couches
In French, diapers is couches.
The term refers to the absorbent garments worn by babies to collect urine and feces.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some French Caribbean islands, you may hear the terms les pampers or les langes used for diapers.
How does it change in a sentence?
couches is the plural form of the singular noun couche.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may experience false cognate confusion. While couches means diapers in French, the English word 'couches' refers to pieces of furniture.
Did you know?
- The word couche comes from the verb coucher, meaning 'to put to bed' or 'to lie down'. It originally referred to the layers of fabric used to keep a baby dry during sleep.
- The term langes causes a regional divide: in France it means swaddling cloths, but in many French-speaking African countries it is the common word for diapers.
- While couches are for babies, the word couche is also used in geology and painting to describe a 'layer' or 'coat' of material.
Examples in context
- J'ai besoin de couches pour mon bébé.I need diapers for my baby.This sentence is useful for expressing the need to buy couches for a baby.Tatoeba #10700548 by lbdx, translation #10697388 by pndyjack
- Excusez-moi, où puis-je trouver les couches pour bébés?Excuse me, where can I find diapers for babies?
- Il y a beaucoup de couches dans le sac.There are many diapers in the bag.
- Est-ce que tu as acheté des couches ?Did you buy diapers?
Example conversation
A couple is checking their supplies at home.
- ManonNathan, est-ce qu'il reste des couches ?Nathan, are there any diapers left?
- NathanNon, il n'y en a plus du tout.No, there aren't any left at all.
- ManonJe vais en acheter après le travail.I will buy some after work.
- NathanD'accord, merci beaucoup Manon.Okay, thank you very much Manon.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
