Meaning of "tabu" in English

The term "tabu" (or "taboo") in English is used to denote something that is prohibited or restricted by social or cultural norms. These norms are typically unwritten rules that dictate what is acceptable within a society. Taboos often revolve around actions, words, or subjects that are considered inappropriate or offensive. The concept can apply to a wide array of topics, including cultural rituals, social behavior, dietary restrictions, and religious practices. Understanding taboos is crucial for navigating social dynamics, as breaking them can lead to social ostracism or disapproval.

Meaning of "tabu" in French

In French, "tabu" (also spelled "tabou") retains a similar meaning to its English counterpart. It signifies something that is forbidden or deemed unacceptable within a certain cultural or social context. Taboos in French culture can encompass discussions or actions that are considered impolite or disrespectful, and they can vary greatly from one community to another. It often involves subjects related to personal beliefs, traditions, and values. Being aware of these taboos in any cultural interaction is important to maintain respect and understanding between individuals.

Pronunciation of "tabu" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /tæˈbuː/

In English, the pronunciation of "tabu" can vary slightly based on regional accents. For instance, in American English, the emphasis is often on the second syllable, pronounced as "ta-BOO." In British English, the pronunciation may be slightly less rounded on the final vowel sound but generally remains consistent with the American variant.

Pronunciation of "tabu" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /ta.bu/

In French, "tabu" is pronounced with both syllables given equal emphasis, as in "ta-boo." The pronunciation remains relatively uniform across different regions of Francophone countries, although local accents might subtly influence the enunciation of the vowels.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

  1. Discussing politics at the dinner table is often a tabu.
    (Discuter de politique à table est souvent un tabou.)

  2. Eating pork is a tabu in some cultures.
    (Manger du porc est un tabou dans certaines cultures.)

  3. Speaking ill of the dead is considered a tabu.
    (Parler mal des morts est considéré comme un tabou.)

  4. In certain communities, it is tabu to criticize elders.
    (Dans certaines communautés, il est tabou de critiquer les aînés.)

  5. Breaking a tabu can lead to social isolation.
    (Briser un tabou peut mener à l'isolement social.)

  6. Family secrets are sometimes protected by a strong tabu.
    (Les secrets de famille sont parfois protégés par un fort tabou.)

  7. It's a tabu to refuse hospitality in some cultures.
    (C'est un tabou de refuser l'hospitalité dans certaines cultures.)

  8. The topic of money is often a tabu in casual conversation.
    (Le sujet de l'argent est souvent tabou dans les conversations informelles.)

  9. Many societies have tabus surrounding death rituals.
    (De nombreuses sociétés ont des tabous concernant les rituels de la mort.)

  10. Discussing salaries openly is a tabu in some workplaces.
    (Parler des salaires ouvertement est un tabou dans certains lieux de travail.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "tabu" in English

Synonyms: prohibition, restriction, ban, interdiction, no-go, proscription, embargo, limitation, restraint, veto.

Antonyms: approval, permission, allowance, sanction, consent, freedom, liberty, acceptance, support, endorsement.

Similar Words: forbidden, unmentionable, unacceptable, illicit, unauthorized, censored, off-limits, prohibited, inappropriate, untouchable.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "tabu" in French

Synonyms: interdit, prohibition, restriction, interdiction, proscription, embargo, limitation, blocage, dissuasion, censure.

Antonyms: permission, autorisation, accord, approbation, consentement, liberté, acceptation, appui, soutien, tolérance.

Similar Words: prohibé, immorale, inacceptable, censuré, illicite, inapproprié, défendu, réprouvé, déontologique.

Disclaimer: These examples may contain sensitive content that does not reflect the opinions or policies of Translate.com, or its company Translate LLC. We welcome feedback: report an example sentence to our team.

Get document translations that have been custom-crafted to fit the needs of your unique industry and culture - in over 110 language pairs!
Order document translation

Translate tabu into other languages