tribu in 30 Seconds
- A feminine noun meaning 'tribe' or a large, close-knit family group.
- Used both for historical ethnic groups and modern social 'urban tribes'.
- Essential for describing collective identity and group dynamics in French.
- Always feminine (la tribu) and usually takes a singular verb.
The French word tribu is a feminine noun that translates primarily to 'tribe' in English, but its usage in modern French carries a much broader and often more affectionate social weight than its English counterpart might suggest in everyday conversation. At its core, a tribu refers to a group of people sharing a common origin, language, and customs, often living under the leadership of a chief. However, if you are walking through the streets of Paris or Lyon today, you are far more likely to hear it used to describe a large, bustling family or a tight-knit group of friends who share a specific lifestyle or set of values. This shift from an anthropological term to a sociological and familial one is crucial for learners to grasp. In a formal or historical context, tribu describes the social organization of ancient peoples or indigenous communities. In a modern, informal context, it is the word of choice for describing that chaotic but lovable group of cousins, siblings, and aunts that descends upon a vacation home in the summer.
- Social Context
- Used to describe 'urban tribes' (tribus urbaines)—subcultures like skaters, goths, or hipsters who share a distinct identity.
- Familial Context
- Often used with the definite article 'la' to mean 'the whole family' or 'the whole gang'.
Understanding the nuance of tribu requires looking at how French speakers view community. Unlike 'groupe', which is neutral, tribu implies a sense of loyalty, shared history, and perhaps a bit of healthy exclusion—those inside the tribu belong, and those outside do not. It is a word that evokes warmth and solidarity. When a French person says, 'Je pars en vacances avec toute ma tribu,' they aren't just saying they are going with people; they are emphasizing the collective energy and the bond of the group. It is also a very popular term in French media, notably in the reality show 'Koh-Lanta' (the French version of Survivor), where contestants are divided into 'tribus' that must compete against one another, further cementing the word's association with teamwork and collective survival in the popular imagination.
Le dimanche, toute la tribu se réunit chez la grand-mère pour le déjeuner traditionnel.
Furthermore, the term has been adopted by marketers and sociologists to describe consumer behavior. A 'tribu de consommateurs' refers to a group of people who are loyal to a brand or a lifestyle, not because of demographics, but because of shared passions. This evolution shows that while the word has ancient roots, it remains incredibly dynamic in the 21st century. Whether you are discussing the history of the Twelve Tribes of Israel (les douze tribus d'Israël) or simply trying to organize a dinner for ten friends, tribu is the versatile noun you need to describe the power of the collective.
Using tribu correctly involves paying close attention to its gender and the adjectives that accompany it. Since it is a feminine noun (la tribu), any adjectives or articles must agree. For example, you would say 'une grande tribu' (a large tribe) or 'ma tribu préférée' (my favorite tribe). When using it to describe a family, it often functions as a collective noun, similar to 'famille' or 'équipe'. Even though the word represents many people, the verb that follows it should be in the third-person singular if the tribu is the subject. For instance: 'La tribu est arrivée' (The tribe has arrived), not 'sont arrivées'.
- Grammar Tip
- Always use feminine agreement: la tribu, une tribu, cette tribu.
In terms of sentence placement, tribu often appears at the beginning of a sentence to establish the subject of a collective action. It is frequently paired with possessive adjectives to indicate belonging: 'ma tribu', 'ta tribu', 'leur tribu'. This emphasizes the personal connection between the speaker and the group. You might also see it used in prepositional phrases like 'en tribu', which means 'as a group' or 'with the whole family'. For example, 'Nous voyageons souvent en tribu' (We often travel as a large family group). This construction is very common in travel brochures or family-oriented advertisements in France.
Cette tribu nomade traverse le désert avec une résilience impressionnante.
When discussing social groups, tribu can be followed by an adjective to specify the type of group. Common pairings include 'tribu urbaine' (urban tribe), 'tribu d'amis' (tribe of friends), or 'tribu autochtone' (indigenous tribe). In these cases, the adjective provides the necessary context to distinguish between a sociological group and a biological family. It is also worth noting that in figurative use, tribu can sometimes carry a slightly humorous or hyperbolic tone, especially when referring to a group of noisy children: 'Rangez vos jouets, la tribu !' (Clean up your toys, gang!).
