couteaux et fourchettes
The English phrase "knives and forks" is translated into French as couteaux et fourchettes.
This phrase refers to the handheld tools used for cutting and picking up food during a meal.
What does it mean word for word?
couteaux is the plural of couteau, meaning "knife". et means "and". And fourchettes is the plural of fourchette, meaning "fork".
How does it change in a sentence?
The conjunction et is used to connect the two nouns. In the singular, the words are couteau (knife) and fourchette (fork).
Did you know?
- Historically, the use of fourchettes was resisted in France for a long time. Some critics argued that using a fork to eat was an insult to God, who gave humans fingers to pick up food.
- The word fourchette comes from fourche, meaning 'pitchfork'. A fork was essentially seen as a miniature version of a heavy farm tool.
- In traditional French dining etiquette, couteaux et fourchettes are placed with the cutting edge of the knife facing the plate. Turning the blade outward was historically seen as a sign of aggression.
Examples in context
- Nous utilisons des baguettes à la place des couteaux et fourchettes.We use chopsticks in place of knives and forks.This sentence is useful for seeing how to express using chopsticks instead of couteaux et fourchettes.Tatoeba #433791 by Clavain, translation #248245 by CM
- Je vais mettre les couteaux et les fourchettes sur la table.I will put the knives and forks on the table.
- Veuillez utiliser les couteaux et les fourchettes appropriés pour chaque plat.Please use the appropriate knives and forks for each dish.
- Peux-tu me passer les couteaux et les fourchettes?Can you pass me the knives and forks?
- J'ai besoin de fourchettes et de couteaux pour préparer le dîner.I need forks and knives to prepare dinner.
- Est-ce qu'il y a des couteaux et fourchettes propres ?Are there any clean knives and forks?
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are setting the table for dinner.
- HugoEmma, peux-tu apporter les couteaux et fourchettes ?Emma, can you bring the knives and forks?
- EmmaOui, ils sont dans le tiroir.Yes, they are in the drawer.
- HugoMerci, je m'occupe des assiettes.Thanks, I'll take care of the plates.
- EmmaC'est fait, voici les couteaux et fourchettes.It's done, here are the knives and forks.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
