cadenas
/kad.na/masculine
The English word 'padlock' is cadenas in French.
cadenas is a masculine noun used to describe a type of lock. You can also use the verb cadenasser to describe the action of locking something specifically with a padlock.
Meaning: type of lock (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the term Serrure à combinaison may be used interchangeably with cadenas when you are specifically referring to a padlock that uses a combination mechanism.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word cadenas is the same in both its singular and plural forms. The verb cadenasser is derived directly from the noun cadenas.
How do you pronounce it?
/kad.na/
Did you know?
- In France, the Pont des Arts in Paris became famous globally for thousands of cadenas d'amour or 'love locks' attached to its railings.
- The word cadenas is a distant linguistic cousin to the English word 'chain'.
Examples in context
- Il y a un cadenas sur la porte.There's a padlock on the door.This sentence shows how to use cadenas to describe a lock on a door.Tatoeba #11882819 by lbdx, translation #4016279 by CK
- Ses amis durent cadenasser le congélateur pour l'empêcher de manger de la crème glacée.Her friends had to padlock the freezer to prevent her from eating ice cream.This sentence demonstrates the use of the verb cadenasser to describe locking a freezer.Tatoeba #939418 by Scott, translation #939400 by Scott
- Utilisez un cadenas pour sécuriser vos bagages lors de vos voyages.Use a padlock to secure your luggage during your travels.
- J'ai acheté ce sac avec un petit verrou pour plus de sécurité.I bought this bag with a small lock for extra security.
- J'ai acheté un nouveau cadenas pour mon casier.I bought a new padlock for my locker.
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are at a gym.
- ChloéTu as ton cadenas ?Do you have your padlock?
- GabrielNon, je l'ai oublié dans ma voiture.No, I forgot it in my car.
- ChloéFais attention, Gabriel, c'est important.Be careful, Gabriel, it's important.
- GabrielJe vais vite le chercher.I'll go get it quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “padlock” translations and entries cadenas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cadenas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
