marchand de bonbons
The English phrase "candyman" translates to French as marchand de bonbons.
This phrase is used to describe a male person who sells candy. In the context of the horror film character Candyman, the English name is often used directly in French.
Meaning: male confectioner (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of marchand (merchant or seller) and de bonbons (of candies).
Which one should you use?
While marchand de bonbons describes a person who sells sweets, confiseur is a more professional or technical term specifically for a confectioner who makes them.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are referring to a female candy seller, you should change the noun to the feminine form marchande de bonbons.
Did you know?
- The word bonbon comes from the French word for 'good', derived from the Middle French bon bon meaning 'good good'.
- In French culture, the marchand de bonbons is often a nostalgic figure of childhood, representing the small local shops that have largely disappeared in favor of supermarkets.
- The French word marchand can be used in idioms to describe someone who is haggling or trying to negotiate a price, regardless of what they are selling.
Examples in context
- Je vais chez le marchand de bonbons pour acheter des friandises pour Halloween.I'm going to the candy store to buy treats for Halloween.
- Le marchand de bonbons est très gentil.The candyman is very kind.
- J'ai vu un marchand de bonbons au marché.I saw a candyman at the market.
- Ce marchand de bonbons vend des sucettes.This candyman sells lollipops.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are walking through a local street fair.
- EmmaRegarde ce marchand de bonbons, Gabriel !Look at that candyman, Gabriel!
- GabrielIl a l'air sympathique, ce marchand de bonbons.That candyman looks friendly.
- EmmaEst-ce qu'il vend des chocolats ?Does he sell chocolates?
- GabrielOui, je crois qu'il en a.Yes, I think he has some.
