boîte d'allumettes
/bwat d‿a.ly.mɛt/
In French, 'box of matches' is said as boîte d'allumettes.
The phrase boîte d'allumettes is the standard way to refer to a small container used to hold a collection of matches.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of boîte (box), de (of) and allumettes (matches).
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun boîte is feminine, so the indefinite article used is une (as in une boîte d'allumettes). The word for matches, allumettes, is a feminine plural noun.
How do you pronounce it?
It has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- While boîte means 'box', it is also the common slang term for a 'nightclub' in French. You might hear someone say they are going to the boîte to dance.
- The word boîte originates from a conflation of the Latin words pyxis for 'small box' and buxus for 'box tree'.
- In French, the word for matches, allumettes, comes from the verb allumer, which means 'to light' or 'to ignite'.
Examples in context
- Il devrait y avoir une boîte d'allumettes dans le tiroir du haut.There should be a box of matches in the top drawer.This sentence shows where one might find a boîte d'allumettes.Tatoeba #11448573 by lbdx, translation #6954637 by CK
- La vie est comme une boîte d'allumettes. La traiter avec circonspection est idiot, ne pas le faire est dangereux.Life is as a box of matches. Treating it cautiously is foolish, not treating it cautiously is dangerous.This sentence uses boîte d'allumettes in a metaphorical comparison about life.Tatoeba #390067 by Scott, translation #390066 by Scott
- Tu as une petite boîte d'allumettes pour allumer les bougies sur la table ?Do you have a small box of matches to light the candles on the table?
- Peux-tu me donner cette boîte d'allumettes ?Can you give me this box of matches?
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are in the kitchen trying to light a candle.
- LéaOù est la boîte d'allumettes, Hugo ?Where is the box of matches, Hugo?
- HugoElle est sur la table, à côté du vase.It is on the table, next to the vase.
- LéaMerci, j'en avais besoin pour la bougie.Thanks, I needed it for the candle.
- HugoDe rien, fais attention à tes doigts.You're welcome, be careful with your fingers.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry boîte d'allumettes, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries boîte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
