serviette de plage
The English phrase "beach towel" is translated into French as serviette de plage.
A serviette de plage is a large piece of absorbent fabric used for drying oneself or lying on at the beach. While the word serviette can refer to a small napkin used at a table, in the context of the beach, it refers to a towel.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of serviette (napkin or small towel) and de plage (of beach).
Which one should you use?
Serviette de bain (bath towel) is sometimes used interchangeably with serviette de plage to mean a beach towel. Additionally, one might use drap de plage to refer to a larger beach sheet or cloth used for lying on.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, add an s to serviette to get serviettes de plage, but do not change plage.
Did you know?
- The word serviette is a diminutive of servir, meaning it literally describes a 'little servant' that assists you.
- In some French-speaking regions, a very large beach towel is called a fouta, a term borrowed from North African culture referring to a woven cotton cloth.
- While serviette de plage is standard, in Quebec, people often use the word linge to refer to a towel or cloth in casual conversation.
Examples in context
- N'oublie pas ta serviette de plage lorsque nous partons en vacances en France.Don't forget your beach towel when we go on vacation to France.
- N'oublie pas ta serviette de plage.Don't forget your beach towel.
- J'ai besoin d'une serviette de plage propre.I need a clean beach towel.
- La serviette de plage est sur le transat.The beach towel is on the lounge chair.
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are preparing their bags to go to the seaside.
- NathanEst-ce que tu as pris la serviette de plage ?Did you take the beach towel?
- ChloéOui, elle est déjà dans mon sac.Yes, it is already in my bag.
- NathanParfait, on peut partir maintenant.Perfect, we can leave now.
- ChloéOn y va !Let's go!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, plage, serviette, CC BY-SA 4.0.
