tresses
The English phrase 'braids' is translated into French as tresses.
The term refers to hair that is woven together into a long, narrow strip. You can use the singular form tresse to refer to a single braid or the act of braiding. To describe the action of braiding hair, use the verb tresser.
Which one should you use?
The word 'tresses' is almost always used in its plural form when referring to hair styled in braids, while the singular tresse can be used to refer to a single braid or the act of braiding.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, it is common to hear the term tresses africaines in reference to cornrows.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb tresser is used to describe the action of braiding hair.
Did you know?
- The phrase tresser des liens is an idiomatic way to describe the act of forging strong social or emotional bonds between people.
- In French culinary terms, a tresse is not just a hairstyle but also refers to a long, braided loaf of bread, such as the famous tresse briochée.
- Depending on the region, a French speaker might use the word natte instead of tresse to describe a single braid, often suggesting a flatter weave.
Examples in context
- Elle porte des tresses.She wears braids.This example shows how to use tresses to describe someone's hairstyle.Tatoeba #10297865 by Micsmithel, translation #7813825 by AlanF_US
- J'aimerais pouvoir enchevêtrer tes cheveux dans de belles tresses.I wish I could tangle your hair into beautiful braids.This sentence uses tresses to express a desire to braid someone's hair.Tatoeba #8414150 by lbdx, translation #8095545 by iT4LL
- Elle a de jolies tressesShe has beautiful braids.
- Les nattes africaines sont très populairesAfrican cornrows are very popular.
- J'adore tes tresses, elles te vont très bienI love your braids, they suit you very well.
- Elle s'est fait des nattes magnifiques pour les vacancesShe did beautiful braids for the holidays.
- J'ai fait des tresses françaises élégantes pour la soirée.I did elegant French braids for the party.
- Il porte des nattes depuis son enfance.He has been wearing cornrows since childhood.
- Elles ont des tresses fantastiques, ça leur donne un style unique.They have fantastic braids, it gives them a unique style.
- Elle a fait des tresses pour la fête.She made braids for the party.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are talking about a new hairstyle.
- LéaTu aimes mes nouvelles tresses ?Do you like my new braids?
- HugoOui, elles sont très jolies, Léa.Yes, they are very pretty, Léa.
- LéaC'est difficile de faire des tresses soi-même.It is hard to do braids oneself.
- HugoC'est vrai, mais le résultat est superbe.That's true, but the result is superb.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
