pince à cheveux
The English phrase hair clip is pince à cheveux in French.
pince à cheveux is a general term for any clip used to hold back hair.
Meaning: clip to hold back the hair (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of pince (clip or clamp), à (for or with) and cheveux (hair).
Which one should you use?
While pince à cheveux is a general term for any clip, barrette specifically refers to decorative hair clips or barrettes.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun pince is feminine, so the indefinite article used is une (une pince à cheveux).
Did you know?
- The word pince is used for any gripping tool, from a 'hair clip' to 'tweezers' (pince à épiler) and even 'pliers' (pince coupante).
- In French, the word pincer used to create pince can also mean 'to pinch' someone's skin or 'to pluck' a string on a musical instrument.
- While pince à cheveux is common, French speakers also use the word barrette for the small clips that snap shut, a term that was borrowed directly into English.
Examples in context
- Tu as vu ma pince ? Je la cherchais partout.Have you seen my hair clip? I was looking for it everywhere.
- Je veux une barrette pour tenir ma frange.I want a hair clip to hold my bangs.
- Elle a perdu sa pince à cheveux.She lost her hair clip.
- Je cherche une jolie pince à cheveux.I am looking for a pretty hair clip.
- Ta pince à cheveux est bleue.Your hair clip is blue.
Example conversation
Emma is getting ready in front of a mirror.
- NathanOù est ta pince à cheveux ?Where is your hair clip?
- EmmaJe ne la trouve pas dans mon sac.I can't find it in my bag.
- NathanRegarde, elle est sur la table.Look, it is on the table.
- EmmaAh, merci Nathan !Ah, thanks Nathan!
