paternité
paternité em 30 segundos
- Paternité means fatherhood or paternity. It is a feminine noun in French, used for both biological/legal fatherhood and the authorship of ideas or artistic works.
- Commonly used in 'congé de paternité' (paternity leave) and 'test de paternité'. It is more formal than simply saying 'être père'.
- It covers legal rights, social roles, and the intellectual origin of projects. Always use feminine articles and adjectives with it, like 'la' or 'belle'.
- Essential for discussing family law, social benefits in France, and intellectual property. It is a key term for A2 learners and above.
The French word paternité is a sophisticated noun that primary translates to 'fatherhood' or 'paternity.' While it sounds quite formal in English, in French, it covers a broad spectrum from the deeply emotional state of being a father to the rigid legal definitions of parental responsibility. At its core, it represents the biological, social, and legal link between a father and his child. However, a fascinating aspect of this word is its extension into the world of ideas and creations. Just as a man can be the father of a child, an individual can claim the paternité of a theory, a book, or a scientific discovery. This dual nature makes it an essential word for learners who wish to discuss family dynamics, legal rights, or intellectual property.
- Biological Fatherhood
- Refers to the genetic connection between a male parent and his offspring. This is often discussed in medical or scientific contexts.
- Legal Paternity
- The formal recognition of a man as the legal father of a child, involving rights like custody and obligations like child support.
- Intellectual Authorship
- The state of being the creator or 'father' of an idea, invention, or artistic work.
In modern France, the word is frequently heard in the context of social progress. Discussions surrounding the congé de paternité (paternity leave) have dominated the news cycle in recent years, as the government has expanded the time fathers can take off work to be with their newborns. This shift reflects a changing cultural understanding of paternité—moving from a purely provider-based role to one of active caregiving. When you use this word, you aren't just talking about a person; you are talking about a status that carries significant weight in French society, law, and history.
La paternité a transformé sa vision de la vie et ses priorités quotidiennes.
Furthermore, the word is used in historical and academic contexts to denote the origin of movements. For instance, one might discuss the paternité of the French Revolution's ideals. This metaphorical use is very common in formal writing and news reporting. Whether you are filling out a birth certificate or debating the origins of a philosophical movement, paternité provides the necessary linguistic tool to denote origin and responsibility.
Plusieurs scientifiques revendiquent la paternité de cette découverte majeure.
Using paternité correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical gender and the specific verbs it often pairs with. As a feminine noun, it must be preceded by feminine articles (la, une, cette) and modified by feminine adjectives (heureuse, contestée, assumée). Despite its feminine gender, it exclusively describes the state of being a father, which can be a point of confusion for English speakers who expect words to match the gender of the subject they describe.
- With the verb 'Revendiquer'
- Meaning 'to claim.' Often used when an artist or scientist claims they are the original creator of something.
- With the verb 'Reconnaître'
- Meaning 'to recognize.' Used in legal contexts for a father officially acknowledging his child.
- With the verb 'Assumer'
- Meaning 'to take on' or 'to embrace.' Used when a father fully accepts his responsibilities.
In everyday conversation, you will most likely encounter this word when discussing family life or work benefits. For example, if a colleague is going on leave because they have a new baby, you would talk about their congé de paternité. If you are discussing the law, you might hear about an action en recherche de paternité, which is a legal proceeding to prove who the biological father is. The word is versatile enough to be used in a tender, personal way or a clinical, legalistic way.
Il a pris un mois de congé pour vivre pleinement sa nouvelle paternité.
When using it metaphorically, it often appears in academic or professional discussions. If someone steals your idea at work, you might say they are trying to steal the paternité of your project. This implies that you are the 'parent' of the idea and they are taking the credit that rightfully belongs to you. This intellectual usage is very common in French and adds a layer of depth to your vocabulary beyond simple family terms.
L'avocat a prouvé la paternité de l'invention grâce à des brevets anciens.
Finally, remember that paternité is distinct from père (father). While père is the person, paternité is the concept or the status. You wouldn't say 'My paternity is nice,' you would say 'My father is nice.' You use paternité to talk about the experience or the legal fact of being that father.
La paternité est un engagement qui dure toute la vie.
In the French-speaking world, paternité is a word that appears in several distinct environments, each giving it a slightly different flavor. If you are watching the evening news (the JT), you will most likely hear it in a political or social context. France has been at the forefront of European debates regarding parental leave, and the term allongement du congé de paternité (the lengthening of paternity leave) is a recurring headline. In this context, it symbolizes the state's recognition of the father's role in the early stages of a child's life.
