noir et blanc
The English phrase 'black and white' is translated into French as noir et blanc.
This phrase is used to describe things that are literally black and white, such as the colors of an animal or figuratively to describe a situation that is clear-cut and lacks nuance. When referring to media or printing, such as a photograph or a film, the idiomatic expression en noir et blanc is used to say something is 'in black and white'.
Meaning: clear cut (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the phrase must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. While the default is noir et blanc, use noire et blanche when describing a singular feminine noun and noires et blanches when describing plural feminine nouns.
Did you know?
- The French word blanc is a linguistic relative of the English word 'blink'. Both are connected to the concept of light and the visual perception of brightness.
- The word blanc is used in French to describe a 'blank' space or a gap in a conversation, bridging the gap between color and absence.
- While noir et blanc means 'clear-cut' in a figurative sense, French speakers often use the phrase tout noir ou tout blanc to describe an overly simplistic or binary worldview.
Examples in context
- J'ai un chien noir et blanc.I have a black and white dog.This sentence shows how to describe the colors of a dog using noir et blanc.Tatoeba #6547 by U2FS, translation #257441 by CK
- Tout n'est pas noir et blanc.Not everything is black and white.This sentence uses noir et blanc to express that a situation is not always clear-cut.Tatoeba #1600668 by sacredceltic, translation #1552235 by Spamster
- La photo est en noir et blanc.The picture is in black and white.This sentence demonstrates how to use the phrase to describe a photo.Tatoeba #11181079 by lbdx, translation #1640955 by Spamster
- J'aime les photos en noir et blanc.I love black and white photos.
- Cette robe est noire et blanche.This dress is black and white.
- Thierry savourait un café dans une tasse en porcelaine noire et blanche.Thierry was enjoying a coffee in a black and white porcelain cup.
- Les films monochromes ont un aspect intemporel.Black and white films have a timeless look.
- Cette photo est superbe en noir et blanc.This photo looks great in black and white.
- Le chat de ma tante est noir et blanc.My aunt's cat is black and white.
- Tu penses que sa nouvelle voiture sera noire et blanche?Do you think his car will be black and white?
- Le drapeau du pays est bicolore, avec une bande noire et une bande blanche.The country's flag is two-colored, with a black stripe and a white stripe.
- Le film a été diffusé en noir et blanc, même au Québec.The film was shown in black and white, even in Quebec.
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are discussing a complex moral problem.
- GabrielC'est une situation très compliquée.It is a very complicated situation.
- EmmaOui, ce n'est pas tout noir et blanc.Yes, it is not all black and white.
- GabrielJe ne sais pas quoi décider.I don't know what to decide.
- EmmaPrends ton temps pour réfléchir, Gabriel.Take your time to think, Gabriel.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries blanc, et, noir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
