How do you tell somebody to mind their own business in French (informal)? I’m sure you don’t particularly enjoy the company of nosy people, people who are always trying to meddle in your personal affairs. If this is the case, you may find this post very relevant. 
In the fruits and vegetables section our talking dictionary, we have learned the word “oignon” (onion). There is a nice little French idiomatic expression that involves “oignon”, which can help us get rid of these nosy people… with a cute French accent !!
The expression is “C’est pas tes oignons !”.
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It simply means “None of your business!” (lit. It’s not your onions)
There is another expression Mêle-toi de tes oignons, (Mind your own business), which also achieves the same effect.
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Occupe-toi de tes oignons. (Mind your own business)
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Now, I find it strange that “onions” is used to mean “businesss” in this situation, and I would like to read your comments on that. Why will the French language use “onions” to metaphorically mean business? What do you think?
Every time we peel oignons, our tears will come out, sometimes like crying. So just our oignons make us enough tear, why do we have to get others' oignons. It's a burden,isn't it?
Salut Anna!
Hehe, I never thought about this possibility before. Onions do make us cry, so taking care of my own is more than enough.
Thanks for this astute comment.
Bonjour prof,
I did not know this expression. In Dutch you say; "Bemoei je met je eigen zaken." it is not very friendly to say this to a person. I found a site which, according to me, gives a very good explanation of this expression .
http://chocolateandzucchini.com/archives/2009/01/...
Best regards, Jan
Bonjour, Jan,
It's nice to see you here!!
I'm curious… in the Dutch version of this expression, is there anything referring to an onion, or a vegetable?
Thanks for the link. I will check it out.
You're absolutely right, this is not a very friendly expression, but hey sometimes, you've got to do what you've got to do to keep people out of your "oignons", oh, what did I say, business.
In my opinion, when I read this expression the image of a market with people selling all kinds of vegetable and fruits in tents, comes up to my mind. And because the tents are so close together, there is no privacy, therefore the message could be: you take care of your onions and I’ll take care of mine. Wow! what a trip I just took. ha, ha, ha.
C’est mon opnion.
I am beginning to feel like I am learning French. What I need now is a regular study partner.
I will help anyone learn English.
This is a great site.