une irrationnel société
a irrationnel société
Literalmente: an irrational society
Use it to intellectually critique systemic absurdity or illogical social trends in serious discussions.
En 15 segundos
- Critiques a system or culture that lacks logic or reason.
- Common in intellectual, political, or philosophical French discussions.
- Highlights the gap between how things are and how they should be.
Significado
This phrase describes a society that has lost its way, acting on impulses or illogical rules rather than reason. It is often used to critique modern life, politics, or social trends that seem totally nonsensical.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Discussing climate change policy
Ignorer les experts scientifiques est le signe d'une société irrationnelle.
Ignoring scientific experts is the sign of an irrational society.
Debating with friends at a café
On vit vraiment dans une société irrationnelle, tu ne trouves pas ?
We really live in an irrational society, don't you think?
Writing an opinion piece
Cette obsession pour la consommation définit une société irrationnelle.
This obsession with consumption defines an irrational society.
Contexto cultural
Rooted in the French tradition of 'Cartesian' logic, this expression highlights a perceived betrayal of reason. It gained traction in post-war existentialist circles and remains a staple of French intellectual discourse when critiquing consumerism or bureaucracy. It reflects the French love for debating 'les grands sujets' (the big topics).
Agreement is Key
Remember that `société` is feminine. Always use the feminine form of the adjective: `irrationnelle` (with two 'n's and an 'e').
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every minor inconvenience, you'll sound like a dramatic teenager. Save it for truly systemic issues.
En 15 segundos
- Critiques a system or culture that lacks logic or reason.
- Common in intellectual, political, or philosophical French discussions.
- Highlights the gap between how things are and how they should be.
What It Means
Imagine a world where everything feels upside down. You see rules that make no sense. People act against their own interests. That is une société irrationnelle. It is a heavy, philosophical term. It suggests that the collective logic of a group has broken down. You are calling out the absurdity of the system.
How To Use It
Place it in a sentence to critique a situation. You will usually use it with the verb être or vivre dans. Note that in French, the adjective irrationnelle usually follows the noun société. It sounds sophisticated and a bit intellectual. It is perfect for a deep conversation over red wine. Use it when you feel frustrated by red tape or social paradoxes.
When To Use It
Use it during political debates with friends. It works well when discussing climate change or economic weirdness. If a new law seems totally backwards, this is your phrase. You can use it in a university essay or a serious blog post. It shows you are thinking deeply about the world around you.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for small, personal mistakes. If your friend forgets their keys, they are not une société irrationnelle. That is just a blunder. Avoid it in very lighthearted, bubbly conversations. It can be a bit of a mood killer at a birthday party. It is too broad for specific, tiny technical errors.
Cultural Background
France has a long history of rationalism, thanks to thinkers like Descartes. Logic is highly valued in the French education system. Therefore, calling society 'irrational' is a sharp critique. It implies a failure of the Enlightenment values the country holds dear. It is a common theme in French sociology and existentialist literature.
Common Variations
Notre société est devenue irrationnelle(Our society has become irrational).Le caractère irrationnel de la société(The irrational character of society).Une dérive irrationnelle(An irrational drift/slide).Vivre dans l'irrationnel(Living in the irrational).
Notas de uso
This is a B2-level collocation because it requires understanding abstract social critique. It is mostly used in formal or intellectual contexts, but can be used sarcastically in casual speech.
Agreement is Key
Remember that `société` is feminine. Always use the feminine form of the adjective: `irrationnelle` (with two 'n's and an 'e').
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every minor inconvenience, you'll sound like a dramatic teenager. Save it for truly systemic issues.
The French 'Râleur'
The French love to complain about the state of the world (`râler`). Using this phrase makes you sound like a local who cares about social logic.
Ejemplos
6Ignorer les experts scientifiques est le signe d'une société irrationnelle.
Ignoring scientific experts is the sign of an irrational society.
Used here to point out a logical failure in policy.
On vit vraiment dans une société irrationnelle, tu ne trouves pas ?
We really live in an irrational society, don't you think?
A classic way to start a deep, late-night conversation.
Cette obsession pour la consommation définit une société irrationnelle.
This obsession with consumption defines an irrational society.
High-level critique of modern lifestyle choices.
Encore une règle absurde... Bienvenue dans notre société irrationnelle !
Another absurd rule... Welcome to our irrational society!
Uses sarcasm to highlight frustration with bureaucracy.
Parfois, j'ai peur que nous soyons piégés dans une société irrationnelle.
Sometimes, I fear we are trapped in an irrational society.
Shows emotional weight and concern for the future.
T'as vu l'actu ? Société irrationnelle, franchement.
Did you see the news? Irrational society, honestly.
Shortened for a quick, cynical text reaction.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence to critique a nonsensical situation.
Vouloir tout contrôler sans moyens est le propre d'une ___.
The context of 'wanting to control everything without means' implies a lack of logic, making 'société irrationnelle' the right fit.
Choose the correct word order.
Nous vivons dans une ___.
In French, the adjective 'irrationnelle' usually follows the noun 'société', and it must be feminine to match.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Une société irrationnelle'
Used sarcastically with close friends.
C'est n'importe quoi, quelle société irrationnelle !
Standard discussion about news or trends.
On observe une tendance à la société irrationnelle.
Academic or political critique.
L'analyse d'une société irrationnelle demande de la rigueur.
Where to use 'Une société irrationnelle'
Political Debate
Critiquing a lack of logic in laws.
Philosophical Chat
Discussing the meaning of life at a café.
News Commentary
Reacting to global paradoxes.
Academic Writing
Sociological analysis of modern trends.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNot exactly. While 'crazy' is broad, une société irrationnelle specifically targets a lack of logic and reason.
Yes, you can say une entreprise irrationnelle if the management makes no sense, though société is more common for the whole world.
It is not rude, but it is a strong opinion. It shows you are critical of the current state of affairs.
It sounds like 'ee-rah-syo-nell'. Make sure to emphasize the 'nell' at the end.
Yes, you will often see it in editorials in papers like *Le Monde* or *Le Figaro*.
Only if you are discussing sociological trends. Don't use it to describe the company you are applying to!
The opposite would be une société rationnelle or une société organisée.
In French, most multi-syllable adjectives and those describing objective qualities follow the noun.
You can call a person irrationnel(le), but the phrase société irrationnelle is specifically for a collective group.
No, it is quite formal and intellectual. It is the opposite of slang.
Frases relacionadas
Le monde à l'envers
The world turned upside down / nonsensical
C'est absurde
It's absurd
Un manque de logique
A lack of logic
La déraison
Unreasonableness / madness
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