canapés
The English phrase couches is translated into French as canapés.
In French, canapés refers to large pieces of furniture for sitting. Note that the word canapé is also used in French to describe the same small savory appetizers that English speakers call canapés.
Which one should you use?
In English, canapés refers to small appetizers, whereas in French, canapés refers to large pieces of furniture for sitting.
Did you know?
- Because canapé means both 'couch' and 'appetizer', a French speaker might jokingly refer to a very comfortable couch as a 'delicious' place to sit.
- While canapé is the general term, a méridienne is a specific type of couch designed for napping during the midday heat.
- The term canapé shares an etymological root with the Greek word for 'mat' or 'bed', emphasizing the object's origins as a place for reclining.
Examples in context
- Yanni était caché derrière l'un des canapés de Skura.Yanni was hiding behind one of Skura's couches.Tatoeba #13345095 by genes1s, translation #9995541 by Amastan
- J'ai acheté trois grands canapés.I bought three large couches.Tatoeba #10810530 by carlosalberto, translation #10810516 by carlosalberto
- J'ai acheté de nouveaux canapés pour mon salon.I bought new couches for my living room.
- Les canapés de ce salon sont très confortables.The couches in this living room are very comfortable.
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are looking at furniture in a showroom.
- ManonEst-ce que tu aimes ces canapés ?Do you like these couches?
- GabrielOui, ils sont très beaux, Manon.Yes, they are very beautiful, Manon.
- ManonOn devrait les acheter pour notre nouvel appartement.We should buy them for our new apartment.
- GabrielC'est une excellente idée, je suis d'accord.That is an excellent idea, I agree.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