If you are consuming French media, you will encounter tribu in several distinct environments. One of the most prominent is television. The reality show 'Koh-Lanta' has made the word a household term for 'team'. Every season, viewers watch the 'tribu jaune' (yellow tribe) compete against the 'tribu rouge' (red tribe). This has popularized the idea of a tribu as a competitive unit that must work together to survive. You will also hear the word in news reports concerning ethnography or international affairs, particularly when journalists discuss the rights of indigenous peoples in the Amazon, Africa, or Oceania. In these contexts, the word is used with its traditional, formal meaning.
- Media Usage
- Reality TV shows like Koh-Lanta use 'tribu' to define competing teams.
- Literature
- In classic novels, it often refers to clans or historical genealogical lineages.
In daily life, you will hear tribu most often in the context of family dynamics. A parent might say, 'Ma tribu est épuisante aujourd'hui !' (My gang is exhausting today!). It is also a favorite term in the 'parenting' blogosphere and magazines. Articles often give advice on how to manage 'sa petite tribu' (one's little tribe) during the holidays or how to cook for 'une tribu' on a budget. This usage is warm and informal, suggesting a lifestyle centered around family and community rather than individualism. It is a word that celebrates the messiness and joy of living with many people.
L'anthropologue a passé dix ans à étudier les coutumes de cette tribu isolée.
Lastly, in the world of marketing and digital culture, 'tribu' is used to describe online communities. A YouTuber might refer to their subscribers as their 'tribu', emphasizing a sense of shared identity and mutual support. This digital application of the word highlights how the concept of the tribe has moved from physical, blood-based connections to interest-based connections in the modern world. When you hear it used this way, it implies a high level of engagement and loyalty among the members of that specific group.
The most frequent mistake English speakers make with tribu is getting the gender wrong. Because many words ending in '-u' in French are masculine (like le bureau, le chapeau, le feu), learners often assume tribu is masculine. It is not. It is la tribu. Saying 'mon tribu' or 'un tribu' is a very common error that immediately marks you as a non-native speaker. Always remember the 'a' in 'la' to keep it feminine. Another mistake is using the word 'clan' as a direct synonym in every context. While they are similar, clan often implies a more secretive or politically motivated group, whereas tribu is more general and often more positive.
- Gender Error
- Incorrect: Le tribu est grand. Correct: La tribu est grande.
- Number Agreement
- Remember that the verb should be singular even if the 'tribu' contains many people.
Another common pitfall is over-using the word in formal business settings. While you can use tribu to describe a tight-knit team in a creative startup, using it in a traditional corporate environment like a bank might sound too informal or even slightly unprofessional. In those cases, 'équipe' (team) or 'groupe' (group) is safer. Furthermore, be careful with the historical/anthropological use. In some academic contexts, the word 'tribu' is considered dated or even slightly pejorative when applied to modern indigenous groups, with terms like 'peuple' (people) or 'nation' being preferred for their political recognition.
Attention : on dit la tribu et non pas le tribu.
Finally, don't confuse tribu with tribut (tribute/tax). Although they sound identical in speech (the 't' in tribut is silent), they have completely different meanings and genders (le tribut vs la tribu). If you are writing, make sure not to add that extra 't' at the end of the word for 'tribe'. This is a spelling mistake that even some native speakers occasionally make, but it's one you should avoid to keep your writing sharp and accurate.
Depending on the context, there are several words you might use instead of tribu. The most common is famille. While tribu implies a larger, more extended group, famille is the standard term for your immediate relatives. If you want to emphasize the size and chaos of a group, tribu is better; if you want to be precise about biological relations, famille is the way to go. Another alternative is clan. A clan usually suggests a group that is very protective of its members and perhaps a bit exclusive or even aggressive toward outsiders. It is often used in political or historical contexts.
- Clan
- More exclusive and often carries a connotation of secrecy or shared political interest.
- Communauté
- A more formal and neutral term for a group of people sharing common interests or a location.
