nucléaire
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to a family with only parents and children.
- Used to describe the core unit of a household.
- Distinct from extended family structures.
Summary
Nuclear family describes the basic social unit consisting only of parents and their children.
- Refers to a family with only parents and children.
- Used to describe the core unit of a household.
- Distinct from extended family structures.
Think of the nucleus as the core
Just like a cell has a nucleus at its center, a nuclear family is the core unit of society. Use it to describe the basic parent-child group.
Avoid confusion with energy
Be careful when using this word in conversation. If you say 'famille nucléaire', people will understand, but don't mix it up with 'énergie nucléaire'.
Sociological term usage
This term is frequently used in French media when discussing demographic changes or social structures. It is a standard term in sociology classes.
Examples
2 of 2La famille nucléaire est devenue la norme au XXe siècle.
The nuclear family became the norm in the 20th century.
Ils vivent dans une cellule familiale nucléaire.
They live in a nuclear family unit.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of an atom's nucleus being the center; the nuclear family is the center of the home. It's the small, essential core.
Aperçu
Le mot 'nucléaire' est un adjectif qui provient du latin 'nucleus' (noyau). Dans le contexte sociologique, il désigne le cœur, le noyau dur de la cellule familiale. C'est le modèle standard de la famille moderne dans de nombreuses sociétés occidentales.
Modèles d'utilisation
On utilise cet adjectif presque exclusivement avec le nom 'famille'. Il est invariable en genre (une famille nucléaire) mais s'accorde au pluriel. Il est souvent utilisé dans des contextes descriptifs ou sociologiques pour définir une composition spécifique sans jugement de valeur.
Contextes courants
Vous rencontrerez ce terme dans des articles de presse, des manuels de sociologie ou des discussions sur l'évolution de la société. Par exemple : 'Le modèle de la famille nucléaire a évolué au cours du XXe siècle.'
Comparaison
Il ne faut pas confondre ce sens avec le sens scientifique ou énergétique (liant à l'atome). Bien que le mot soit identique, le sens sociologique est très spécifique et restreint à la sphère domestique. Contrairement à 'famille élargie' qui inclut les ascendants et collatéraux, la famille nucléaire se limite au foyer primaire.
Usage Notes
The word is primarily used in formal, academic, or sociological contexts. It is not common in casual slang. When used, it is almost exclusively paired with the noun 'famille'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse the sociological meaning with the scientific one. Another mistake is using it to describe a family that includes many relatives, which is incorrect.
Memory Tip
Think of an atom's nucleus being the center; the nuclear family is the center of the home. It's the small, essential core.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'nucleus', meaning 'kernel' or 'nut'. It entered the sociological lexicon in the 20th century to describe the core family unit.
Cultural Context
The concept of the nuclear family is often discussed in France regarding demographic trends and the evolution of household sizes over the last few decades.
Examples
La famille nucléaire est devenue la norme au XXe siècle.
academicThe nuclear family became the norm in the 20th century.
Ils vivent dans une cellule familiale nucléaire.
formalThey live in a nuclear family unit.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
structure nucléaire
nuclear structure
Often Confused With
Refers to the nuclear family plus grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Grammar Patterns
Think of the nucleus as the core
Just like a cell has a nucleus at its center, a nuclear family is the core unit of society. Use it to describe the basic parent-child group.
Avoid confusion with energy
Be careful when using this word in conversation. If you say 'famille nucléaire', people will understand, but don't mix it up with 'énergie nucléaire'.
Sociological term usage
This term is frequently used in French media when discussing demographic changes or social structures. It is a standard term in sociology classes.
Test Yourself
Complétez la phrase suivante :
La famille ___ se compose uniquement des parents et des enfants.
C'est la définition sociologique correcte du terme.
Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNon, c'est incorrect. La famille nucléaire exclut les grands-parents ; ils font partie de la famille élargie.
Pas du tout. En sociologie, il désigne uniquement la structure familiale. Le contexte de la phrase permet de lever toute ambiguïté.
C'est un terme plutôt formel ou académique. Dans la vie de tous les jours, on dira simplement 'ma famille' ou 'mes parents et moi'.
Related Vocabulary
More family words
abandonner
A2To give up (something); to leave (a person or thing) without intending to return.
accompagner
A2To go somewhere with someone as a companion.
accouchement
A2Childbirth/delivery; the act of giving birth.
à charge
B2Dependent (referring to a family member financially supported).
à deux
A2As a pair, two people; together as two.
ado
A2teenager (short for adolescent)
adolescence
A2Adolescence; the transitional period from childhood to adulthood.
adolescente
A2A young person who is developing from a child into an adult (female).
à domicile
A2at home
adoptant
B2A person who adopts a child; adopter.