- In the Media
- News reports on social laws, celebrity gossip regarding 'tests de paternité', and documentaries on family sociology.
- In Legal Settings
- Courthouses dealing with family law, birth certificates at the 'mairie' (town hall), and inheritance disputes.
- In Literature and Art
- Novels exploring the complex relationship between fathers and children, or art critics discussing the 'paternité' of a specific style.
Another common place to hear the word is in the workplace. Human Resources departments use it when discussing benefits. If a male employee announces he is expecting a child, the HR manager will discuss the procedures for his paternité leave. It is a professional, respectful term that acknowledges the employee's new status outside of work. Unlike more casual terms like 'papa,' paternité maintains a level of decorum suitable for the office.
L'entreprise encourage la paternité active en offrant des horaires flexibles aux nouveaux pères.
You might also encounter this word in the world of high-stakes litigation or celebrity news. The phrase test de paternité is ubiquitous in tabloids. Because DNA testing for paternity is strictly regulated in France (it usually requires a judge's order), the word paternité often carries a weight of legal drama and 'recherche' (search) that it might not have in other cultures where such tests are commercially available over the counter.
Le tribunal a ordonné une expertise pour établir la paternité de l'enfant.
Finally, in the world of academia and intellectual property, the word is used to protect creators. If a professor publishes a paper, they hold the paternité of the research. This means they must be cited as the author. Hearing this word in a university lecture usually points toward the origin of a concept or the history of an idea.
Il est important de respecter la paternité intellectuelle des auteurs que vous citez.
Even for advanced learners, paternité can be a bit of a linguistic minefield. The most common error is related to grammatical gender. Because the word refers to fathers, many students instinctively want to make it masculine. They might say 'le paternité' or 'un beau paternité.' However, like many French abstract nouns ending in '-ité' (such as liberté, égalité, fraternité), it is strictly feminine. You must train your brain to pair this 'male' concept with 'female' grammar.
- Confusing with 'Patrimoine'
- 'Patrimoine' refers to heritage or assets. While both come from the Latin 'pater,' they are not interchangeable. You have a 'patrimoine' (wealth/heritage) but you experience 'paternité' (fatherhood).
- Confusing with 'Patrie'
- 'Patrie' means homeland or fatherland. Do not use 'paternité' when you mean the country of your birth.
- Misusing the Metaphor
- In English, we often say 'the father of the project.' In French, while you can say 'le père du projet,' using 'la paternité du projet' is more formal and refers specifically to the ownership of the idea.
Another mistake is using paternité where parentalité (parenting) would be more appropriate. Paternité is gender-specific to fathers. If you are talking about the general act of raising children regardless of the parent's gender, use parentalité. For example, 'parenting skills' should be translated as compétences parentales, not compétences de paternité.
Incorrect: Il est fier de son paternité.
Correct: Il est fier de sa paternité.
Learners also sometimes struggle with the difference between 'père' and 'paternité.' Remember: père is the person (the noun for the human), and paternité is the state or the abstract concept. You cannot say 'I saw my paternity at the park.' You saw your père. You can, however, say 'The park is where I first felt the weight of my paternity.'
Incorrect: La paternité de ce livre est Marc.
Correct: Marc revendique la paternité de ce livre.
Lastly, avoid using it to describe the relationship from the child's perspective. The relationship of a child to their father is filiation or simply the fact of being 'le fils' or 'la fille.' Paternité is strictly from the father's point of view or the legal status of the bond.
To truly master paternité, it helps to see how it sits alongside its linguistic 'cousins.' French has several words that touch on the idea of being a parent or an ancestor, and choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.
- Paternité vs. Maternité
- These are direct counterparts. 'Maternité' refers to motherhood. Interestingly, 'maternité' is also the word for a maternity hospital, whereas 'paternité' is never used for a physical building.
- Paternité vs. Parentalité
- 'Parentalité' is the modern, gender-neutral term for 'parenting.' If you are talking about the skills needed to raise a child, 'parentalité' is the better choice.
- Paternité vs. Filiation
- 'Filiation' is a more technical legal term that describes the entire line of descent (from parent to child). 'Paternité' is just one half of that equation.
