chambre à air de vélo
The English phrase "bicycle inner tube" is chambre à air de vélo in French.
This phrase refers to the inflatable rubber tube located inside a bicycle tire that holds air. In many contexts, you can omit the de vélo part and simply say chambre à air if it is already clear that you are talking about cycling.
What does it mean word for word?
The term chambre à air literally translates to "air chamber".
How does it change in a sentence?
When making the phrase plural to say "inner tubes", only the word chambre takes a plural marker. The word air remains singular, resulting in chambres à air.
Did you know?
- The word chambre in chambre à air shares the same ancient root as the English word 'camera', as both originally referred to a vaulted room or chamber.
- In French, the word chambre can refer to a bedroom, a legislative chamber or a small enclosed space like an inner tube.
- Because chambre à air is an established compound, French speakers use the same phrase to describe the inner tubes of car tires and truck tires, not just bicycles.
Examples in context
- J'ai crevé ! Ma chambre à air est dégonflée.I got a flat tire! My bicycle inner tube is deflated.
- Pouvez-vous m'aider à remplacer la chambre à air de mon vélo ?Can you help me replace my bicycle inner tube?
- J'ai besoin d'une chambre à air de vélo.I need a bicycle inner tube.
- Est-ce que tu as une chambre à air de vélo ?Do you have a bicycle inner tube?
- La chambre à air de vélo est complètement dégonflée.The bicycle inner tube is completely deflated.
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are in a bike repair shop.
- HugoBonjour, je cherche une chambre à air de vélo.Hello, I am looking for a bicycle inner tube.
- EmmaOui, nous en avons en stock ici.Yes, we have them in stock here.
- HugoC'est parfait, merci beaucoup.That's perfect, thank you very much.
- EmmaDe rien, Monsieur.You're welcome, sir.
