Glossary entry

French term or phrase:

objets à vivre

English translation:

lifestyle items

Added to glossary by Charlotte Allen
Dec 13, 2005 11:38
18 yrs ago
2 viewers *
French term

objets à vivre

French to English Marketing Advertising / Public Relations In-flight brochure
I am proofreading text from an in-flight magazine.

"Quoi de neuf en 2006?
On y est! Une nouvelle année commence! L’occasion de se pencher un peu sur les nouveautés, une petite sélection de nouvelles technologies, d’objets à vivre pour tous et tous les jours."

The translator has used 'everyday objects for everybody, every day' for 'objets à vivre pour tous et tous les jours', which (to me) reads a little oddly, plus I suspect 'objets à vivre' means something more (plus the retailers in question might take offence at their goods being described as 'everyday'). I take it to understand 'something beautiful/decorative that is also useful'. Like a work of art, but not to be looked at, to be USED. Perhaps I'm reading a lot into the word 'objet', but that's what my research seems to indicate.

What do other people think? Can anyone suggest an alternative to 'everyday objects'? I've come up with 'decorative items', but that could imply 'purely decorative', i.e. not really useful.

The items that the magazine goes on to describe (sell!) include digital cameras, a swish espresso machine, ski wear, fashion clothing, top brand name watches and lots of jewellery.

Many, many thanks.
Proposed translations (English)
3 +3 lifestyle items
4 +5 lifestyle articles/products
3 "must haves"
3 stylish items

Discussion

Charlotte Allen (asker) Dec 13, 2005:
Thanks to everyone (hello, Sue!) for some great suggestions. I'm just coming down with a nasty virus and my brain, as well as everything else, feels sluggish. But you're obviously all on the ball!

Proposed translations

+3
28 mins
French term (edited): objets � vivre
Selected

lifestyle items

like Dualit toasters and Nigella Lawson cookware...
Peer comment(s):

agree French Foodie
1 min
Thanks, Mara.
agree Sara Freitas : oooh...love it...
17 mins
Thanks!
agree Gina W
6 hrs
Thank you.
Something went wrong...
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer. Comment: "I realise CMJ got in slightly earlier with 'lifestyle', but as I've actually used your exact phrase, it seems churlish not to give you the points on a technicality."
4 mins
French term (edited): objets � vivre

"must haves"

Just a suggestion. I think from your explanation you are looking for something with a bit off va va vroom in it rather than a literal translation of the French.
Something went wrong...
11 mins
French term (edited): objets � vivre

stylish items

but other options could be practical, elegant, exquisite, snazzy, tasteful ...
Something went wrong...
+5
26 mins

lifestyle articles/products

..
Peer comment(s):

agree Sylvia Smith
1 min
agree Karen Stokes : great minds and all that
3 mins
agree French Foodie : I was just going to post a similar answer. "Lifestyle objects" is the term used in design, and I think lifestyle can be incorporated into this translation.
3 mins
agree Enza Longo
49 mins
agree Peter Shortall
5 hrs
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