used to ensure equality and standardization across the country. The EU uses 'directives' as its primary legislative tool. This has made the phrase 'par la directive européenne' a staple of political debate in France, often used to explain why national laws are changing. In Quebec, the phrase is used similarly but may compete with 'selon les consignes' in corporate environments. It remains a mark of high formality in North American French. Given Brussels is the heart of the EU, Belgians are very accustomed to this phrase. It is used frequently in both French and Dutch (as 'door de richtlijn') in administrative contexts.
Shift the Blame
In a French office, use 'par la directive' when you have to deliver bad news. It makes it clear that you aren't the one making the decision.
Gender Trap
Never say 'le directive'. It's the most common mistake for B1/B2 learners and immediately marks you as a non-native.
In 15 Seconds
- Meaning: Acting based on an official instruction.
- Use: Explaining compliance with rules or orders.
- Vibe: Official, bureaucratic, 'following orders.'
- Caution: Avoid for casual or personal decisions.
What It Means
This phrase, par le directive, is your go-to when you need to explain that an action is happening because of a specific, official instruction. It's like saying, 'The boss told me to do it!' or 'It's in the rulebook!' It’s not about your personal choice; it’s about following a directive from someone or something with authority. It often carries a slight tone of, 'I have no choice in the matter.'
How To Use It
You use par le directive when you want to attribute an action or decision to a formal instruction. It’s perfect for explaining compliance with rules, policies, or official commands. Think of situations where you're acting under someone else's authority. You can use it to justify your actions or explain why something is done a certain way. It's a way to deflect personal responsibility slightly, by pointing to the directive.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine your company suddenly changes its return policy. You can explain this to a customer by saying, 'We can't offer refunds anymore par le directive.' Or perhaps a new security protocol is implemented at work. You might tell a colleague, 'We have to scan our badges par le directive now.' It’s all about pointing to the source of the command. Even in a game, if a rule is enforced strictly, a player might say, 'No, you can't do that par le directive!'
When To Use It
Use par le directive when you're talking about actions driven by official rules, laws, policies, or commands from superiors. It fits perfectly when you need to sound official or when you want to emphasize that you are simply implementing an order. It's great for explaining bureaucratic processes or decisions made at a higher level. Think of situations where 'because I said so' isn't quite formal enough.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid par le directive in casual chats with friends about everyday decisions. If you decide to order pizza because you're hungry, you wouldn't say, 'I'm ordering pizza par le directive.' That would sound bizarre! It's also not for personal preferences or spontaneous choices. If you're choosing a movie to watch with friends, you wouldn't use this phrase unless there was a specific, official directive about movie selection – which is highly unlikely! Don't use it for suggestions or recommendations either; it’s strictly about commands.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse par le directive with simply saying 'because'. While related, par le directive implies a specific *official* instruction. Using it for general reasons sounds unnatural. Another mistake is trying to use it for personal opinions. It’s not a phrase for expressing your own feelings or ideas. It’s about external authority.
par le directive of traffic.
✓I'm late because of traffic.
par le directive of the good weather.
✓We are happy because of the good weather.
Similar Expressions
There are other ways to express following instructions. Selon les instructions means 'according to the instructions,' which is very similar. Sur ordre translates to 'on order,' often used in military or police contexts. Conformément à means 'in accordance with,' and is quite formal. Par ordre de is also very close, meaning 'by order of.' Each has a slightly different flavor, but they all point to external authority.
Common Variations
Sometimes you might hear par directives (plural), meaning 'by directives.' While less common for a single action, it can be used if multiple instructions are involved. You might also see suivre la directive ('to follow the directive') as a verb phrase. The core idea remains the same: acting based on an official instruction. The singular par le directive is the most standard form for this specific nuance.
Memory Trick
Imagine a DIREctor giving TIVal (visual) instructions on a PARade ground. The director is the authority, the parade ground is the official setting, and the visual instructions are the directive. You are just following the director's parade ground orders!
Quick FAQ
- What's the vibe? Official, sometimes a bit bureaucratic or like you're 'just doing your job.'
- Can I use it humorously? Yes! You can say 'I have to clean my room
par le directiveof my mom!' for a laugh. - Is it always negative? Not necessarily, but it often implies a lack of personal agency or choice.
- What if there's no 'directive'? Don't use it! Stick to simpler phrases like
parce que. - Who gives the directive? Usually someone in authority: a boss, a government, a company policy, a rulebook.
Usage Notes
This phrase carries a formal tone and is best used in professional, bureaucratic, or official contexts. Avoid using it in casual conversation, as it can sound overly stiff or even humorous if applied to personal decisions. Be mindful that 'par directive' (without 'le') is also common and sometimes preferred for a more general sense of instruction.
Shift the Blame
In a French office, use 'par la directive' when you have to deliver bad news. It makes it clear that you aren't the one making the decision.
