Does “au pair” mean nanny in another language?
No, The word “au pair,” doesn’t mean nanny at all. It is pronounced “o pair” in French, and means “on par” or equal, denoting living on an equal basis in a reciprocal, caring relationship between the host family and the young person. Like an older sibling, the au pair is included in all family activities, unlike an “employee” of a nanny agency who might be excluded from family meals, holiday celebrations, and other activities. In Europe today, tens of thousands of families and au pairs continue this practical and mutually valuable tradition and the custom is spreading around the world.