If you want to be more informal, you wouldn't use paternité. You would simply talk about 'être père' (being a father) or 'devenir papa' (becoming a dad). Paternité is reserved for when you want to discuss the *concept* or the *status* rather than the person himself. For example, 'Il aime être papa' (He loves being a dad) is much more common in a living room than 'Il aime sa paternité.'
La paternité lui a donné un nouveau sens des responsabilités, bien plus que le simple fait d'être appelé 'papa'.
In the context of authorship, you might use synonyms like origine (origin), création (creation), or source. However, paternité is the most precise term when you want to emphasize the 'parental' link between the creator and the work. It implies a certain pride and a lasting connection that 'création' doesn't quite capture.
L'historien conteste la paternité de ce manuscrit anonyme.
Lastly, consider the word ancêtre (ancestor) or aïeul (forefather). These refer to the people in the distant past. Paternité is about the immediate link. You wouldn't talk about the 'paternité' of your great-great-grandfather unless you were specifically talking about his legal status as a father in a specific record.
How Formal Is It?
Curiosidade
The word 'paternité' has been used in French since the 12th century. While its legal and biological meanings are ancient, its use for 'intellectual authorship' became popular during the Enlightenment when authors began to fight for copyright.
Guia de pronúncia
- Pronouncing it like the English 'paternity' with a schwa sound.
- Making the final 'e' silent (it must be 'ay').
- Adding a 'y' sound at the end (it's a pure vowel).
- Using a hard English 'r'.
- Misplacing the stress on the second syllable.
Nível de dificuldade
Easy to recognize because it looks like 'paternity'.
Requires remembering the feminine gender and the accents.
The 'r' and 'ni-té' sequence can be tricky for beginners.
Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to hear.
O que aprender depois
Pré-requisitos
Aprenda a seguir
Avançado
Gramática essencial
Nouns ending in -ité are almost always feminine.
La paternité, la fraternité, la curiosité.
Abstract nouns don't usually take a plural form.
On parle de 'la paternité' en général, pas des 'paternités'.
Compound nouns with 'de' often describe a type of leave or test.
Congé de paternité, test de paternité.
Adjective agreement with feminine nouns.
Une paternité heureuse (not heureux).
The use of 'sa' for his/her with feminine nouns.
Il assume sa paternité (even though 'il' is male).
Exemplos por nível
La paternité est une grande aventure.
Fatherhood is a great adventure.
Note that 'la' is feminine even though it's about a man.
C'est sa première paternité.
It is his first time being a father.
Use 'sa' because 'paternité' is feminine.
Il aime la paternité.
He loves fatherhood.
Simple Subject + Verb + Object structure.
La paternité change un homme.
Fatherhood changes a man.
The verb 'change' is in the present tense.
Ma paternité me rend heureux.
My fatherhood makes me happy.
Possessive adjective 'ma' matches the feminine noun.
Une belle paternité pour lui.
A beautiful fatherhood for him.
Adjective 'belle' is feminine.
La paternité commence aujourd'hui.
Fatherhood starts today.
Present tense of 'commencer'.
Vive la paternité !
Long live fatherhood!
A common exclamation using 'Vive'.
Il prend son congé de paternité.
He is taking his paternity leave.
The phrase 'congé de paternité' is very common.
La paternité demande beaucoup de temps.
Fatherhood requires a lot of time.
Using 'demande' to express requirement.
Ils parlent de leur paternité.
They are talking about their fatherhood.
Plural possessive 'leur' is used here.
Sa paternité est une priorité.
His fatherhood is a priority.
'Priorité' is also a feminine noun.
Le test de paternité est négatif.
The paternity test is negative.
'Test de paternité' is a standard compound noun.
Elle admire sa paternité active.
She admires his active fatherhood.
The adjective 'active' follows the feminine noun.
La paternité est un nouveau rôle.
Fatherhood is a new role.
'Rôle' is masculine, but 'paternité' is feminine.
Il assume sa paternité avec joie.
He embraces his fatherhood with joy.
The verb 'assumer' means to take on a responsibility.
La reconnaissance de paternité est obligatoire.
The recognition of paternity is mandatory.
A formal legal phrase.
Il a découvert sa paternité tardivement.
He discovered his fatherhood late.
Adverb 'tardivement' modifies the discovery.
La paternité apporte de nouvelles responsabilités.
Fatherhood brings new responsibilities.
Plural noun 'responsabilités' is feminine.
Le droit à la paternité est discuté.