Gender Trap
Never say 'le directive'. It's the most common mistake for B1/B2 learners and immediately marks you as a non-native.
The EU Context
If you are talking about politics, 'La Directive' (with a capital D) almost always refers to a European Union law.
Examples
12Désolé, nous ne pouvons pas accepter les retours après 30 jours, c'est `par le directive`.
Sorry, we cannot accept returns after 30 days, it's by directive.
Explains a company policy as the reason for refusal.
La nouvelle politique de télétravail sera appliquée `par le directive` de la direction générale.
The new remote work policy will be applied by directive from senior management.
Attributes the policy implementation to top-level management.
Je ne peux pas te laisser entrer sans masque, c'est `par le directive` du magasin.
I can't let you in without a mask, it's by the store's directive.
Justifies enforcing a store rule.
Finishing this report on time, `par le directive` of my amazing supervisor! 😅 #worklife
Finishing this report on time, by directive of my amazing supervisor! 😅 #worklife
Slightly humorous, acknowledging the supervisor's push.
Le bouton 'acheter' a été déplacé `par le directive` de l'équipe UX.
The 'buy' button has been moved by directive of the UX team.
Highlights that a design change came from a specific team's instruction.
Je comprends votre frustration, mais nous devons suivre les procédures `par le directive` de la loi.
I understand your frustration, but we must follow procedures by directive of the law.
Emphasizes legal obligation as the driving force.
✗ Je suis fatigué `par le directive` de ma longue journée.
✗ I am tired by directive of my long day.
Incorrectly uses 'par le directive' for a general feeling.
✗ J'ai choisi cette robe `par le directive` de mon cœur.
✗ I chose this dress by directive of my heart.
Incorrectly applies 'par le directive' to a personal emotional choice.
Le concert a été annulé `par le directive` des autorités locales pour des raisons de sécurité.
The concert was canceled by directive of the local authorities for safety reasons.
Clearly states the official reason for cancellation.
On ne peut pas construire ici, c'est `par le directive` des règles du serveur.
We can't build here, it's by directive of the server rules.
Refers to the rules imposed by the game server administrators.
Votre commande sera expédiée `par le directive` de notre centre logistique.
Your order will be shipped by directive of our logistics center.
Indicates the logistics center dictates the shipping process.
On doit utiliser l'entrée arrière aujourd'hui, c'est `par le directive` du bâtiment.
We have to use the back entrance today, it's by directive of the building management.
Explains a temporary change due to building management's instruction.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing article and preposition.
Le projet a été annulé ___ ___ directive du directeur.
'Directive' is feminine, and 'par' is the correct preposition for agency.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a formal email?
How do you tell a client that a change is due to a new rule?
This sentence uses the correct gender and a formal register.
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
Situations: 1. EU Law, 2. Military Order, 3. Friend's request
Each phrase fits a specific level of formality and authority.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form.
A: Pourquoi portez-vous cet uniforme ? B: Je le porte ___ ___ ___ du colonel.
Maintains the feminine gender and formal preposition.
In which context would you NEVER use 'par la directive'?
Contexts: A. Corporate Memo, B. Legal Document, C. Texting a date, D. News Report
It is far too formal for a romantic or casual context.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
5 exercisesLe projet a été annulé ___ ___ directive du directeur.
'Directive' is feminine, and 'par' is the correct preposition for agency.
How do you tell a client that a change is due to a new rule?
This sentence uses the correct gender and a formal register.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each phrase fits a specific level of formality and authority.
A: Pourquoi portez-vous cet uniforme ? B: Je le porte ___ ___ ___ du colonel.
Maintains the feminine gender and formal preposition.
Contexts: A. Corporate Memo, B. Legal Document, C. Texting a date, D. News Report
It is far too formal for a romantic or casual context.
🎉 Score: /5
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, they are virtually identical. 'Sur directive' is slightly more concise and common in very formal administrative writing.
No, for a doctor, we usually say 'sur ordonnance' (for medicine) or 'sur avis médical' (for advice).
Nouns ending in '-ive' in French are almost always feminine (e.g., initiative, perspective, directive).
Only if you are being funny or sarcastic. It's too formal for real casual use.
Par les directives de... (e.g., Par les directives du gouvernement).
No, it is neutral. In fact, it often implies you are just following it because you have to.
Technically yes, if you are a high-ranking official, but it sounds very arrogant. Better to say 'selon mes instructions'.
Rarely. Coaches give 'consignes' or 'instructions', not usually 'directives'.
A 'directive' gives a goal and some rules; an 'ordre' is a specific command to do one thing immediately.
You would say 'de ma propre initiative' instead.
Related Phrases
en vertu de
similarby virtue of / under the authority of
conformément à
similarin accordance with
sur ordre de
similarby order of
sous l'impulsion de
builds onunder the impetus of
à l'encontre de
contrastagainst / contrary to