For a more informal, slang-heavy alternative, you might hear young people use mifa (verlan for famille) or clique. A 'clique' in French, much like in English, refers to a small, exclusive group of friends. It lacks the 'ancestral' or 'large-scale' feeling of tribu. If you are talking about a group of people who work together or share a common goal without the familial bond, collectif or groupe are more appropriate. These words are functional and professional, stripping away the emotional and historical layers that tribu provides.
Plutôt que tribu, on peut utiliser 'clan' pour insister sur l'aspect fermé du groupe.
In a sociological context, you might encounter the term micro-société. This is a very academic way of describing what a tribu is: a small-scale society within a larger one. However, in 90% of your daily interactions, if you are looking for a word that conveys a sense of belonging, history, and a large number of people who care about each other, tribu remains the most expressive and culturally resonant choice in the French language.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
In ancient Rome, 'tribus' was a tax district. Today, its descendant 'tribu' is used for everything from family dinners to internet fans!
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'u' like 'oo' in 'food'. It should be more like 'ee' with rounded lips.
- Adding a 't' sound at the end because of the English 'tribute'.
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'tribe'.
Must remember it is feminine and ends in 'u' (not 'ut').
The French 'u' sound can be tricky for beginners.
Clear sound, but don't confuse with 'tribut'.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Collective Nouns
La tribu (singular subject) mange (singular verb).
Feminine Nouns in -u
La tribu, la vertu, la glu (rare exceptions).
Possessive Adjectives
Ma tribu, ta tribu, sa tribu (feminine singular).
Adjective Agreement
Une tribu soudée, des tribus rivales.
Preposition 'En'
Voyager en tribu (no article after 'en').
Examples by Level
La tribu habite dans la forêt.
The tribe lives in the forest.
Note the singular verb 'habite' with the singular subject 'la tribu'.
Ma tribu est très grande.
My tribe (family) is very big.
Feminine agreement: 'grande'.
C'est une tribu de singes.
It is a tribe of monkeys.
Using 'de' to specify the members of the tribe.
La tribu mange ensemble.
The tribe eats together.
Singular verb 'mange'.
Où est ta tribu ?
Where is your tribe (family/group)?
Possessive 'ta' matches the feminine 'tribu'.
La tribu aime danser.
The tribe likes to dance.
Subject-verb agreement.
Voici ma petite tribu.
Here is my little tribe (family).
Adjective 'petite' is feminine.
La tribu dort sous les étoiles.
The tribe sleeps under the stars.
Singular verb 'dort'.
Nous partons en vacances avec toute la tribu.
We are going on holiday with the whole gang.
The expression 'en tribu' means as a group.
Cette tribu nomade voyage beaucoup.
This nomadic tribe travels a lot.
Adjective 'nomade' is invariable in gender.
Dans ce jeu, il y a deux tribus.
In this game, there are two tribes.
Plural form 'tribus' with an 's'.
La tribu se réunit chaque été.
The tribe meets every summer.
Reflexive verb 'se réunit'.
Il fait partie d'une tribu de musiciens.
He is part of a tribe of musicians.
Preposition 'de' following 'tribu'.
La tribu a décidé de rester ici.
The tribe decided to stay here.
Past tense 'a décidé' (singular).
C'est une tribu très soudée.
It's a very tight-knit tribe.
Adjective 'soudée' means united/tight-knit.
Elle gère sa tribu avec patience.
She manages her tribe (family) with patience.
Possessive 'sa' is feminine.
Les tribus urbaines ont leurs propres codes vestimentaires.
Urban tribes have their own dress codes.
Plural subject 'les tribus' requires plural verb 'ont'.
Le chef de la tribu parle aux anciens.
The head of the tribe speaks to the elders.
Noun phrase 'le chef de la tribu'.
Toute la tribu a fêté son anniversaire.
The whole gang celebrated his birthday.
Singular verb despite many people being involved.
Il est difficile de quitter sa tribu d'origine.
It is difficult to leave one's original tribe.
Abstract use of 'tribu'.
La tribu s'agrandit avec l'arrivée d'un nouveau bébé.
The tribe is growing with the arrival of a new baby.
Reflexive verb 's'agrandit'.
Ils vivent en tribu pour partager les frais.
They live as a group to share expenses.
