faire pousser les cheveux
The English phrase hair grow is expressed in French as faire pousser les cheveux.
This phrase is used when someone is intentionally allowing their hair to increase in length over time.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built using the causative verb faire (to make or cause) and the verb pousser (to grow or push).
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe the biological process of hair actually growing (without the sense of 'allowing' or 'making' it happen), use the intransitive verb pousser directly, as in les cheveux poussent.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use grandir when talking about hair. In French, grandir refers to a person growing taller or maturing, whereas pousser is the correct verb for hair, plants or things increasing in length.
Did you know?
- The word pousser comes from the Latin pulsāre, which means to strike or beat. This relates the growth of your hair to the same root found in the English word 'pulsate'.
- If you use grandir instead of pousser to describe hair, a French speaker might imagine the hair is maturing into an adult or gaining a personality.
- The verb pousser is used for everything from hair to plants to a cyclist pedaling, as they all involve a sense of pushing or driving forward. This shares a common root with the English word 'push'.
Examples in context
- Il faut stimuler la croissance des cheveux.We need to stimulate hair growth.
- J'utilise des produits naturels pour faire pousser mes cheveux.I use natural products to make my hair grow.
- Je me suis fait couper les cheveux, mais j'attends qu'ils repoussent.I got my hair cut, but I'm waiting for it to grow back.
- Les soins capillaires aident à stimuler la croissance des cheveux.Hair care products help stimulate hair growth.
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are talking about a new haircut.
- LucasJe ne vais plus couper mes cheveux.I'm not going to cut my hair anymore.
- LéaTu veux faire pousser les cheveux, Lucas ?Do you want to grow your hair out, Lucas?
- LucasOui, je veux essayer un nouveau style.Yes, I want to try a new style.
- LéaC'est une très bonne idée !That's a very good idea!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries faire, les, pousser, CC BY-SA 4.0.
