boissons fraîches
The English phrase 'cold drinks' is translated into French as boissons fraîches.
The phrase refers to beverages that are served at a low temperature.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun boissons (drinks/beverages) and the adjective fraîches (cold/fresh).
Which one should you use?
While boissons fraîches implies a refreshing coolness, using the phrase boissons froides would imply a lower, more literal temperature (ice-cold).
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the phrase is boisson fraîche. Because boissons is a feminine plural noun, the adjective fraîches must also take the feminine plural ending.
Did you know?
- Using the term boissons froides in a social setting can sound clinical, as if the drinks are chilled for a scientific experiment rather than for enjoyment.
- While boissons fraîches is common, you will often see boissons fraîches et snacks on French vending machines, where 'snacks' is a borrowed English word used as a standard French term.
- The adjective fraîche is a linguistic double agent, as it means both 'cold' and 'fresh', meaning a 'boisson fraîche' can describe a drink that is chilled or a drink that is recently made.
Examples in context
- Quelles boissons fraîches as-tu ?What cold drinks do you have?This sentence is useful for asking what cold drinks someone has using the form boissons fraîches.Tatoeba #468603 by sacredceltic, translation #464520 by lukaszpp
- Voulez-vous des boissons fraîches pour la réunion ?Would you like some cold drinks for the meeting?
- J'ai tellement soif, il me faut une boisson froide !I'm so thirsty, I need a cold drink!
- Nous avons des boissons fraîches au réfrigérateur.We have cold drinks in the refrigerator.
- Je cherche des boissons fraîches pour la fête.I am looking for cold drinks for the party.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are at a summer picnic.
- LéaEst-ce que tu as apporté des boissons fraîches ?Did you bring any cold drinks?
- LucasOui, j'ai mis des boissons fraîches dans la glacière.Yes, I put some cold drinks in the cooler.
- LéaC'est parfait pour cette chaleur !That is perfect for this heat!
- LucasTiens, prends un verre, Léa.Here, have a glass, Léa.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