The right to fatherhood is being discussed.
Passive construction 'est discuté'.
Il revendique la paternité de cette idée.
He claims the paternity (authorship) of this idea.
Metaphorical use for intellectual property.
La paternité peut être stressante parfois.
Fatherhood can be stressful sometimes.
Modal verb 'peut' followed by infinitive.
Sa paternité a changé ses projets.
His fatherhood changed his plans.
Past tense 'a changé' (passé composé).
L'importance de la paternité est reconnue.
The importance of fatherhood is recognized.
Abstract noun 'importance' followed by 'de la'.
L'action en recherche de paternité a abouti.
The lawsuit to establish paternity was successful.
A technical legal expression.
La paternité de l'œuvre est contestée par les experts.
The authorship of the work is contested by experts.
Contestée (feminine) agrees with 'paternité'.
Il vit sa paternité comme un accomplissement.
He experiences his fatherhood as an achievement.
Using 'comme' to make a comparison.
Le congé de paternité a été allongé par la loi.
Paternity leave has been extended by law.
Passive voice 'a été allongé'.
La paternité impose des devoirs légaux.
Fatherhood imposes legal duties.
'Impose' is a strong verb for obligations.
Elle remet en question la paternité du projet.
She is questioning the authorship of the project.
Idiom 'remettre en question' (to question).
La paternité biologique et sociale sont liées.
Biological and social fatherhood are linked.
Plural agreement 'sont liées' for two types of 'paternité'.
Il a assumé sa paternité malgré les difficultés.
He took on his fatherhood despite the difficulties.
'Malgré' is a useful B2 preposition.
La paternité spirituelle de ce mouvement revient à Rousseau.
The spiritual fatherhood of this movement belongs to Rousseau.
Metaphorical use in intellectual history.
L'attribution de la paternité d'un texte anonyme est complexe.
Assigning the authorship of an anonymous text is complex.
'Attribution' is a high-level noun.
Il refuse la paternité de cet échec cuisant.
He refuses to take responsibility for this stinging failure.
Using 'paternité' to mean responsibility for a mistake.
La notion de paternité a évolué au fil des siècles.
The notion of fatherhood has evolved over the centuries.
'Au fil des' means 'over the course of'.
Le droit moral inclut le droit à la paternité de l'œuvre.
Moral rights include the right to the authorship of the work.
A specific term in intellectual property law.
Sa paternité a été le catalyseur de sa création artistique.
His fatherhood was the catalyst for his artistic creation.
'Catalyseur' is a sophisticated C1 word.
L'expertise ADN a tranché la question de la paternité.
The DNA expertise settled the question of paternity.
The verb 'trancher' means to settle/decide firmly.
On lui a dénié la paternité de sa propre invention.
He was denied the authorship of his own invention.
'Dénier' is more formal than 'refuser'.
La paternité symbolique structure l'ordre social selon certains auteurs.
Symbolic fatherhood structures the social order according to some authors.
Academic register using 'structure' as a verb.
Revendiquer la paternité d'un crime est un acte singulier.
Claiming responsibility for a crime is a singular act.
Using 'paternité' in a criminal context.
L'indisponibilité du corps humain limite les contrats de paternité.
The non-availability of the human body limits paternity contracts.
A high-level legal principle in French law.
L'œuvre porte le sceau de sa paternité intellectuelle.
The work bears the seal of his intellectual authorship.
Poetic and formal use of 'sceau' (seal).
La paternité n'est plus seulement un fait biologique, mais un construit.
Fatherhood is no longer just a biological fact, but a construct.
Using 'construit' as a sociological noun.
L'équivoque sur la paternité du manuscrit demeure entière.
The ambiguity regarding the authorship of the manuscript remains complete.
'Équivoque' and 'demeure entière' are very formal.
Il s'interroge sur la légitimité de sa propre paternité.
He questions the legitimacy of his own fatherhood.
Reflexive verb 's'interroger sur'.
La paternité s'inscrit dans une généalogie complexe.
Fatherhood is inscribed within a complex genealogy.
'S'inscrire dans' is a common C2 academic phrase.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
— To take one's role as a father very seriously. It implies dedication and effort.
Depuis la naissance de sa fille, il prend sa paternité à cœur.
— To prove or determine who the father is, usually through legal or scientific means.
L'enquête a permis d'établir la paternité de l'enfant.
— The legal or human right to be recognized as a father or to become one.
