English Translation
He was given the finest education that money could buy.
Gemini says here:
“Il a reçu la plus fine éducation que l’argent puisse acheter” sounds slightly unnatural or “calqued” (directly translated word-for-word) due to the use of the word “fine”.
Here is a breakdown of why, and some better alternatives.
The Issue with “Fine”
In English, “finest” is a standard superlative for “best” or “highest quality.” In French, “fin” usually means slender, delicate, subtle, or sharp. While “une fine éducation” exists in literary contexts, it refers to refinement, manners, and culture (sophistication) rather than the quality of the schooling itself.
Combining “fine” with “que l’argent puisse acheter” creates a slight clash. You don’t typically “buy” finesse (subtlety/refinement); you buy quality or prestige.
Better Alternatives
1. The Most Natural / Standard Option
“Il a reçu la meilleure éducation que l’argent puisse acheter.”
- Why: This is the direct equivalent of the idiom. In French, when you talk about the “best [noun] money can buy,” you almost always use “le meilleur / la meilleure”.
2. The “Prestige” Option
“Il a reçu l’éducation la plus prestigieuse que l’argent puisse acheter.”
- Why: If the English sentence implies he went to top-tier private schools (Eton, Harvard, etc.), prestigieuse captures that elite status better than fine.
3. The “Refined” Option (Closest to your original intent)
“Il a reçu l’éducation la plus soignée que l’argent puisse acheter.”
- Why: Soignée (cared for/polished) is the closest natural French equivalent to “fine” in the context of upbringing. It implies attention to detail, manners, and excellence.