tricot
/tʁi.ko/
The English phrase "knitting" can be translated into French as tricot or tricotage.
Meaning: activity and process of knitting (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tricot | /tʁi.ko/ | |
| tricotage | /tʁi.kɔ.taʒ/ | masculine |
tricot is used to describe the activity of knitting, but it can also refer to a knitted garment or a piece of knitted fabric itself. tricotage refers specifically to the act or process of knitting, often used in a more technical or descriptive sense than tricot.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of knitting, use the verb tricoter.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /tʁi.ko/ and consists of two syllables.
Did you know?
- Historically, the word tricot became associated with the 'tricoteuses' during the French Revolution, women who knitted publicly while watching the guillotine.
- The verb tricoter can be used colloquially to mean 'to plot' or 'to scheme' behind someone's back, as if weaving a complex plan.
- In a figurative sense, the noun tricotage can describe a complex or convoluted set of arguments, or even a messy, complicated situation in politics or business.
Examples in context
- Tom tricote un pull.Tom is knitting a sweater.This sentence shows how to use tricot to describe the action of knitting a sweater.Tatoeba #6878282 by GB3, translation #6877406 by CK
- Elle tricote une écharpe.She is knitting a scarf.This sentence shows how to use tricot to describe the action of knitting a scarf.Tatoeba #1910669 by sacredceltic, translation #1908943 by Spamster
- C'est une fondue de tricot.She is really into knitting.This sentence uses tricot to express a strong interest in the hobby.Tatoeba #1293468 by sacredceltic, translation #1293072 by CK
- J'adore tricoter des pulls pour mes amis.I love knitting sweaters for my friends.
- On pourrait passer la soirée à faire du tricot.We could spend the evening knitting.
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma is showing Lucas her new hobby.
- LucasQu'est-ce que tu fais, Emma ?What are you doing, Emma?
- EmmaJe me lance dans le tricot.I am taking up knitting.
- LucasC'est très joli, ce travail.It is very pretty work.
- EmmaMerci, Lucas, c'est un peu difficile.Thanks, Lucas, it is a bit difficult.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “knitting” translations and entries tricot, tricotage, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