Le débat portait sur le droit à la paternité pour tous.
— A situation where a man is legally declared a father against his will.
La loi protège contre les cas de paternité imposée sans preuves.
— To accept the responsibilities of being a father.
Il a décidé d'assumer sa paternité malgré son jeune âge.
— The bond or connection between a father and child.
Le lien de paternité est protégé par le Code civil.
— Fatherhood based purely on genetics.
La paternité biologique ne suffit pas toujours à faire un père.
— Fatherhood as recognized by law, regardless of biology.
La paternité légale lui donne des droits de visite.
— When the identity of the father is kept hidden.
Elle a gardé le secret de la paternité pendant dix ans.
— When someone is wrongly identified as the father.
Il a été victime d'une fausse paternité.
Frequentemente confundido com
Patrimoine is about money and heritage; paternité is about being a father.
Parrainage is sponsorship or being a godfather; paternité is being the biological/legal father.
Patrie is your country; paternité is your status as a father.
Expressões idiomáticas
— To claim that you were the first person to think of something.
Il revendique la paternité de ce nouveau concept marketing.
professional— While a legal term, it's often used idiomatically to describe searching for one's roots.
Toute sa vie a été une longue recherche de paternité.
literary— To give someone credit for creating something.
Les historiens attribuent la paternité de ce texte à un moine du XIIe siècle.
academic— To strongly deny having any part in an action or creation.
Le ministre a dénié toute paternité à ce projet de loi controversé.
formal— Taking the blame for a failure (often used ironically).
Personne ne veut revendiquer la paternité de cet échec.
journalistic— Under the authority or protection of a father figure.
Il a grandi sous le sceau de la paternité stricte de son grand-père.
literary— To lose one's rights as a father or to lose the credit for an invention.
À cause de ce scandale, il a perdu la paternité de son œuvre.
formal— A situation where people disagree on who is the father or creator.
La paternité de cette chanson est contestée depuis des décennies.
neutral— The powerful emotional impact of being a father.
La force de la paternité l'a aidé à surmonter sa maladie.
emotional— To leave one's mark as a creator or founder.
Il a inscrit sa paternité dans l'histoire de l'architecture moderne.
academicFácil de confundir
Both involve being a parent.
Parentalité is gender-neutral (parenting); paternité is specifically for fathers.
La parentalité moderne inclut la paternité et la maternité.
They are counterparts.
Maternité is for mothers and also means a maternity ward/hospital.
Il attend devant la maternité pour célébrer sa paternité.
Both are legal terms for family links.
Filiation is the general link (parent-child); paternité is specifically the father's link.
La filiation est le concept global, la paternité en est une partie.
Both start with 'patr-'.
Patronyme is your last name (surname); paternité is the state of being a father.
Le patronyme se transmet souvent par la paternité.
Rooted in the same word.
Paternalisme is a management or political style that is overprotective or condescending.
Le paternalisme de ce patron agace les employés.
Padrões de frases
C'est la paternité de [Nom].
C'est la paternité de Jean.
Il est en congé de paternité.
Marc est en congé de paternité.
La paternité change [quelque chose].
La paternité change la vie.
Il revendique la paternité de [Nom].
Il revendique la paternité de ce projet.
La paternité de [Nom] est contestée par [Groupe].
La paternité du texte est contestée par les experts.
S'interroger sur la légitimité de la paternité.
Il s'interroge sur la légitimité de sa paternité.
Faire une demande de reconnaissance de paternité.
Il a fait une demande de reconnaissance de paternité.
Vivre sa paternité avec [Emotion].
Il vit sa paternité avec bonheur.
Família de palavras
Substantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Como usar
Common in legal, professional, and media contexts; less common in daily household talk.
-
Mon paternité
→
Ma paternité
Paternité is a feminine noun, so it requires 'ma', 'la', or 'cette'.
-
Le congé de père
→
Le congé de paternité
The specific term for paternity leave uses the abstract noun, not the person.
-
Je cherche mon paternité
→
Je cherche mon père
You search for a person (père), not the abstract concept (paternité).
-
La paternité de cette livre
→
La paternité de ce livre
While 'paternité' is feminine, 'livre' is masculine. Don't confuse the two.
-
Il a fait un test de père
→
Il a fait un test de paternité
Medical/legal tests always use the formal term 'paternité'.
Dicas
Gender Trap
Don't let the meaning fool you. Even if you are a man talking about yourself, say 'MA paternité' (feminine).
