bretelle de soutien-gorge
The English phrase "bra strap" is translated into French as bretelle de soutien-gorge.
bretelle de soutien-gorge refers to a bra strap. In casual contexts, you might simply refer to the strap as a bretelle.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of bretelle (strap/suspenders) and de soutien-gorge (of bra).
Which one should you use?
The word bretelle is used for many types of straps, such as those on a backpack or a dress, not just a bra.
Did you know?
- While bretelle means strap, it is also the word for a highway 'slip road' or 'on-ramp'.
- The word soutien-gorge literally translates to 'throat-support'.
- While 'bra strap' is a common noun, the word bretelle shares its Germanic roots with the English word 'braces', which is used for suspenders in British English.
Examples in context
- Je dois ajuster la bretelle de mon soutien-gorgeI need to adjust my bra strap.
- Son soutif était trop serré, elle avait des marques à cause de la lanièreHer bra was too tight, she had marks from the strap.
- Ma bretelle de soutien-gorge est cassée.My bra strap is broken.
- La bretelle de soutien-gorge glisse tout le temps.The bra strap keeps sliding off.
- Peux-tu m'aider avec cette bretelle de soutien-gorge ?Can you help me with this bra strap?
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are getting ready to leave for a party.
- EmmaEst-ce que je suis prête pour partir ?Am I ready to go?
- GabrielAttends, ta bretelle de soutien-gorge est visible.Wait, your bra strap is visible.
- EmmaOh non, merci de me l'avoir dit !Oh no, thanks for telling me!
- GabrielDe rien, Emma, ça arrive tout le temps.You're welcome, Emma, it happens all the time.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bretelle, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
