ferme les yeux
The English phrase 'close your eyes' is translated into French as ferme les yeux.
This phrase is used as a request or a command to shut one's eyelids.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, ferme les yeux translates to 'close the eyes'. In this context, French uses the definite article instead of a possessive adjective to refer to body parts.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly try to use a possessive adjective like 'tes' (your) by saying ferme tes yeux. Instead, you should use the definite article les as in ferme les yeux.
Did you know?
- The word ferme in ferme les yeux shares a root with the English word 'firm'.
Examples in context
- Ferme les yeux et dors.Close your eyes and go to sleep.This sentence is useful for showing how to use ferme les yeux in a command to go to sleep.Tatoeba #135430 by nimfeo, translation #323793 by CK
- Ferme les yeux à nouveau.Close your eyes again.This sentence is useful for showing how to use ferme les yeux when asking someone to do something again.Tatoeba #5393688 by Aiji, translation #4574685 by Hybrid
- Ferme les yeux et fais un vœu.Close your eyes and make a wish.This sentence is useful for showing how to use ferme les yeux in the context of making a wish.Tatoeba #10510365 by pkill, translation #10510362 by CM
- Veuillez fermer les yeux pendant la prière.Please close your eyes during the prayer.
- Avant de souffler les bougies, ferme les yeux et fais un vœu!Before blowing out the candles, close your eyes and make a wish!
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo is surprising Emma with a small gift.
- HugoFerme les yeux, Emma.Close your eyes, Emma.
- EmmaC'est quoi la surprise ?What is the surprise?
- HugoFerme les yeux et attends.Close your eyes and wait.
- EmmaD'accord, je suis prête.Okay, I am ready.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ferme, les, yeux, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
