boîte à biscuits
The English phrase "cookie jar" is translated into French as boîte à biscuits.
The term refers to a vessel for storing food.
Meaning: a vessel for storing food (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of boîte (box), à (for/with) and biscuits (biscuits/cookies).
Did you know?
- In French slang, the word boîte is used to refer to a nightclub. If someone says they are going to la boîte, they are not heading to a container of cookies, but to a dance club.
- While biscuits translates to 'cookies', in France a biscuit is typically a dry, crunchy cake, whereas a 'cookie' is often referred to specifically as un cookie to describe the American-style soft cookie with chips.
- The French word boîte is a direct relative of the English word 'box'. Both words share a common ancestor in the Latin word buxus, which refers to the box tree used to make small containers.
Examples in context
- Je viens d'acheter un magnifique bocal à biscuits en céramique.I just bought a beautiful ceramic cookie jar.
- Tu peux me passer le pot à cookies, s'il te plaît?Can you pass me the cookie jar, please?
- Elle a posé la boîte à biscuits sur la table.She placed the cookie jar on the table.
- Où est la boîte à biscuits ?Where is the cookie jar?
- La boîte à biscuits est vide.The cookie jar is empty.
Example conversation
Hugo is looking for a snack in the kitchen.
- LéaHugo, tu cherches la boîte à biscuits ?Hugo, are you looking for the cookie jar?
- HugoOui, je veux un biscuit.Yes, I want a cookie.
- LéaElle est dans le placard.It is in the cupboard.
- HugoMerci, Léa.Thanks, Léa.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries boîte, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
