pistolet à colle chaude
The English phrase "hot glue gun" is pistolet à colle chaude in French.
Meaning: tool (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of pistolet (pistol/gun), à (for/with), colle (glue) and chaude (hot).
Which one should you use?
While pistolet à colle chaude is the full name, speakers often omit the word chaude and simply say pistolet à colle to refer to the same tool.
How does it change in a sentence?
In many contexts, French speakers omit chaude and simply use the shorter form pistolet à colle to refer to a hot glue gun.
Did you know?
- In a classroom setting, une colle can refer to a detention or a specific type of oral examination where a student is grilled by a professor.
- The French word pistolet for 'gun' actually traces back to the Czech word píšťala, which means 'whistle'.
- While pistolet is used for a glue gun, using the word fusil for 'gun' in this context would be incorrect, as fusil typically refers to long guns like rifles.
Examples in context
- J'ai besoin d'un pistolet à colle chaude pour ce projet.I need a hot glue gun for this project.
- Pourriez-vous me montrer où je peux trouver un pistolet à colle chaude, s'il vous plaît?Could you show me where I can find a hot glue gun, please?
- J'ai besoin d'un pistolet à colle chaude.I need a hot glue gun.
- Le pistolet à colle chaude est encore chaud.The hot glue gun is still hot.
- Tu peux me prêter ton pistolet à colle chaude ?Can you lend me your hot glue gun?
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are working on a craft project at home.
- LéaLucas, as-tu un pistolet à colle chaude ?Lucas, do you have a hot glue gun?
- LucasOui, il est dans le tiroir.Yes, it is in the drawer.
- LéaMerci, je vais finir ce bricolage.Thanks, I am going to finish this craft.
- LucasFais attention à ne pas te brûler.Be careful not to burn yourself.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries colle, pistolet, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
