10 French sayings about war

10 French sayings about war

War has been a part of human history for centuries, and the French have developed a unique perspective on the subject through their language and expressions.

Here are 10 French sayings about war that offer insights into the French view of conflict and violence:

1. “La guerre est déclarée”

– War is declared

This saying announces the start of a conflict and is used to alert others that hostilities have begun.

2. “La guerre, c’est la guerre”

– War is war

This saying is a simple, straightforward way of saying that war is a violent and destructive force that should be avoided whenever possible.

3. “La guerre ne choisit pas ses victimes”

– War does not choose its victims

This saying emphasizes that war affects everyone, regardless of age, gender, or social status.

4. “La guerre, c’est la paix brisée”

– War is broken peace

This saying suggests that war is a result of the failure of peaceful negotiation and diplomacy.

5. “L’histoire est écrite par les vainqueurs”

– History is written by the winners

This saying highlights the role of propaganda and bias in shaping our understanding of historical events.

6. “La guerre n’a pas de fin heureuse”

– War has no happy ending

This saying stresses that war is a destructive force that ultimately leaves everyone worse off than they were before.

7. “L’enfer, c’est les autres”

– Hell is the others

This saying, famously quoted from Jean-Paul Sartre’s “Huis Clos,” suggests that human conflict is often driven by our interactions with others.

8. “La guerre, c’est la mort de la raison”

– War is the death of reason

This saying highlights the destructive effects of war on our ability to think and reason clearly.

9. “La guerre n’a pas de héros”

– War has no heroes

This saying suggests that war is not a romantic or heroic endeavor, but rather a brutal and senseless waste of life.

10. “La guerre est la pire des choses”

– War is the worst of things

This saying succinctly conveys the destructive and devastating effects of war, both on individuals and society as a whole.


These French sayings about war offer a unique perspective on the subject and provide insight into the French view of conflict and violence.

By considering these expressions, we can gain a deeper understanding of the impact of war on individuals and society, and strive to find peaceful solutions to conflict.

©Frenchlanguagebasics.com

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