nettoyage à sec uniquement
The phrase "dry clean only" in French is nettoyage à sec uniquement.
This phrase is used as a clothing label instruction to state that a garment must be cleaned by a professional using chemical solvents instead of water.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase nettoyage à sec uniquement is composed of nettoyage (cleaning), à sec (dry) and uniquement (only).
Which one should you use?
While nettoyage à sec uniquement is a standard instruction, Lavage à sec requis is another formal way to express that dry cleaning is required.
Did you know?
- In France, the term pressing is a borrowed English word that has evolved to mean both the physical shop and the service of dry cleaning.
- If you are at a shop, instead of using the full phrase, you can ask Est-ce que ça passe en machine? to ask if the item is machine washable.
- The word sec in nettoyage à sec is a cognate of the English word 'siccatif', which refers to a drying agent used in paints and varnishes.
Examples in context
- Bonjour, pouvez-vous me dire s'il faut le faire nettoyer à sec ?Hello, can you tell me if it needs to be dry cleaned?
- Ce costume nécessite un nettoyage à sec uniquement.This suit requires dry cleaning only.
- Il est écrit nettoyage à sec uniquement sur l'étiquette.It says dry clean only on the label.
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are checking the care label of a new jacket.
- ManonNathan, regarde l'étiquette de cette veste.Nathan, look at the label on this jacket.
- NathanAh, c'est marqué nettoyage à sec uniquement.Ah, it says dry clean only.
- ManonOn ne peut donc pas la laver à la machine.So we can't wash it in the machine.
- NathanNon, il faut l'emmener au pressing.No, we have to take it to the dry cleaners.
