jeu du loup
The French phrase for game of tag is jeu du loup.
In France, while 'tag' is a generic concept, jeu du loup is the specific name used for this children's game. The player who is currently 'it' is often referred to as le loup.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase jeu du loup literally translates to 'game of the wolf'.
Which one should you use?
The noun phrase jeu du loup refers to the game itself, while the verb phrase jouer au loup is used when you want to say 'to play tag'.
Did you know?
- While jeu du loup is the standard term, some regions of France use chat meaning 'cat' to describe the person who is 'it'.
- If you are playing a version called chat perché, the game involves not just running, but also climbing onto high objects to be safe.
- The word jeu comes from the Latin word jocus, which is also the ancestor of the English word 'joke'.
Examples in context
- On joue au jeu du loup dans le jardin ?Are we playing a game of tag in the garden?
- Le petit garçon adore le jeu du loup.The little boy loves the game of tag.
Example conversation
Two children are playing in a park.
- HugoLéa, on joue au jeu du loup ?Léa, shall we play a game of tag?
- LéaOui, mais tu es le loup !Yes, but you are it!
- HugoD'accord, je commence à te chasser.Okay, I'm starting to chase you.
- LéaAttrape-moi si tu peux, Hugo !Catch me if you can, Hugo!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, jeu, loup, CC BY-SA 4.0.