Workplace French
Learn 'congé de paternité'. It's a key term for anyone working in a French-speaking environment.
Legal Reality
Remember that in France, 'paternité' is a serious legal matter involving the 'Code Civil'.
Intellectual Credit
Use 'paternité' when you want to sound smart about who created an idea or project.
The Final 'é'
Make the final 'é' sound like the 'ay' in 'play' but without moving your mouth at the end.
Pater-nity
Link it to 'Paternal' and 'Identity'. It's your 'Paternal Identity'.
Formal Tone
Use 'paternité' in essays to discuss family structures instead of the more basic 'être père'.
News Keywords
Listen for 'allongement' (lengthening) next to 'congé de paternité' in French news.
Avoid 'Papa' in Law
Never use 'papa' in a legal or professional context; always use 'père' or 'paternité'.
Authorship
If you forget 'paternité' for a book, you can use 'auteur', but 'paternité' is more specific to the claim.
Memorize
Mnemônico
Think of 'Pater' (like Padre or Paternal) + 'nity' (like Community or Liberty). It's the 'community' or 'state' of being a 'pater'.
Associação visual
Imagine a man signing a birth certificate next to a scientist looking at a DNA strand. Both represent different sides of 'paternité'.
Word Web
Desafio
Try to use 'paternité' in three different contexts today: once for family, once for a legal idea, and once for an idea you had at work.
Origem da palavra
Derived from the Latin word 'paternitas,' which itself comes from 'pater' meaning 'father.' The suffix '-ité' is the standard French equivalent of the Latin '-itas,' used to form abstract nouns of state or quality.
Significado original: The state or condition of being a father.
Romance (Latin branch).Contexto cultural
Be careful when discussing 'tests de paternité' in France; they are illegal to perform privately and require a court order, which is different from the US or UK.
In English, 'paternity' sounds very legal or clinical. In French, 'paternité' is used more broadly, including the emotional 'fatherhood' sense.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
At the Town Hall (La Mairie)
- Reconnaissance de paternité
- Acte de naissance
- Livret de famille
- Déclaration de naissance
At Work (Au travail)
- Congé de paternité
- Demande de congé
- Indemnités journalières
- Équilibre vie pro-vie perso
In Court (Au tribunal)
- Action en recherche de paternité
- Désaveu de paternité
- Preuve par l'ADN
- Pension alimentaire
In Art/Science (Art et Science)
- Paternité de l'œuvre
- Droit d'auteur
- Revendiquer l'invention
- Propriété intellectuelle
In Psychology (Psychologie)
- Le rôle du père
- Paternité symbolique
- Lien affectif
- Crise de la paternité
Iniciadores de conversa
"Penses-tu que le congé de paternité devrait être plus long en France ?"
"Comment la paternité a-t-elle changé tes amis qui sont devenus pères ?"
"Est-il difficile de prouver la paternité d'une idée au travail ?"
"Quelle est l'importance de la paternité sociale par rapport à la paternité biologique ?"
"As-tu déjà entendu parler d'une action en recherche de paternité célèbre ?"
Temas para diário
Décrivez ce que représente pour vous la paternité idéale dans la société moderne.
Si vous étiez père, comment utiliseriez-vous votre congé de paternité ?
Réfléchissez à la paternité d'une invention qui a changé le monde. Qui en est le vrai 'père' ?
Analysez comment le concept de paternité a évolué entre la génération de vos grands-parents et la vôtre.
Écrivez une lettre imaginaire à un homme qui vient de découvrir sa paternité.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, 'paternité' is always a feminine noun in French, even though it refers to fathers. You should always say 'la paternité' or 'une paternité'.
No, you must say 'congé de paternité'. Using 'paternité' alone to mean leave is incorrect, though in casual work talk people might shorten it.
It is the legal act where a man officially recognizes a child as his, usually by signing a document at the city hall (mairie).
No, the equivalent for women is 'maternité'. 'Paternité' is strictly for men/fathers.
Private DNA tests are illegal in France. They can only be performed if ordered by a judge during a legal proceeding.
You say 'la paternité d'une œuvre'. For example: 'Il revendique la paternité de ce roman'.
It's a legal situation where a man is declared the father by a court, often following a 'recherche de paternité' action.
Yes, 'les paternités', but it is very rare. It might be used in a sociological book discussing different 'types of fatherhoods'.
