nœud pour cheveux
The English phrase hair bow is translated into French as nœud pour cheveux.
nœud pour cheveux is used to refer to the decorative accessory itself, such as a ribbon tied into a bow intended to be worn in the hair.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of nœud (knot or bow) and pour cheveux (for hair).
Which one should you use?
nœud pour cheveux describes the object as a standalone item. In contrast, if you are describing a bow that is already placed in someone's hair, you would use the phrase un nœud dans les cheveux (a bow in the hair).
Did you know?
- In French, the word nœud is a 'doublet' of the word 'knout', a type of heavy whip, because both words evolved from the same historical root.
- The French word nœud is used in the phrase le nœud de l'intrigue to refer to the 'climax' or the central complication of a story's plot.
- The word nœud is used in the French phrase avoir un nœud à l'estomac to describe the physical sensation of anxiety, similar to the English 'knot in my stomach'.
Examples in context
- Elle porte un joli nœud pour cheveux.She is wearing a pretty hair bow.
- J'ai acheté un nœud pour cheveux rose.I bought a pink hair bow.
- Ce nœud pour cheveux est très élégant.This hair bow is very elegant.
Example conversation
Emma is getting ready for a party and shows her hair accessory to Hugo.
- EmmaRegarde mon nouveau nœud pour cheveux, Hugo !Look at my new hair bow, Hugo!
- HugoIl est magnifique, Emma.It is magnificent, Emma.
- EmmaTu aimes la couleur ?Do you like the color?
- HugoOui, elle te va très bien.Yes, it suits you very well.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nœud, pour, CC BY-SA 4.0.