Living 'en tribu' implies communal living.
Cette tribu d'artistes expose ses œuvres.
This tribe of artists is exhibiting its works.
Possessive 'ses' refers to the artists.
L'esprit de tribu est très fort dans cette entreprise.
The tribe spirit is very strong in this company.
Esprit de tribu = group spirit.
Le sociologue étudie le phénomène des tribus contemporaines.
The sociologist studies the phenomenon of contemporary tribes.
Academic context.
Chaque tribu possède son propre territoire.
Each tribe possesses its own territory.
Verb 'possède' is singular.
L'appartenance à une tribu donne un sentiment de sécurité.
Belonging to a tribe gives a sense of security.
Noun 'appartenance' followed by 'à'.
Cette marque a réussi à créer une véritable tribu de fans.
This brand has managed to create a real tribe of fans.
Marketing usage.
Les conflits entre tribus peuvent durer des décennies.
Conflicts between tribes can last for decades.
Plural usage.
Il a été banni de sa tribu pour avoir trahi ses secrets.
He was banished from his tribe for betraying its secrets.
Passive voice 'a été banni'.
Le rituel d'initiation est sacré pour la tribu.
The initiation ritual is sacred for the tribe.
Adjective 'sacré' agrees with 'rituel'.
Elle se sent étrangère à sa propre tribu.
She feels like a stranger to her own tribe.
Figurative use of being an outsider.
L'ouvrage explore la désintégration des structures de tribu traditionnelles.
The work explores the disintegration of traditional tribal structures.
Complex noun phrase.
Le politicien s'adresse à sa tribu électorale avec ferveur.
The politician addresses his electoral tribe with fervor.
Metaphorical use in politics.
La tribu littéraire parisienne est souvent perçue comme fermée.
The Parisian literary tribe is often perceived as closed.
Describing an elite social circle.
Il refuse de se plier aux diktats de sa tribu sociale.
He refuses to bend to the dictates of his social tribe.
Using 'diktats' to show social pressure.
L'identité de la tribu est forgée par des mythes fondateurs.
The identity of the tribe is forged by founding myths.
Passive voice 'est forgée'.
Le marketing tribal s'appuie sur la force de la tribu de marque.
Tribal marketing relies on the strength of the brand tribe.
Technical marketing term.
Les liens de la tribu transcendent souvent les frontières nationales.
Tribal bonds often transcend national borders.
Verb 'transcendent' is plural.
Sa loyauté envers sa tribu est sans faille.
His loyalty to his tribe is unwavering.
Expression 'sans faille' means flawless/unwavering.
L'atavisme de la tribu ressurgit dans les moments de crise.
The tribe's atavism resurfaces in moments of crisis.
Use of the high-level word 'atavisme'.
L'auteur dépeint une tribu en proie à des déchirements internes.
The author depicts a tribe plagued by internal strife.
Expression 'en proie à' means plagued by.
L'organisation étatique s'est superposée aux anciennes tribus.
State organization has superimposed itself on the old tribes.
Sociopolitical analysis.
Le concept de tribu est ici utilisé comme une métonymie de la nation.
The concept of tribe is used here as a metonymy for the nation.
Literary analysis term 'métonymie'.
La tribu constitue le socle de la solidarité pré-moderne.
The tribe constitutes the bedrock of pre-modern solidarity.
Academic discourse.
On assiste à une re-tribalisation de la société post-industrielle.
We are witnessing a re-tribalization of post-industrial society.
Sociological theory.
L'exogamie était une stratégie vitale pour la survie de la tribu.
Exogamy was a vital strategy for the survival of the tribe.
Anthropological term 'exogamie'.
La tribu, dans son acception la plus noble, incarne le partage.
The tribe, in its noblest sense, embodies sharing.
Use of 'acception' (meaning/sense).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— The family is getting bigger (usually a new baby).
Bonne nouvelle, la tribu s'agrandit !
— To live in a large group or communal setting.
Ils ont choisi de vivre en tribu à la campagne.
— The feeling of needing to be with one's group.
Il a ressenti l'appel de la tribu et est rentré au village.
— A large, noticeable group of tourists.
Une tribu de touristes a envahi le café.
