étui à lunettes
The English phrase "glasses case" is translated into French as étui à lunettes.
étui à lunettes refers to a protective container used for storing and carrying eyeglasses.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of étui (case/holder) and à lunettes (for glasses).
How does it change in a sentence?
The preposition à is used here to indicate the purpose or function of the object. When making the phrase plural, you only pluralize the noun: étuis à lunettes (glasses cases). The à lunettes part remains unchanged in the plural form.
Did you know?
- The word étui may have originated from a Germanic word meaning 'cupping glass' before it evolved into a general term for a case.
- The word lunettes is used in architecture to describe a small semicircular window or a specific type of opening in a ceiling.
- The noun étui is quite versatile and can be used for many different small, protective items, such as an étui à cigares for cigars or an étui à couteau for a knife.
Examples in context
- Je range toujours mes lunettes dans leur étui à lunettes pour les protéger.I always keep my glasses in their case to protect them.
- Où est mon étui à lunettes ?Where is my glasses case?
- Cet étui à lunettes est très solide.This glasses case is very sturdy.
- J'ai besoin d'un nouvel étui à lunettes.I need a new glasses case.
Example conversation
Léa is looking for her belongings in the living room.
- LéaLucas, tu as vu mon étui à lunettes ?Lucas, have you seen my glasses case?
- LucasIl est sur la table, à côté de ton sac.It is on the table, next to your bag.
- LéaAh oui, merci beaucoup !Oh yes, thank you very much!
- LucasDe rien, Léa.You're welcome, Léa.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries à, étui, CC BY-SA 4.0.
