langues
The English phrase "languages" is translated into French as langues.
For example, you can use it to state how many languages someone speaks or to describe being good or bad at studying them. You can also use the term to ask about someone's mother tongue using the phrase Quelle est ta langue maternelle?
Which one should you use?
While langue refers to a language, it is also the word used for the anatomical "tongue" in French.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of langues is langue.
Did you know?
- In a culinary context, langue de chat meaning 'cat's tongue' refers to a thin, oval-shaped cookie rather than an animal part.
- The word langue is used in the expression langue de bois, which literally translates to 'tongue of wood'.
- To describe someone as a langue de vipère is to call them a 'viper's tongue', meaning they are prone to malicious gossip.
Examples in context
- Il parle dix langues.He speaks ten languages.This sentence is useful for stating how many languages someone speaks.Tatoeba #993982 by U2FS, translation #993960 by CK
- Je suis nul en langues.I'm terrible at languages.This sentence is useful for expressing one's ability level in languages.Tatoeba #1545788 by sacredceltic, translation #1545787 by sacredceltic
- Il connaît dix langues.He knows ten languages.This sentence is useful for stating how many languages someone knows.Tatoeba #2287255 by nimfeo, translation #1595113 by CM
- 460 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are discussing their studies at university.
- ManonQuelles langues étudies-tu, Nathan ?Which languages are you studying, Nathan?
- NathanJ'apprends l'espagnol et l'italien.I am learning Spanish and Italian.
- ManonC'est super, j'adore les langues !That's great, I love languages!
- NathanMoi aussi, c'est passionnant.Me too, it's fascinating.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
