dans le sens des aiguilles d’une montre
The English phrase 'clockwise' can be said in French as dans le sens des aiguilles d’une montre. Wiktionary also lists dans le sens horaire.
Meaning: in a circular fashion in the same direction as the hands of an analogue clock (adv)
Ways to say it
| French |
|---|
| dans le sens des aiguilles d’une montre |
| dans le sens horaire |
These phrases describe moving in a circular fashion in the same direction as the hands of an analogue clock.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase dans le sens des aiguilles d’une montre literally translates to 'in the direction of the hands of a watch'.
Which one should you use?
dans le sens des aiguilles d’une montre is the standard phrase for clockwise, while dans le sens horaire is another way to express the same idea. To say 'counter-clockwise', use dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d’une montre.
Did you know?
- In French, the hands of a clock are called aiguilles, which is the same word used for 'needles'.
- The term montre for a watch is actually a 'deverbal' noun. It is derived from the verb montrer, meaning 'to show', referring to something that shows the time.
- The term sens horaire is more common in technical, mathematical, or scientific contexts, whereas sens des aiguilles d’une montre is used in daily conversation.
Examples in context
- Tournez les vis dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montreTurn the screws clockwise
- Remuez la préparation dans le sens de la montre pendant deux minutes.Stir the mixture clockwise for two minutes.
Example conversation
Gabriel is helping Manon open a jar.
- GabrielEssaie de tourner le couvercle dans le sens des aiguilles d’une montre.Try turning the lid clockwise.
- ManonC'est pour le refermer, non ?That's to close it, right?
- GabrielOui, mais je veux voir s'il est bloqué.Yes, but I want to see if it is stuck.
- ManonD'accord, je vais essayer.Okay, I will try.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clockwise” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dans, des, horaire, le, montre, sens, CC BY-SA 4.0.
