plié
The English word 'bent' translates to plié in French.
The term plié is used to describe something that is folded or bent. It is very common when discussing things that have been intentionally folded, such as paper or clothing. It can also describe a physical shape, such as a metal bar that has been bent. In an idiomatic sense, the reflexive construction se plier à means 'to bend to' or 'to comply with' something, such as yielding to someone's wishes or following rules.
Meaning: folded (adj)
Which one should you use?
While plié can refer to a bent object like a metal bar, it is more commonly used for items that are folded by design, such as clothes. For more specific descriptions of being bent, you might use other terms: incurvé(e) is a formal term for curved or bent lines and surfaces and déformé(e) is a formal way to say something is bent or deformed out of its original shape.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, plié must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use pliée for feminine singular nouns, pliés for masculine plural nouns and pliées for feminine plural nouns.
Did you know?
- The reflexive form se plier en quatre literally means 'to bend oneself in four' and is used to describe someone who is going to extreme lengths to help another person.
- In French slang, the phrase c'est plié is used to say that a situation is settled, finished or a foregone conclusion, meaning 'it is a wrap'.
- In the world of ballet, a plié is a specific movement where a dancer bends their knees and then straightens them. This technical term is used globally in dance regardless of the language being spoken.
Examples in context
- Il s'est finalement plié à mes désirs.He finally bent to my wishes.This sentence shows how to use plié to mean yielding to someone's wishes.Tatoeba #1397176 by sacredceltic, translation #291781 by CM
- Je me demande pourquoi tant de ces clous sont pliés.I wonder why so many of these nails are bent.This sentence uses pliés to describe the state of nails.Tatoeba #7790957 by Aiji, translation #7732719 by CK
- Il a plié cette barre métallique avec seulement deux doigts !He bent this metal bar with only two fingers!This sentence uses plié to describe the physical bending of a metal bar.Tatoeba #8329399 by Julien_PDC, translation #10855122 by Taikian
- Elle avait le dos courbé par le poids des années.Her back was bent by the weight of the years.
- La rue était bordée de murs incurvés.The street was lined with curved walls.
- Le métal était déformé sous la pression.The metal was bent under pressure.
- Le coin de la page était plié.The corner of the page was bent.
- La portière de la voiture était bosselée.The car door was bent/dented.
- Le couteau était tordu.The knife was bent.
- Le métal se plie facilement.Metal bends easily.
- Elle se tordait de douleur.She was bent over in pain.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are looking at a pile of laundry.
- LéaEst-ce que ce linge est bien plié ?Is this laundry well folded?
- HugoOui, tout est parfaitement plié.Yes, everything is perfectly folded.
- LéaMerci, Hugo, tu as fait du bon travail.Thank you, Hugo, you did a good job.
- HugoDe rien, c'est un plaisir.You're welcome, it's a pleasure.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
