Bonjour! If you’re looking to expand your French vocabulary to include everyday objects, learning how to say “kitchen sink” is a great place to start. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to refer to the kitchen sink in French, providing you with plenty of tips and examples along the way. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Kitchen Sink
If you prefer a more polite or formal way of referring to the kitchen sink, here are some options:
1. Évier de cuisine
This is the most common and standard way to say “kitchen sink” in French. The word “évier” directly translates to “sink,” and by adding “de cuisine” you specify that it is a kitchen sink. This term is widely understood and used across French-speaking regions.
Example:
J’ai besoin de nettoyer ces légumes à l’évier de cuisine.
(I need to wash these vegetables at the kitchen sink.)
2. Lavabo de cuisine
Although “lavabo” primarily means “washbasin” in French, it can also be used to refer to a kitchen sink in more formal contexts. This term is less common but still valid.
Example:
Je vais remplir le lavabo de cuisine pour laver les ustensiles.
(I’m going to fill the kitchen sink to wash the utensils.)
Informal Ways to Say Kitchen Sink
When speaking casually or with friends and family, you might want to use less formal terms to refer to the kitchen sink. Here are some popular options:
1. Évier
The word “évier” on its own can also be used informally to refer to the kitchen sink. It’s a shorter and simpler way to express the same meaning.
Example:
Peux-tu remplir l’évier ? Je dois laver la vaisselle.
(Can you fill the sink? I need to wash the dishes.)
2. Bac
Another informal term that can be used is “bac”. While “bac” usually means “container” or “tank,” in the context of the kitchen, it conveys the idea of a sink where you wash dishes.
Example:
Jette les restes dans le bac, s’il te plaît.
(Please throw the leftovers in the sink.)
Regional Variations
In general, the formal and informal terms mentioned above are widely used throughout the French-speaking world. However, it’s worth noting that regional variations can occur. Here are a few examples:
1. Planche
In some francophone regions, particularly in Quebec, Canada, the term “planche” may be used instead of “évier”. It is a local variation for “kitchen sink”.
Example:
Je vais nettoyer cette grosse casserole dans la planche.
(I’m going to clean this large pot in the kitchen sink.)
2. Évier à vaisselle
In Switzerland, you might encounter the term “évier à vaisselle,” which translates to “dish sink” or “sink for dishes.” This is a slightly more specific way to refer to the kitchen sink.
Example:
Tu peux rincer ces verres dans l’évier à vaisselle ?
(Can you rinse these glasses in the dish sink?)
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now learned various ways to say “kitchen sink” in French. Remember, “évier de cuisine” is the formal term, “évier” or “bac” are commonly used in informal settings, and regional variations such as “planche” or “évier à vaisselle” may occur. Practice using these expressions in different contexts to become more confident in your French vocabulary. Bonne chance!
