pièces
The English phrase coins is translated into French as pièces.
pièces is used to refer to small, flat, round pieces of metal used as money.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, pièces means 'pieces' in a general sense, but in the context of money, it means 'coins'.
Which one should you use?
While pièces refers specifically to coins, the word billets is used to refer to paper money or banknotes.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form une pièce is used to refer to a single coin.
Did you know?
- In French, a 'pièce' can also refer to a 'room' within a house or a 'part' of a machine. Without the context of money, a person might think you are talking about furniture or a theatrical 'play'.
- A common French idiom for being broke is ne plus avoir un sou, referring to the sou, a former small coin of the French currency.
- In French, the act of tossing a coin to make a decision is called tirer à pile ou face, referring to the 'heads' or 'tails' sides.
Examples in context
- Tom ramassa les pièces.Tom picked the coins up.This sentence shows how to use pièces when describing picking them up.Tatoeba #11900677 by zogwarg, translation #11900669 by CK
- Il retira quelques pièces.He took out some coins.This sentence shows how to use pièces when describing taking some out.Tatoeba #1328790 by sacredceltic, translation #288983 by CK
- Ces pièces ont peu de valeur.These coins are of little value.This sentence shows how to use pièces when discussing the value of coins.Tatoeba #10890029 by lbdx, translation #55218 by CK
- Les pièces de 1 centime, 5 centimes et 10 centimesThe 1 cent, 5 cent, and 10 cent coins
- 47 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are at a vending machine in a train station.
- GabrielIl me manque des pièces pour cette machine.I am missing some coins for this machine.
- ChloéJe peux te prêter quelques pièces, Gabriel.I can lend you a few coins, Gabriel.
- GabrielMerci beaucoup, Chloé, c'est très gentil.Thank you very much, Chloé, that is very kind.
- ChloéDe rien, j'ai toujours des pièces dans mon sac.You're welcome, I always have coins in my bag.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