— The unwritten rules of a specific group.
Ici, c'est la loi de la tribu qui compte.
— A group of creative people working together.
L'agence est une véritable tribu de créatifs.
Often Confused With
A tax or homage. Sounds the same but is masculine (le tribut).
More exclusive and often political.
Usually for soldiers or actors (a troupe).
Idioms & Expressions
— Everyone in the family or group.
On a invité toute la tribu pour le mariage.
Informal— The person who makes decisions in a family.
C'est elle la vraie cheffe de tribu ici.
Neutral— Strong sense of group solidarity.
L'esprit de tribu est essentiel pour gagner.
Neutral— A specific subculture in a city.
Les punks étaient une tribu urbaine célèbre.
Sociological— Used to announce a pregnancy or new addition.
La tribu s'agrandit, on attend un petit frère !
Informal— The era of small interest-based communities.
Nous sommes revenus au temps des tribus avec internet.
Academic— A humorous (or rude) way to describe rowdy kids.
Calmez-vous, on dirait une tribu de sauvages !
Informal— Items or clothes that show group belonging.
Leurs tatouages sont un marquage de tribu.
Neutral— To act together as a unit.
Il faut faire tribu pour surmonter cette épreuve.
LiteraryEasily Confused
Homophones (sound identical).
Tribu is a group (feminine); Tribut is a payment (masculine).
Payer un tribut à la tribu.
Related meanings.
Famille is biological; Tribu is larger and can be social.
Ma famille fait partie d'une grande tribu.
General category.
Groupe is neutral; Tribu implies shared identity and history.
Ce groupe d'amis est une vraie tribu.
Social meaning.
Clique is often negative and small; Tribu is positive and larger.
Sa clique n'est pas aussi accueillante que ma tribu.
Scale of people.
Nation is a political entity; Tribu is a smaller social unit.
La nation est composée de plusieurs tribus.
Sentence Patterns
La tribu est + adjective
La tribu est grande.
C'est une tribu de + noun
C'est une tribu d'amis.
Toute la tribu + verb
Toute la tribu vient manger.
Appartenir à une tribu
Il appartient à une tribu de fans.
L'esprit de tribu
L'esprit de tribu règne ici.
La re-tribalisation de...
La re-tribalisation de la société.
Voyager en tribu
Nous aimons voyager en tribu.
Ma tribu me manque
Ma tribu me manque beaucoup.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common in daily speech and media.
-
Le tribu
→
La tribu
Tribu is feminine, not masculine.
-
Le tribut (for a group)
→
La tribu
Tribut with a 't' means a tax or homage.
-
La tribu sont là
→
La tribu est là
The verb must be singular for a collective noun.
-
Un tribu nomade
→
Une tribu nomade
The article must agree with the feminine noun.
-
Ma tribu est grand
→
Ma tribu est grande
The adjective must be feminine.
Tips
Gender Memory
Associate 'tribu' with 'famille' (both feminine) to remember its gender.
Urban Tribes
Look up 'tribus urbaines' to understand French subcultures better.
The 'U' Sound
Keep your lips tight and rounded for the final 'u' sound.
Beyond Family
Don't be afraid to use it for your hobby groups or fans of a brand.
No 'T'
Never write 'tribut' when you mean a group of people.
Solidarity
Use 'esprit de tribu' to describe great teamwork.
Media Cues
Watch 'Koh-Lanta' to hear the word used in every episode.
Warmth
Use 'ma petite tribu' to sound affectionate about your family.
Singular Verb
Always use a singular verb with 'la tribu'.
Roman Roots
Remember that it comes from the Roman administrative divisions.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'tribu' (tribe) of 'tutus' (skirt). 'Tribu' and 'tutu' both end in 'u' and are often seen in groups!
Visual Association
Visualize a large tent (like a tipi) with a giant letter 'F' for 'Feminine' on the front, filled with many people.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'tribu' three times today: once for your family, once for your friends, and once for a group of animals.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'tribus', which originally referred to the three administrative divisions of the Roman people (Tities, Ramnes, and Luceres).
Original meaning: A division of the people.
