moitié-moitié
In French, "half and half" is expressed as moitié-moitié.
The phrase moitié-moitié is used to describe a mixture of two things in roughly equal proportions. It is also commonly used when splitting a bill or a task between two people.
Meaning: a mixture of two things, generally in about equal proportions (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a reduplication of the word moitié, which means "half". Literally, it translates to "half-half".
How does it change in a sentence?
Whether used as an invariable noun or an adverbial phrase, moitié-moitié does not change its form to match gender or number.
Did you know?
- The concept of moitié is often used romantically in French. Calling a partner ma moitié is the equivalent of calling them 'my other half' or 'my soulmate'.
- While a learner might use moitié-moitié to divide a bill, in many French-speaking regions, people instead use the term moitié-moitié to refer specifically to a certain type of spiced, alcoholic beverage.
- The phrase moitié-moitié is an example of a reduplication, a linguistic tool the French use rarely compared to English phrases like 'win-win'.
Examples in context
- Moitié-moitié ?Half and half?This example shows how to use moitié-moitié as a question.Tatoeba #8776030 by Prolix10, translation #8776134 by Adelpa
- Nous avons décidé de partager les coûts du projet à parts égales.We decided to split the project costs half and half.
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are deciding how to split a dessert.
- LucasOn partage le gâteau ?Shall we share the cake?
- LéaOui, on fait moitié-moitié.Yes, let's do half and half.
- LucasC'est parfait pour nous deux.That's perfect for both of us.
- LéaJe coupe la part maintenant.I'll cut the slice now.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
