sous-verre
feminine, masculine
The English word coaster is sous-verre in French. Wiktionary also lists dessous de verre and dessous-de-bouteille.
Meaning: small object on which a cup, etc., is placed to protect a table surface (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sous-verre | feminine, masculine | |
| dessous de verre | /də.su d(ə) vɛʁ/ | masculine |
| dessous-de-bouteille | masculine |
A coaster is a small object on which a cup, etc., is placed to protect a table surface (noun).
What does it mean word for word?
The term sous-verre is a compound of the preposition sous (under) and verre (glass). The term dessous de verre is a compound of the noun dessous (underneath) and verre (glass).
Which one should you use?
The term dessous-de-bouteille refers specifically to a coaster used for a bottle rather than a glass.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Je vous prie de bien vouloir utiliser des sous-verres pour protéger la table.Please use coasters to protect the table.
- N'oublie pas d'utiliser un sous-verre.Don't forget to use a coaster.
- Où est mon sous-verre ?Where is my coaster?
- Pose ton verre sur un sous-verre.Put your glass on a coaster.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are in the living room.
- GabrielManon, attention à la table en bois.Manon, watch out for the wooden table.
- ManonPourquoi ? Je ne fais rien de mal.Why? I'm not doing anything wrong.
- GabrielUtilise un sous-verre pour ton thé.Use a coaster for your tea.
- ManonAh, tu as raison, merci Gabriel.Ah, you're right, thanks Gabriel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coaster” translations and entries sous-verre, dessous de verre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, dessous, sous-verre, verre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
