attrape-rêves
The English phrase "dream catcher" is translated into French as attrape-rêves.
The term refers to a decorative object made of hoops and netting used to filter out bad dreams.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine and is used with the indefinite article un (un attrape-rêves).
Did you know?
- The term attrape-rêves is a direct calque of the English 'dream catcher', reflecting the global spread of Indigenous North American culture into the French language.
- The structure of attrape-rêves mirrors other common French compound nouns like attrape-nigaud, which means 'idiot-catcher' or 'way to fool someone'.
- The verb in attrape-rêves, attraper, often carries a more physical or sudden connotation, like 'to snatch' or 'to grab', compared to the smoother 'to catch' in English.
Examples in context
- J'ai accroché un bel attrape-rêves au-dessus de mon litI hung a beautiful dream catcher above my bed
- On m'a offert un capteur de rêves pour protéger mes nuitsI was given a dream catcher to protect my nights
- J'ai acheté un attrape-rêves coloré.I bought a colorful dream catcher.
- L'attrape-rêves est suspendu à la fenêtre.The dream catcher is hanging from the window.
- Elle fabrique un bel attrape-rêves à la main.She is making a beautiful handmade dream catcher.
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are in a gift shop.
- EmmaRegarde ce bel attrape-rêves, Hugo !Look at this beautiful dream catcher, Hugo!
- HugoIl est très joli, Emma.It is very pretty, Emma.
- EmmaTu penses qu'il convient pour sa chambre ?Do you think it would suit her room?
- HugoOui, c'est un excellent cadeau.Yes, it is an excellent gift.
