huile de chanvre
The English phrase 'hemp oil' is translated into French as huile de chanvre.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of huile (oil), de (of) and chanvre (hemp).
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the definite article 'the', the 'e' in 'la' is elided before the vowel in 'huile', resulting in l'huile de chanvre.
Did you know?
- The 'h' in huile was added during the Middle French period to clarify that the u was a vowel. At the time, printers used the letters 'u' and 'v' interchangeably, so the 'h' prevented the word from being misread.
- The word chanvre is a linguistic relative of the English word 'canvas'. Both derive from the same ancient root describing the coarse fabric made from hemp fibers.
- In French, the word chanvre refers specifically to the industrial hemp plant used for textiles and oil. If a French speaker refers to the psychoactive variety, they will almost always use cannabis instead.
Examples in context
- Je cherche de l'huile de chanvre pour ma peau.I am looking for hemp oil for my skin.
- J'utilise de l'huile de chanvre pour ma peau.I use hemp oil for my skin.
- Cette huile de chanvre est très nourrissante.This hemp oil is very nourishing.
- Est-ce que tu vends de l'huile de chanvre ?Do you sell hemp oil?
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are at a natural health store.
- LéaEst-ce que cette huile de chanvre est bio ?Is this hemp oil organic?
- GabrielOui, elle est certifiée biologique.Yes, it is certified organic.
- LéaParfait, je vais prendre l'huile de chanvre.Perfect, I will take the hemp oil.
- GabrielTrès bon choix, Léa.Very good choice, Léa.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chanvre, de, huile, CC BY-SA 4.0.
