cligner des yeux
/kli.ɲe de.z‿jø/
To blink in French is cligner des yeux. Wiktionary also lists ciller and clignoter.
Meaning: to close and reopen both eyes quickly (verb)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| cligner des yeux | /kli.ɲe de.z‿jø/ |
| ciller | /si.je/ |
| clignoter | /kli.ɲɔ.te/ |
The phrase is used to describe the physical action of closing and reopening both eyes quickly. For the noun describing the act of closing and opening the eyes, use clignement. If you want to refer to a quick view, the related term is coup d’œil.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase cligner des yeux literally translates to to blink of the eyes.
Which one should you use?
Use cligner des yeux specifically for human eyes. Use clignoter when referring to lights or signals blinking.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
A single blink can be referred to as un clignement d'œil.
Did you know?
- In literature, ne pas ciller is used as an idiom meaning to not flinch or show fear. It suggests a person is so steady that not even a single eyelash moves.
- The plural word for eyes yeux is one of the most irregular plurals in French. It evolved from the Latin oculōs through a complex phonetic shift that completely changed its sound.
- While cligner des yeux is for people, the word clignoter is used for flashing car indicators or electronic lights. Using clignoter for a person would sound like they have lightbulbs for eyes.
Examples in context
- Marie cligne des yeux lorsque la lumière est trop vive.Marie blinks when the light is too bright.
- Les lucioles clignotent dans la nuit.The fireflies blink in the night.
- J'ai remarqué que tu clignais très rapidement des yeux. Est-ce que tout va bien ?I noticed you were blinking very rapidly. Is everything okay?
- Il a commencé à cligner des yeux à cause de la poussière.He started to blink because of the dust.
Example conversation
Nathan is staring too hard at a bright screen.
- ManonNathan, tu devrais cligner des yeux plus souvent.Nathan, you should blink your eyes more often.
- NathanJe sais, mais je suis trop concentré sur mon travail.I know, but I am too focused on my work.
- ManonTes yeux ont l'air très fatigués.Your eyes look very tired.
- NathanC'est vrai, je vais faire une pause.That's true, I'm going to take a break.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “blink” translations and entries cligner des yeux, ciller, clignoter, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ciller, cligner, clignoter, des, yeux, CC BY-SA 4.0.
