être paré
To be good at gardening
Literalmente: To be adorned / To be ready
Use this phrase to warmly compliment someone whose garden or plants are exceptionally healthy and beautiful.
Em 15 segundos
- Used to describe someone with a natural talent for gardening.
- Implies the person makes the earth look 'dressed' or beautiful.
- A warmer, more poetic alternative to having a green thumb.
Significado
While it literally means 'to be adorned' or 'ready,' in a specific colloquial context, it describes someone who has a natural talent for gardening. It is like saying you have a 'green thumb' and everything you touch grows perfectly.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Complimenting a neighbor's roses
Tes roses sont magnifiques, tu es vraiment paré pour le jardinage !
Your roses are magnificent, you're really good at gardening!
Asking for advice on a dying plant
Aide-moi, je ne suis pas parée comme toi avec les orchidées.
Help me, I'm not gifted like you with orchids.
Formal dinner conversation about hobbies
On voit que Monsieur Martin est paré pour la culture des vignes.
One can see that Mr. Martin is skilled at growing vines.
Contexto cultural
The French have a long-standing love affair with gardening, dating back to the formal gardens of Versailles. While 'avoir la main verte' is the common idiom, 'être paré' suggests a deeper, almost decorative mastery of the soil. It reflects a culture where a well-kept garden is seen as a reflection of one's character and patience.
Agreement Matters
Remember that 'paré' acts like an adjective. If you are talking to a woman, it's 'parée'. For a group, it's 'parés'. It makes you sound much more fluent!
The Double Meaning
In most other contexts, 'être paré' just means 'to be ready' (like 'I'm all set'). Only use it for gardening when the context of plants is already established.
Em 15 segundos
- Used to describe someone with a natural talent for gardening.
- Implies the person makes the earth look 'dressed' or beautiful.
- A warmer, more poetic alternative to having a green thumb.
What It Means
Think of that one friend whose balcony looks like a tropical rainforest. They don't just plant seeds; they make them thrive. When you say someone is être paré for gardening, you are acknowledging their natural gift. It is more than just knowing facts. It is about having a special connection with nature. You are basically calling them a plant whisperer.
How To Use It
You use this phrase to compliment someone's beautiful garden. It functions as a state of being. You can use it with être just like a normal adjective. It sounds very natural when you are impressed by a lush vegetable patch. Just remember to conjugate être to match who you are talking about.
When To Use It
Use it when you visit a neighbor's impressive backyard. It is perfect for a Sunday afternoon stroll through the park. You can also use it when someone gives you advice on your dying basil plant. It shows respect for their expertise. It is a warm, positive way to acknowledge a hobby.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this in a high-stakes professional landscaping interview. It is a bit too poetic and informal for a CV. Avoid using it if someone just bought plastic flowers. That would be very sarcastic! Also, do not confuse it with the military meaning. In the army, paré just means you are ready for battle.
Cultural Background
French culture places a massive value on 'le potager' (the kitchen garden). Having fresh herbs and tomatoes is a point of pride. The word paré comes from 'parer,' which means to dress up or decorate. It implies that the gardener has 'dressed' the earth in its finest clothes. It reflects the French love for aesthetics and nature combined.
Common Variations
You might hear people say avoir la main verte more often. That is the standard 'green thumb' equivalent. However, être paré adds a touch of elegance to the compliment. In some regions, you might hear être doué pour la terre. But paré remains a charming, slightly old-school way to praise a gardener's success.
Notas de uso
The phrase is neutral but leans toward warm, personal interactions. Ensure the context of gardening is clear to avoid confusion with the general meaning of 'being ready'.
Agreement Matters
Remember that 'paré' acts like an adjective. If you are talking to a woman, it's 'parée'. For a group, it's 'parés'. It makes you sound much more fluent!
The Double Meaning
In most other contexts, 'être paré' just means 'to be ready' (like 'I'm all set'). Only use it for gardening when the context of plants is already established.
The 'Potager' Pride
In France, being 'paré' for the garden is a high honor. Many French people value their vegetable plots more than their living rooms!
Exemplos
6Tes roses sont magnifiques, tu es vraiment paré pour le jardinage !
Your roses are magnificent, you're really good at gardening!
A direct and friendly compliment.
Aide-moi, je ne suis pas parée comme toi avec les orchidées.
Help me, I'm not gifted like you with orchids.
Uses the feminine form 'parée' to show humility.
On voit que Monsieur Martin est paré pour la culture des vignes.
One can see that Mr. Martin is skilled at growing vines.
Slightly more elevated tone for a formal setting.
Regarde ! Enfin un bourgeon ! Je commence à être paré, non ?
Look! Finally a bud! I'm starting to get good at this, right?
Playful and seeking validation.
Franchement, pour le jardinage, tu n'es pas du tout paré !
Honestly, for gardening, you are not gifted at all!
Teasing a friend who lacks a green thumb.
Mon grand-père était si paré ; son jardin était un paradis.
My grandfather was so gifted; his garden was a paradise.
Reflective and appreciative of a past skill.
Teste-se
Choose the correct form of the phrase to compliment Marie on her vegetable garden.
Marie, tes tomates sont énormes ! Tu ___ vraiment ___ pour le potager.
Since we are talking to Marie (informal 'tu') and she is female, we use 'es' and add an 'e' to 'parée'.
Complete the sentence to say you aren't good at gardening.
Moi, je tue même les cactus. Je ne ___ pas du tout ___.
The subject is 'Je', so the verb is 'suis', and the adjective stays singular.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of 'Être paré'
Teasing a friend about their dead plants.
T'es pas paré du tout !
Standard compliment for a nice garden.
Vous êtes paré pour le jardinage.
Admiring a professional or elder's work.
On sent qu'il est paré pour la terre.
Where to use 'Être paré'
At a Garden Center
Asking an expert for tips.
Sunday Brunch
Complimenting the host's balcony.
Family Dinner
Talking about a relative's farm.
Social Media
Commenting on a plant photo.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNot at all! You can be paré for vegetables, trees, or even indoor succulents. It covers anything that grows in soil.
They are very similar. Avoir la main verte is the most common way to say 'green thumb,' while être paré is a bit more descriptive of the result.
Usually, no. If you say Je suis paré for cooking, people will think you mean 'I am ready to start cooking,' not that you are a good chef.
It has a slightly classic feel, but it's still used today, especially in rural areas or among gardening enthusiasts.
It sounds like 'pah-ray.' The 'é' at the end is sharp and clear, like the 'ay' in 'day'.
Only if you are literally discussing a gardening project. Otherwise, it's too informal and specific.
People will assume you mean 'I'm ready' or 'I'm prepared' for whatever task is at hand.
It is understood everywhere in France, though you might hear it more often in places with a strong agricultural tradition like Brittany or Provence.
Yes! If a child is good at planting seeds, you can say Tu es déjà paré pour le jardin ! to encourage them.
Yes, you can say ne pas être paré du tout to jokingly admit you are terrible with plants.
Frases relacionadas
Avoir la main verte
Travailler la terre
Être un vrai jardinier
Cultiver son jardin
Avoir le pouce vert (Quebec)
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