courroie de transmission
The English phrase drive belt is translated into French as courroie de transmission.
A drive belt refers to a looped, flexible belt used to transmit power from one pulley to another within a machine. In many mechanical contexts, you can shorten the phrase to just courroie if the purpose of the belt is already understood through the context.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase courroie de transmission is composed of courroie, meaning belt and de transmission, meaning of transmission.
Which one should you use?
While courroie de transmission is a standard way to express the concept, you may also encounter courroie motrice. Additionally, you can use the shortened form courroie when the transmission aspect is already clear.
Did you know?
- In French, courroie can also refer to a 'belt' in a non-mechanical sense, such as the strap of a bag or a leash, whereas 'ceinture' is used for a waist belt.
- While courroie de transmission is the technical term, a mechanic might simply refer to a 'broken' machine by saying la courroie a lâché, which literally means 'the belt has let go'.
- The word courroie traces its roots back to the Latin corrigia, which originally referred to a strap or a piece of leather used to correct or tighten something.
Examples in context
- J'ai besoin de changer la courroie de transmission de ma voiture.I need to replace the drive belt of my car.
- La courroie de transmission de la machine à laver.The drive belt of the washing machine.
- La courroie de transmission du système de climatisation.The drive belt of the air conditioning system.
- Regarde cette courroie de transmission. Elle est usée.Look at this drive belt. It's worn out.
- J'ai commandé deux courroies de transmission pour ma voiture.I ordered two drive belts for my car.
- La courroie de transmission est usée.The drive belt is worn out.
- La courroie de transmission est cassée.The drive belt is broken.
- Il faut changer la courroie de transmission.The drive belt needs to be changed.
- Vérifie l'état de la courroie de transmission.Check the condition of the drive belt.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are looking at a broken machine in a workshop.
- GabrielLe moteur fait un bruit bizarre, Manon.The engine is making a strange noise, Manon.
- ManonJe pense que c'est la courroie de transmission.I think it is the drive belt.
- GabrielEst-ce qu'elle est complètement cassée ?Is it completely broken?
- ManonOui, elle a sauté du support.Yes, it jumped off the mount.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries courroie, de, transmission, CC BY-SA 4.0.