Indo-European (Italic -> Romance -> French).Cultural Context
Be careful using 'tribu' when referring to modern indigenous peoples; 'peuple' or 'nation' is often more respectful in political contexts.
English speakers often use 'tribe' more literally or pejoratively. In French, 'tribu' is much more common and affectionate for families.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Family Gatherings
- Toute la tribu est là.
- La tribu s'agrandit.
- C'est une grande tribu.
- Dîner en tribu.
Sociology/Subcultures
- Les tribus urbaines.
- Esprit de tribu.
- Appartenance à la tribu.
- Codes de la tribu.
Travel
- Voyager en tribu.
- Hébergement pour tribus.
- Activités en tribu.
- Tarif tribu.
History/Anthropology
- Tribu nomade.
- Chef de tribu.
- Coutumes de la tribu.
- Anciennes tribus.
Marketing
- Tribu de consommateurs.
- Loyauté à la tribu.
- Marketing tribal.
- Animer sa tribu.
Conversation Starters
"Est-ce que tu as une grande tribu ?"
"Préfères-tu voyager seul ou en tribu ?"
"À quelle tribu urbaine appartenais-tu quand tu étais adolescent ?"
"Quelle est la règle la plus importante dans ta tribu ?"
"Est-ce qu'il y a un chef dans ta tribu d'amis ?"
Journal Prompts
Décris ta tribu familiale. Qui sont les membres les plus importants ?
Imagine que tu crées une nouvelle tribu. Quelles seraient vos coutumes ?
Est-ce qu'internet a créé de nouvelles tribus ? Explique ton opinion.
Raconte un souvenir de vacances passées en tribu.
Pourquoi est-il important d'appartenir à une tribu selon toi ?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is always feminine: la tribu. This is a common mistake for learners because it ends in 'u'.
Yes! In modern French, it is very common and warm to call a close group of friends your 'tribu'.
The plural is 'tribus'. You just add an 's' at the end, and it remains silent.
It is the French /y/. Round your lips as if to say 'oo', but position your tongue as if to say 'ee'.
Not usually. In a family context, it's affectionate. In an anthropological context, it's technical. However, when speaking about modern indigenous nations, some prefer 'peuple'.
It means 'as a group' or 'with the whole family', often used in travel and tourism.
A clan is often smaller, more exclusive, and can have political overtones. A tribu is larger and suggests a broader shared culture.
Literally, the tribal leader. Figuratively, the person who leads a family or a group of friends.
Yes, in 'marketing tribal' to describe loyal customer communities, or in startups to describe a tight-knit team.
To emphasize the survival aspect and the need for group solidarity to win the game.
Test Yourself 99 questions
Décris ta famille en utilisant le mot 'tribu'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Fais une phrase avec 'voyager en tribu'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explique ce qu'est une 'tribu d'amis'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Prononcez : 'La tribu'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Écoutez : 'Toute la tribu arrive.' Qui arrive ?
/ 99 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'tribu' is more than just an anthropological term; in modern French, it is a warm, everyday way to describe a large family or a loyal group of friends, always used as a feminine noun.
- A feminine noun meaning 'tribe' or a large, close-knit family group.
- Used both for historical ethnic groups and modern social 'urban tribes'.
- Essential for describing collective identity and group dynamics in French.
- Always feminine (la tribu) and usually takes a singular verb.
Gender Memory
Associate 'tribu' with 'famille' (both feminine) to remember its gender.
Urban Tribes
Look up 'tribus urbaines' to understand French subcultures better.
The 'U' Sound
Keep your lips tight and rounded for the final 'u' sound.
Beyond Family
Don't be afraid to use it for your hobby groups or fans of a brand.
Related Content
Learn it in Context
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
More family words
à charge
B2Dependent (referring to a family member financially supported).
à deux
A2As a pair, two people; together as two.
à domicile
A2at home
à jamais
A2Forever, for all time.
à la charge de
B2Dependent on; at the expense of.
à la mémoire de
B2In memory of; commemorating someone deceased.
à la place de
B2In lieu of; instead of.
à l'amiable
B2Amicably, by mutual agreement.
à l'égard de
A2With regard to; concerning.
à l'image de
B2In the image of, like (e.g., a child resembles a parent).
