chaîne
/ʃɛn/feminine
The English word "chain" is translated into French as chaîne.
chaîne refers to a series of interconnected rings or links. It can also be used to describe a chain of stores, such as a retail chain. In a geographical context, la chaîne de montagnes is used to refer to a mountain range. Note that the specific French word for a necklace is collier.
Meaning: series of interconnected rings or links (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In geography, the term la chaîne de montagnes is used to denote a mountain range.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word chaîne is a feminine noun. The plural form is les chaînes.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃɛn/
Did you know?
- The term chaîne de télévision is used in French to refer to a TV channel, which might sound like a physical metal chain to an English speaker.
- The circumflex accent in chaîne acts as a historical marker, signaling that a letter 's' used to sit between the 'a' and the 'i'.
- In French culinary terms, enchaîner can be used figuratively to describe one task following another rapidly without a break.
Examples in context
- Yanni a gardé la chaîne d'or.Yanni kept that gold chain.This sentence is useful for seeing chaîne used in the context of a gold chain.Tatoeba #12148373 by always, translation #9958848 by Amastan
- Yanni a perdu sa chaîne d'or.Yanni lost his gold chain.Tatoeba #12148374 by always, translation #9958852 by Amastan
- J'ai cassé la chaîne de mon vélo.I broke my bicycle chain.This sentence is useful for seeing chaîne used in the context of a bicycle chain.Tatoeba #9543630 by Julien_PDC, translation #13967738 by Leglaine
- La chaîne d'approvisionnement est cruciale pour notre entreprise.The supply chain is crucial for our company.
- Attache bien ta chaine au vélo pour éviter de la perdre.Secure your chain to the bicycle to avoid losing it.
- Les Alpes sont une célèbre chaîne de montagnes en Europe.The Alps are a famous mountain range in Europe.
- Le bijoutier propose des chaînes en or.The jeweler offers gold chains.
- Les chaînes de vélo sont essentielles pour la sécurité.Bicycle chains are essential for safety.
- Elle porte une chaine en argent autour du cou.She is wearing a silver necklace around her neck.
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are looking at a piece of jewelry in a shop.
- LéaRegarde cette jolie chaîne, Hugo.Look at this pretty chain, Hugo.
- HugoElle est élégante, mais très chère.It is elegant, but very expensive.
- LéaEst-ce qu'elle irait bien avec mon collier ?Would it go well with my necklace?
- HugoOui, la chaîne est parfaite pour toi.Yes, the chain is perfect for you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chain” translations and entries chaîne, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chaîne, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
