cotons-tiges
The English phrase "cotton swabs" is translated into French as cotons-tiges.
The term refers to small sticks with cotton tips used for cleaning ears or applying makeup.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a compound of cotons (cottons) and tiges (sticks).
Did you know?
- The word tige is also used in French to describe the 'stem' of a wine glass, though the glass is more commonly called a verre à pied.
- Because cotons-tiges is a compound noun, both parts of the word are pluralized in writing, which is an uncommon pattern for many English speakers learning French noun compounds.
- If you look for these in a French pharmacy, you might also see them labeled under the category of 'accessoires de démaquillage' if they are intended for makeup use.
Examples in context
- Je nettoie mes oreilles à l'aide de cotons-tiges.I clean my ears using cotton swabs.This sentence is useful for describing the act of cleaning one's ears with cotons-tiges.Tatoeba #9815141 by lbdx, translation #4110253 by Lepotdeterre
- Il me faut des cotons-tiges pour mon maquillage.I need some cotton swabs for my makeup.
- Est-ce qu'il y a des cotons-tiges dans la salle de bain ?Are there any cotton swabs in the bathroom?
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are in the bathroom getting ready.
- EmmaNathan, peux-tu me donner des cotons-tiges ?Nathan, can you give me some cotton swabs?
- NathanTiens, les voici.Here, here they are.
- EmmaMerci beaucoup.Thank you very much.
- NathanDe rien, Emma.You're welcome, Emma.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
