This French expression doesn’t have anything to do with your own mother’s home.
Why do I need to know maison mère?
This French expression is often used to talk about business but it also has a religious connotation…
What does it mean?
The expression maison mère, roughly pronounced meh-zohn mehr (listen here), translates literally to “mother home”.
But in reality it refers to the central or original entity that controls or oversees branches, subsidiaries, or related organisations. In English, the equivalent would be “parent company”.
The French chose a metaphor with “mother” (mère) while English chose a more neutral term “parent”. Both describe the same idea, but in French, maison mère also refers to the main establishment of a religious congregation where higher authorities reside.
This religious definition may explain the choice of “mother” – the “mother house” is where everything originates, it “gives birth” to branches, subsidiaries, convents, etc…
On another note, it is common to see the mother figure represented in French brands. It represents tradition, care, and homemade quality. For example, the famous jam company Bonne Maman (grandmother), Mère Poudlard (biscuits), and Mamie Nova (yoghurt).
READ ALSO: French words of the day: Mamie et papi
Use it like this
La maison mère de cette entreprise est basée à Lyon. – The parent company of this business is based in Lyon.
Cette école dépend de la maison mère à Paris. – This school depends on the main institution in Paris.
La décision vient de la maison mère. – The decision comes from headquarters.
