distributeur de chewing-gum
The English phrase gumball machine is translated into French as distributeur de chewing-gum.
The term refers to a coin-operated machine.
Meaning: coin-operated machine (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of distributeur (dispenser/distributor) and chewing-gum (chewing gum).
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, distributeurs de chewing-gum, add an s to the first noun distributeur, while chewing-gum remains singular as it acts as a mass noun describing the type of item.
Did you know?
- The term chewing-gum is used throughout the French-speaking world, but in Quebec, the term gomme à mâcher is more common.
- The word distributeur is used for many machines that English speakers call 'vending machines', such as those for tickets distributeur de billets or coffee.
- In France, you might find distributeurs for small toys or capsules that are called machines à surprises rather than distributeurs de chewing-gum.
Examples in context
- Je peux utiliser le distributeur automatique de bonbons ?May I use the gumball machine?
- Est-ce que je pourrais utiliser le distributeur de chewing-gums ?Could I use the gumball machine, please?
- Il y a un distributeur de chewing-gum ici.There is a gumball machine here.
- Le distributeur de chewing-gum est cassé.The gumball machine is broken.
- Je cherche un distributeur de chewing-gum.I am looking for a gumball machine.
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are walking past a small shop.
- LucasRegarde ce vieux distributeur de chewing-gum !Look at that old gumball machine!
- LéaOh, il est très mignon, Lucas.Oh, it is very cute, Lucas.
- LucasEst-ce qu'il fonctionne encore ?Does it still work?
- LéaJe ne sais pas, essayons avec une pièce.I don't know, let's try with a coin.
