glaçons
The English phrase "ice cubes" is glaçons in French.
glaçons refers specifically to the small, solid pieces of frozen water used to cool drinks.
What does it mean word for word?
The word comes from glace (ice) combined with the diminutive suffix -on, which literally translates to "little ice".
Which one should you use?
While glace can mean ice in a general sense or even "ice cream", glaçon is the specific term used for the cubes placed in beverages.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine. In the singular, you would use the article un (an ice cube) and in the plural, you use des (ice cubes).
What mistakes should you avoid?
When writing, remember to include the cedilla under the c in glaçons. Without this hook, the c would be pronounced like a k instead of an s.
Did you know?
- In French, glace can mean 'ice', 'ice cream' or 'mirror'. Because of this, asking for de la glace in a cafe might leave the server unsure if you want a mirror or a frozen treat.
- France has a strong tradition of café glacé, but unlike the American iced coffee, it is often served as a hot coffee poured over glaçons to chill it quickly.
- While glaçons is the standard term, some French speakers use the word cubes de glace to be hyper-specific, often when referring to commercial ice trays.
Examples in context
- Ces glaçons vont bientôt fondre.These ice cubes will melt soon.This sentence shows the use of glaçons to describe melting.Tatoeba #6447061 by GB3, translation #681457 by Source_VOA
- Tu veux des glaçons ?Do you want some ice cubes?This sentence uses glaçons to offer someone ice cubes.Tatoeba #8815849 by carlosalberto, translation #8815834 by carlosalberto
- Les glaçons ont fondu dans mon verre.The ice cubes melted in my glass.This sentence demonstrates how glaçons can melt inside a glass.Tatoeba #12248315 by carlosalberto, translation #12248304 by carlosalberto
- J'ai besoin de quelques glaçons, s'il te plaît.I need a few ice cubes, please.
- Je voudrais une poignée de glaçons, s'il vous plaît.I would like a handful of ice cubes, please.
- Je vais faire des glaçons maintenant.I am going to make some ice cubes now.
- Elle a oublié de faire des glaçons pour la fête.She forgot to make ice cubes for the party.
- Je peux avoir des glaçons, s'il te plaît?Can I have some ice cubes, please?
- Tu peux me passer les glaçons?Can you pass me the ice cubes?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are preparing drinks in the kitchen.
- ChloéLucas, est-ce qu'il reste des glaçons ?Lucas, are there any ice cubes left?
- LucasNon, je dois en chercher au magasin.No, I have to go get some at the store.
- ChloéOh mince, je préfère mon jus avec des glaçons.Oh shoot, I prefer my juice with ice cubes.
- LucasNe t'inquiète pas, j'en achète tout de suite.Don't worry, I'll buy some right away.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
