peigne
/pɛɲ/
The English phrase hair comb is translated into French as peigne.
The term refers to a tool with a row of teeth used for untangling or arranging hair. If you are referring specifically to a small or pocket-sized hair comb, the informal term peignette is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
peigne is a masculine noun. The verb derived from this noun, meaning to comb, is peigner.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɛɲ/
Did you know?
- The expression peigner la girafe is a humorous way to say someone is doing a tedious and pointless task, literally meaning 'to comb the giraffe'.
- In French folklore, the peigne is often associated with vanity or superstition, and some traditional beliefs suggest that combing one's hair at night can invite bad luck.
- The word peigne shares its roots with the English word 'pectoral', which refers to the chest, because both come from the Latin 'pecten' meaning a comb or a crest.
Examples in context
- Je me coiffe avec un peigne tous les matins.I comb my hair with a hair comb every morning.
- Je ne peux pas trouver ma peignette, as-tu la tienne ?I can't find my hair comb, do you have yours?
- Je cherche mon peigne dans le sac.I am looking for my hair comb in the bag.
- Il a laissé son peigne sur la table.He left his hair comb on the table.
- Est-ce que tu peux me prêter un peigne ?Can you lend me a hair comb?
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are getting ready in the bathroom.
- HugoManon, as-tu vu mon peigne ?Manon, have you seen my comb?
- ManonOui, il est sur l'étagère.Yes, it is on the shelf.
- HugoMerci, je ne le trouvais plus.Thanks, I couldn't find it anymore.
- ManonDe rien, Hugo.You're welcome, Hugo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry peigne, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries peigne, CC BY-SA 4.0.
