double vé
The English phrase "double u" is translated into French as double vé.
This phrase is used to name the twenty-third letter of the English alphabet, W.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of the word double and the name of the letter v (vé), literally meaning "double v".
Did you know?
- The name for the letter vé is not just a phonetic label but is actually an imperative command meaning 'see!' in Occitan.
- French refers to the letter W as a 'double v' because the letter's shape resembles two v characters joined together, whereas English speakers call it a 'double u' based on its historical shape as two u characters.
Examples in context
- Le mot 'wagon' commence par un double v en français.The word 'wagon' starts with a double v in French.
- Comment s'écrit le double vé dans ce mot ?How is the double u written in this word?
- Il y a un double vé à la fin de son nom.There is a double u at the end of his name.
Example conversation
Chloé is helping Nathan spell a word in English.
- ChloéQuelle est la prochaine lettre ?What is the next letter?
- NathanC'est un double vé.It is a double u.
- ChloéMerci, Nathan.Thank you, Nathan.
- NathanDe rien, Chloé.You're welcome, Chloé.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries double, vé, CC BY-SA 4.0.
