cloches
Bells in French is translated as cloches.
The word refers to hollow metal objects that produce a ringing sound when struck. To express the act of ringing the bells, use the phrase sonner les cloches.
Which one should you use?
The word cloche refers to the physical bell itself, whereas the verb sonner is used to describe the action of the bells ringing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is cloche.
When do people say it?
The Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris features two notable bells: one known as Marie and another known as Emmanuel.
Did you know?
- In French slang, calling someone une cloche means they are a fool or a dummy. This usage transforms the object's hollow shape into a metaphor for an empty head.
- France has a tradition called le baptême des cloches, where large bells are given names and officially baptized in a religious ceremony before being hoisted into a tower.
- In French, the word cloche is also the common term for a kitchen bell jar used to cover food or display items. This makes it a versatile word for both heavy church instruments and delicate dining tools.
Examples in context
- Les cloches de l'église sonnent.The church bells are ringing.This sentence is useful for describing church bells ringing with the word cloches.Tatoeba #335195 by TRANG, translation #19078 by CK
- Les cloches se sont mises à sonner.The bells started to ring.This sentence is useful for describing the moment bells started to ring with the word cloches.Tatoeba #5454549 by alexisslay, translation #2672656 by Joseph
- Pour qui les cloches sonnent-elles ?For whom do the bells toll?This sentence is useful for a poetic question about whom the bells toll with the word cloches.Tatoeba #861183 by U2FS, translation #408005 by Dorenda
- Les cloches de la cathédrale sonnentThe cathedral's bells are ringing
- Les clochettes sur sa robe font un son ravissantThe bells on her dress make a delightful sound
- J'entends les grelots tinterI can hear the jingling bells
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are walking through a village in the countryside.
- GabrielÉcoute les cloches au loin.Listen to the bells in the distance.
- LéaC'est très mélodieux.It is very melodious.
- GabrielLes cloches annoncent la fin de la journée.The bells announce the end of the day.
- LéaC'est une belle ambiance, Gabriel.It's a lovely atmosphere, Gabriel.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