It is quite common in news, law, and workplace discussions, but in a home setting, people just use 'père' or 'papa'.
'Père' is the person (the father), while 'paternité' is the abstract concept or legal status (fatherhood).
Teste-se 180 perguntas
Write a sentence in French using 'congé de paternité'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to French: 'He embraces his fatherhood with joy.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain the difference between 'père' and 'paternité' in French (1-2 sentences).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a formal sentence about the authorship of a book using 'paternité'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'reconnaissance de paternité' in a sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The paternity test was negative.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about the importance of fatherhood.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use the verb 'revendiquer' with 'paternité'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about 'paternité spirituelle'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Fatherhood changed his priorities.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Create a question about paternity leave.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'paternité biologique'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'She questions the authorship of the project.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about a man becoming a father.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'lien de paternité' in a sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Paternity is a life-long commitment.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a 'test de paternité' in a legal context.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'He discovered his fatherhood late in life.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'paternité' to mean responsibility for a failure.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'sa' and 'paternité'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Pronounce 'paternité' clearly.
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'I am on paternity leave' in French.
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe fatherhood in one word in French.
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'He claims the authorship' in French.
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Ask 'Is it a paternity test?' in French.
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'Fatherhood changes everything' in French.
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'My fatherhood is my priority' in French.
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Explain 'congé de paternité' to a friend in French.
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'Paternity is a feminine word' in French.
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'The law recognizes his fatherhood' in French.
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'I love my fatherhood' in French.
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'It is a spiritual fatherhood' in French.
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Ask 'Do you have paternity leave?' in French.
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'He is proud of his fatherhood' in French.
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'The paternity was contested' in French.
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'He assumes his fatherhood' in French.
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'A beautiful fatherhood' in French.
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'The paternity of the idea' in French.
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'Happy Fatherhood!' in French.
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'The secret of paternity' in French.
Read this aloud:
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Listen and identify: 'paternité'.
Listen and identify: 'congé de paternité'.
Listen and identify: 'test de paternité'.
Listen and identify: 'reconnaissance de paternité'.
Listen and identify: 'revendiquer la paternité'.
Listen and identify: 'paternité biologique'.
Listen and identify: 'paternité spirituelle'.
Listen and identify: 'assumer sa paternité'.
Listen and identify: 'contester la paternité'.
Listen and identify: 'lien de paternité'.
Listen and identify: 'paternité tardive'.
Listen and identify: 'ma paternité'.
Listen and identify: 'la paternité de l'œuvre'.
Listen and identify: 'action en paternité'.
Listen and identify: 'paternité responsable'.
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'paternité' is a versatile feminine noun that signifies the status of being a father, whether in a biological, legal, or intellectual sense. Example: 'Il a demandé une reconnaissance de paternité pour son fils.'
- Paternité means fatherhood or paternity. It is a feminine noun in French, used for both biological/legal fatherhood and the authorship of ideas or artistic works.
- Commonly used in 'congé de paternité' (paternity leave) and 'test de paternité'. It is more formal than simply saying 'être père'.
- It covers legal rights, social roles, and the intellectual origin of projects. Always use feminine articles and adjectives with it, like 'la' or 'belle'.
- Essential for discussing family law, social benefits in France, and intellectual property. It is a key term for A2 learners and above.
Gender Trap
Don't let the meaning fool you. Even if you are a man talking about yourself, say 'MA paternité' (feminine).
Workplace French
Learn 'congé de paternité'. It's a key term for anyone working in a French-speaking environment.
Legal Reality
Remember that in France, 'paternité' is a serious legal matter involving the 'Code Civil'.
Intellectual Credit
Use 'paternité' when you want to sound smart about who created an idea or project.
Conteúdo relacionado
Mais palavras de family
à charge
B2Dependente; pessoa que é sustentada financeiramente por outra.
à deux
A2A dois; juntos como um par ou casal.
à domicile
A2Em domicílio.
à jamais
A2Forever, for all time.
à la charge de
B2Dependent on; at the expense of.
à la mémoire de
B2Em memória de; uma expressão formal para homenagear alguém que já faleceu.
à la place de
B21. Tomei um café em vez do meu chá habitual. 2. O professor deu-me um exercício extra em vez do exame.
à l'amiable
B2Amicably, by mutual agreement.
à l'égard de
A2With regard to; concerning.
à l'image de
B2À imagem de; à semelhança de.