clim
In French, aircon is translated as clim.
The phrase Système de conditionnement d’air is a formal way to say air conditioning system, while climatisation is a formal and generic term for aircon.
What does it mean word for word?
The word clim is a clipping of climatisation, which literally means air conditioning.
Which one should you use?
climatisation is the full, formal term, whereas clim is the shortened, informal version used in conversation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
clim is the common, colloquial way to refer to air conditioning in everyday French speech. For formal contexts, use climatisation or the phrase Système de conditionnement d’air.
Did you know?
- While clim is standard in France, speakers in Quebec may use air climatisé more frequently in casual conversation.
- The term climatisation shares a root with the word climat, meaning 'climate', reflecting the French view of the machine as a tool to create a specific local climate.
- The word climatisation is a feminine noun, meaning that any adjectives describing the 'aircon' must also be feminine, even if the physical unit is referred to as a masculine climatiseur.
Examples in context
- La climatisation de cette pièce est très agréableThe air conditioning in this room is very pleasant
- Les grandes usines installent souvent des systèmes de conditionnement d'airLarge factories often install air conditioning systems
- On peut allumer la clim pour se rafraîchir un peu ?Can we turn on the AC to cool down a bit?
- Ce climatiseur est vraiment efficace en étéThis air conditioning unit is really effective during summer
- Il fait vraiment chaud ici, est-ce qu'on peut allumer la climatisation ?It's really hot in here, can we turn on the aircon?
- Je suis en train de faire installer un système de conditionnement d'air dans ma maisonI'm getting an air conditioning system installed in my house
- La clim est très puissante.The aircon is very powerful.
- Est-ce qu'il y a la clim ici ?Is there aircon here?
- Je vais allumer la clim.I am going to turn on the aircon.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are in a hot apartment.
- GabrielIl fait trop chaud dans cette pièce.It is too hot in this room.
- ChloéTu peux mettre la clim, s'il te plaît ?Can you turn on the aircon, please?
- GabrielOui, je cherche la télécommande.Yes, I am looking for the remote.
- ChloéElle est sur la table.It is on the table.
