éventail
/e.vɑ̃.taj/masculine
The English phrase 'hand fan' is translated into French as éventail.
An éventail refers to a hand-held device.
Meaning: hand-held device (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word comes from the verb venter (to blow or wind) and the root for 'fan' or 'spread out', literally implying something that spreads the air.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the noun is created by adding an 's' to the end, resulting in éventails.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /e.vɑ̃.taj/ and consists of three syllables.
Did you know?
- In the 18th century, French ladies developed a complex secret language using the éventail to communicate romantic messages to suitors without speaking.
- The word éventail is used metaphorically in French to describe a 'spectrum' or 'range' of something, such as an éventail de couleurs for a 'range of colors'.
- In French, the term éventail is used to describe a variety of things that spread out, such as the shape of a certain type of leaf or a specific arrangement of muscles in the body.
Examples in context
- Je suis tellement contente d'avoir mon éventail à la main pendant cette chaleur.I am so glad to have my hand-held fan during this heatwave.
- Elle utilise un éventail pour se rafraîchir.She uses a hand fan to cool herself down.
- J'ai acheté un bel éventail.I bought a beautiful hand fan.
- Elle utilise son éventail pour se rafraîchir.She uses her hand fan to cool down.
- Où est mon éventail rose ?Where is my pink hand fan?
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are sitting in a hot cafe.
- GabrielIl fait vraiment très chaud ici.It is really very hot in here.
- ManonTu veux utiliser mon éventail ?Do you want to use my hand fan?
- GabrielOui, merci, c'est très gentil.Yes, thank you, that is very kind.
- ManonDe rien, Gabriel.You're welcome, Gabriel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hand fan” translations and entries éventail, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
