souffler une bougie
To blow out a candle in French is souffler une bougie.
This phrase is used to describe the action of extinguishing a candle's flame by blowing a puff of air onto it.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb souffler literally means to blow.
How does it change in a sentence?
While souffler une bougie means to blow out a candle, you should use souffler la bougie if you are referring to a specific candle that has already been mentioned.
Did you know?
- The word bougie is actually a geographical reference to the Algerian town of Béjaïa, which was once a major center for the export of high-quality candle wax.
- In French, the verb souffler can also mean 'to cheat' or 'to prompt' someone during an exam or a play by whispering the answers.
- In many French contexts, the word souffler is also used to mean 'to whisper' or 'to leak information', much like how blowing out a candle is a quiet, breathy action.
Examples in context
- Elle a éteint la bougie d'un seul souffleShe blew out the candle with a single breath
- Le maire a soufflé les bougies du gâteau d'anniversaireThe mayor blew out the candles on the birthday cake
- Les enfants ont soufflé les bougies pendant la fêteThe children blew out the candles during the party
- Il a éteint un cierge pour prierHe blew out a votive candle to pray
- Souffle la bougie !Blow out the candle!
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are at a birthday party.
- ManonC'est ton tour de souffler une bougie, Lucas !It's your turn to blow out a candle, Lucas!
- LucasJe suis prêt, je ferme les yeux.I'm ready, I'm closing my eyes.
- ManonFais un vœu avant de souffler.Make a wish before blowing.
- LucasC'est fait, je souffle maintenant !It's done, I'm blowing now!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bougie, souffler, une, CC BY-SA 4.0.
