Chaussures
Chaussures is the French phrase for "shoes".
The term refers to items of footwear worn on the feet.
Which one should you use?
While Chaussures is the standard term, you may encounter other words depending on the setting. For instance, les souliers is a formal alternative, while les pompes and les godasses are informal ways to refer to shoes.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine. In the singular, you use the indefinite article une chaussure to mean "a shoe". Although the singular form exists, it is most commonly used in its plural form, chaussures, to refer to a pair of shoes. For the plural, use the indefinite article des chaussures.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because the word is feminine, avoid using masculine articles like un or le before it.
Did you know?
- French has a specific term for the act of putting on shoes, the verb chausser, which is also used to describe a horse being shod with horseshoes.
- In France, the term chaussures is used for all footwear, but in Quebec, you may hear souliers used as the primary everyday word rather than a formal one.
- The slang term les pompes for shoes is so ubiquitous that it is used by almost every age group in France, despite 'pompe' literally meaning 'pump' or 'pump machine'.
Examples in context
- Je dois acheter des chaussures neuves pour le mariage.I need to buy new shoes for the wedding.
- Les chaussures en cuir sont généralement confortables.Leather shoes are usually comfortable.
- J'ai besoin de nouveaux souliers pour mon entretien d'embauche.I need new shoes for my job interview.
- Les souliers noirs sont souvent portés avec un costume.Black shoes are often worn with a suit.
- J'ai acheté de nouvelles pompes pour sortir en soirée.I bought new shoes to go out in the evening.
- Ah, j'ai marché dans une flaque d'eau avec mes godasses neuves !Oh no, I stepped in a puddle with my new shoes!
- J'aime beaucoup tes nouvelles chaussures.I really like your new shoes.
- Où sont mes chaussures de sport ?Where are my sneakers?
- Ces chaussures sont trop petites pour moi.These shoes are too small for me.
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are getting ready to go for a walk.
- ManonHugo, tu as vu mes chaussures ?Hugo, have you seen my shoes?
- HugoElles sont sous le lit.They are under the bed.
- ManonMerci, je les ai trouvées.Thanks, I found them.
- HugoPrête pour la promenade ?Ready for the walk?
