Why do I need to know vade-mecum?
This French word, which comes from Latin, is used to describe a very handy tool.
What does it mean?
If you’re learning French, you’ll discover that the language is full of words with Latin roots… including some that have made their way into French almost unchanged.
The word vade-mecum, roughly pronounced vad-ay-meh-KOM (listen here), comes directly from Latin, meaning literally meaning “go with me” or “come with me.” It combines vade (go) with mecum (with me). It can also be spelt like this: vadémécum.
In French, un vade-mecum is a practical guide, handbook or reference book containing useful information that you can consult when needed. The idea is that it is a guide that accompanies you every day.
It can also be used more broadly for a concise set of instructions or reference material, rather than necessarily a physical book, or even an article that provides a complete and practical guide to a certain topic.
You might also recognise vade-mecum from the toothpaste brand of the same name. The idea behind the name was that good dental hygiene should be taken seriously, with the toothpaste travelling with you wherever you went.
Use it like this
Un vade-mecum pour les nouveaux arrivants en France - A practical guide for newcomers to France
Le ministère a publié un vade-mecum à destination des enseignants. - The ministry published a handbook for teachers.
Il faut que je te fasse un vade-mecum sur tout ce qu'il y a à savoir sur l'entreprise. - I need to write you a guidebook on everything you need to know about the company.
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