chandelle de glace
feminine
The English word 'icicle' is translated into French as chandelle de glace. Wiktionary also lists glaçon.
Meaning: a spear-shape of ice (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| chandelle de glace | feminine | |
| glaçon | /ɡla.sɔ̃/ | masculine |
The term refers to a spear-shaped formation of ice. While chandelle de glace describes the hanging structure, avoid using glaçon for this purpose, as that term refers to a piece of ice like an ice cube.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase chandelle de glace literally translates to 'candle of ice'.
Which one should you use?
In contrast, glaçon refers to a piece of ice, such as an ice cube.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural 'icicles', add an 's' to the first word to get chandelles de glace.
Did you know?
- The word glace can mean 'ice', 'mirror' or 'radiance' in French. This is because the modern word developed from both the Latin term for ice and the Frankish term for glass.
- The term chandelle refers to a traditional wax candle. French speakers use this imagery to describe the way an icicle forms through dripping and freezing, mimicking a melting candle in reverse.
- In French, the word glaçon is the diminutive form of glace, essentially meaning 'a little ice'.
Examples in context
- Regarde cette grande chandelle de glace !Look at that big icicle!
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are walking outside in winter.
- NathanAttention, Emma, il y a une chandelle de glace ici.Watch out, Emma, there is an icicle here.
- EmmaOh, elle a l'air très pointue !Oh, it looks very sharp!
- NathanOui, ne t'approche pas trop d'elle.Yes, don't get too close to it.
- EmmaTu as raison, Nathan, je fais attention.You are right, Nathan, I'll be careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “icicle” translations and entries glaçon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chandelle, de, glace, glaçon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
