matériaux de construction
The English phrase "building materials" is translated into French as matériaux de construction.
Matériaux de construction refers to the substances and components used to construct buildings and other structures.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of matériaux (materials) and de construction (of construction).
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the noun is matériau, which ends in -au and takes an x in the plural form matériaux. In French, the phrase is almost always used in the plural to refer to the general category of building materials.
Did you know?
- While matériaux refers to physical substances like wood or stone, the word matériel refers to the tools and equipment used to handle them. Confusing these two can lead to a request for 'cement' when you actually want a 'concrete mixer'.
- In French architecture, the term matériaux biosourcés is becoming a legal standard for materials derived from living organisms, such as hemp or straw. This specific category is much more prominent in French building codes than in English ones.
- In some French contexts, the phrase matériaux de construction can be replaced by the word gros œuvre, which refers specifically to the structural shell and load-bearing materials of a building.
Examples in context
- Les matériaux de construction coûtent très cher actuellement.At present, building materials are very expensive.This sentence is useful for discussing the current high cost of matériaux de construction.Tatoeba #995590 by sacredceltic, translation #10726533 by sundown
- Les matériaux de construction sont désormais très chers.Building materials are expensive now.This sentence is useful for stating that matériaux de construction are currently expensive.Tatoeba #3268284 by Dreamk33, translation #239071 by CK
- J'ai besoin d'acheter du béton pour la fondation de ma maison.I need to buy some concrete for the foundation of my house.
- Les murs de mon salon sont en brique.The walls of my living room are made of brick.
- Nous devons commander les matériaux de construction demain.We must order the building materials tomorrow.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are planning a home renovation.
- LucasOn doit choisir les matériaux de construction.We have to choose the building materials.
- EmmaTu préfères le bois ou le béton ?Do you prefer wood or concrete?
- LucasLe bois est plus écologique.Wood is more ecological.
- EmmaD'accord, cherchons des matériaux de construction durables.Okay, let's look for sustainable building materials.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
