sac de courses
The English phrase 'grocery bag' is translated into French as sac de courses.
A sac de courses refers to a bag used for carrying food and other items purchased at a store. In this context, the word courses refers to the act of shopping for provisions or running errands.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of sac (bag) and de courses (of shopping/errands).
Which one should you use?
While sac de courses is the standard term, sac de provisions is a more old-fashioned or specific way to refer to a bag of supplies.
Did you know?
- Because courses refers to 'errands' or 'races', a sac de courses is literally a 'bag of races'.
- The word 'sac' in French shares an etymological ancestor with the English word 'ransack'. Both stem from Old Norse roots related to searching or sacking through an area.
- Because of strict environmental laws in France, you will rarely hear a shopkeeper offer a sac for free, as they are often required to sell them or encourage reusable ones.
Examples in context
- Je vais prendre un sac d'épicerie pour faire mes courses.I am going to take a grocery bag to do my shopping.
- J'ai besoin d'un sac pour mettre mes achats.I need a bag to put my purchases in.
- N'oubliez pas le sac de courses dans la voiture.Don't forget the grocery bag in the car.
- N'oublie pas ton sac de courses.Don't forget your grocery bag.
- Le sac de courses est très lourd.The grocery bag is very heavy.
- Où est mon sac de courses ?Where is my grocery bag?
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are in the kitchen after returning from the supermarket.
- LucasJe pose le sac de courses sur la table.I am putting the grocery bag on the table.
- ManonMerci, Lucas. Est-ce qu'il est lourd ?Thanks, Lucas. Is it heavy?
- LucasOui, ce sac de courses est vraiment lourd.Yes, this grocery bag is really heavy.
- ManonJe vais t'aider à tout ranger.I will help you put everything away.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, sac, CC BY-SA 4.0.
