pelote de laine
The English phrase "ball of yarn" is translated into French as pelote de laine.
This phrase refers to a length of wool wound into a tight, round shape for knitting or crocheting.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of pelote (ball/skein) and de laine (of wool).
Which one should you use?
While pelote de laine specifically refers to wool, you can use pelote de fil to more generally describe a ball of any type of yarn or thread.
Did you know?
- The term pelote can also refer to a traditional French ball game called pelote basque, which involves hitting a ball against a wall.
- The term pelote is a distant relative of the English word 'pillow', as both trace their roots back to the Latin word pila for 'ball'.
- The French language has a specific distinction between a pelote, which is wound for use, and an écheveau, which is a loose skein of yarn before it is wound.
Examples in context
- J'ai besoin d'une pelote de laine bleue pour tricoter cette écharpe.I need a ball of blue wool to knit this scarf.
- J'ai besoin d'une pelote de laine bleue.I need a blue ball of yarn.
- Il reste une petite pelote de laine dans le panier.There is a small ball of yarn left in the basket.
- Elle a acheté une pelote de laine pour son projet.She bought a ball of yarn for her project.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are preparing to knit a sweater.
- LucasManon, où est ma pelote de laine ?Manon, where is my ball of yarn?
- ManonElle est sur la table, Lucas.It is on the table, Lucas.
- LucasJe ne la vois pas ici.I don't see it here.
- ManonRegarde sous ton sac à main.Look under your handbag.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, laine, pelote, CC BY-SA 4.0.
