paillettes
The French word for glitter is paillettes.
paillettes is used to refer to shiny, decorative adornments. This term is also used in fashion and textiles to describe sequins or small, shiny discs sewn onto clothing.
Meaning: shiny, decoractive adornment (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
While the word is most commonly used in the plural form 'paillettes' to refer to glitter in general, the singular form une paillette refers to a single flake or particle of glitter. Additionally, the adjective form pailleté can be used to describe something that is covered in or has the appearance of glitter.
Did you know?
- The word paillette shares its root with paille, the word for 'straw', because the early gold flakes looked like tiny pieces of straw.
- The term paillette is used in the French culinary world to describe very thin, crispy flakes of fried dough or pastry.
- In French, the word paillette is used for the tiny, flat scales found on certain fish, particularly in the context of fishing or biology.
Examples in context
- Le colis contenait de nombreuses paillettes qui brillaient de mille feux.The package contained numerous glittering sequins.
- La robe scintillait sous les projecteurs grâce aux paillettes cousues à la main.The dress sparkled under the spotlights, thanks to the hand-sewn sequins.
- Il y a des paillettes sur la table.There is glitter on the table.
- J'adore l'effet des paillettes sur ce tissu.I love the effect of the glitter on this fabric.
- Elle a mis des paillettes sur ses joues.She put glitter on her cheeks.
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are preparing for a costume party.
- LéaGabriel, regarde ces belles paillettes dorées !Gabriel, look at these beautiful golden glitters!
- GabrielElles sont très brillantes pour ton costume.They are very shiny for your costume.
- LéaTu penses que je dois en ajouter ?Do you think I should add some?
- GabrielOui, ça rendra ta tenue parfaite.Yes, it will make your outfit perfect.
