Getting a haircut while in a French-speaking country can be an exciting experience. Knowing how to communicate your desired haircut style or asking for recommendations from a hairdresser can significantly enhance your salon visit. In this guide, we will explore the different ways to say “haircut” in French, both formally and informally, providing helpful tips and examples along the way.
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Formal Ways to Say Haircut in French
When attempting to convey the word “haircut” in a formal context, you may use the following expressions:
- Coupe de cheveux: This is the most common and standard way to say “haircut” in French. It directly translates to “hair cut” and is suitable for any formal setting.
- Taille de cheveux: Another formal term, it translates to “hair size” or “hair length” and is often used interchangeably with “coupe de cheveux” when referring to a haircut.
Informal Ways to Say Haircut in French
If you’re in a casual setting or amongst friends, you might prefer to use these more informal expressions:
- Coupe: This abbreviation of “coupe de cheveux” is widely used in informal conversations. For example, you could say “Je vais me faire une coupe” to indicate that you are going to get a haircut.
- Coupe de tifs: This is a playful and colloquial term for “haircut” that you might come across in some regions of France. However, it’s important to note that it is not used universally and might not be understood in all French-speaking areas.
Tips and Examples
When visiting a French hair salon and discussing your desired haircut, it’s helpful to know a few essential terms and phrases:
- Les cheveux: This means “hair” in French. For instance, if you want to specify a specific area of your hair that needs attention, you can say “Les cheveux devant” (the hair in front) or “Les cheveux derrière” (the hair in the back).
- Les longueurs: This refers to “lengths” in French. If you want to communicate the length of your desired haircut, you can use phrases such as “Je voudrais les longueurs raccourcies” (I would like the lengths shortened) or “Je souhaite garder les longueurs” (I would like to keep the lengths as they are).
- La frange: The word for “bangs” in French. You can say “Je veux une frange” (I want bangs) or “Je veux des mèches sur le front” (I want some strands on the forehead).
- Les côtés: Referring to the “sides” of the hair. You could say “Je veux les côtés dégradés” (I want the sides faded) or “Je veux les côtés rasés” (I want the sides shaved).
Example conversation:
Hairdresser: Bonjour, que puis-je faire pour vous aujourd’hui ? (Hello, what can I do for you today?)
You: Bonjour, je voudrais une coupe de cheveux. J’aimerais garder la longueur mais rafraîchir les pointes. Et est-ce que vous pouvez me faire une frange sur le front ? (Hello, I would like a haircut. I would like to keep the length but trim the ends. And could you give me bangs on the forehead?)
Hairdresser: Bien sûr, je vais m’occuper de cela. Asseyez-vous, je commence tout de suite. (Of course, I’ll take care of that. Please have a seat, I’ll start right away.)
Remember, when you have a clear idea of the type of haircut you want, it is easier to communicate your preferences to the hairdresser, regardless of the language barrier.
Conclusion
Knowing how to say “haircut” in French can greatly improve your salon experience while in a French-speaking country. Remember to use “coupe de cheveux” for formal situations, “taille de cheveux” if referring to hair length, and “coupe” or “coupe de tifs” when among friends or in a more relaxed atmosphere. Familiarity with additional hair-related terms will also help you clearly express your desired style to the hairstylist. Enjoy your haircutting experience and embrace the opportunity to explore a new language and culture!
