PROFITEZ!
In the fall of 2003, I studied abroad for a semester in Aix-en-Provence, France. It was a ‘cultural immersion’ program — meaning we lived with a family, attended the French University, spoke french ALL THE TIME.
And by all the time, I mean we had a contract we signed that if we were caught speaking English we’d be on the next flight back to the USA. Serious. (I have a story about this for another post).
While strict, it was a great method to really learn the language & culture. One of my favorite take-aways from my time in Aix, came flooding into my mind this morning.
PROFITEZ.
My favorite french word. The direct English translation means ‘to profit from’. But in use, it’s a command that kind of means:
- Go make the most of the day!
- Take the bull by the horns!
- Get after it!
Used in context:
“The weather is nice, and you don’t have any meetings this afternoon? PROFITEZ!”
“Someone cute asked you out on a date? PROFITEZ!”
— As you’re walking out the door to go take a test “PROFITEZ”
For anyone who knows french knows that the “EZ” on the end means it’s a command, the imperative form. Nothing wishy-washy about it.
Don’t you think we need this in our language? I love how much it says about the attitude & perspective on life.
