rouge à lèvres
masculine
The French word for lipstick is rouge à lèvres.
rouge à lèvres is a masculine noun used to describe make-up for the lips.
Meaning: make-up for the lips (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to red for lips.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are referring to an unspecified amount of lipstick being applied, use the partitive article du rouge à lèvres (some lipstick). If you are referring to a single physical unit or a tube of lipstick, use un rouge à lèvres (a lipstick).
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the word rouge alone to mean lipstick. However, in French, rouge simply means the color red.
Did you know?
- The word rouge is derived from the Latin rubeus, which is also the root of the English word 'ruby'.
- If a French speaker says they are 'rouge', they are not talking about makeup, but are likely blushing or embarrassed.
- Because rouge à lèvres is masculine, the adjective must match, even though the word lèvres (lips) is feminine.
Examples in context
- Mary se mit du rouge à lèvres.Mary put on some lipstick.This sentence shows how to use the partitive article to say someone put on some lipstick.Tatoeba #7526050 by tras, translation #2644523 by CK
- J'aime la couleur de ton rouge à lèvres.I like the color of your lipstick.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for the color of someone's lipstick.Tatoeba #7004981 by Rockaround, translation #6113140 by CK
- Brian a acheté un rouge à lèvres pour Kate.Brian bought a lipstick for Kate.This sentence demonstrates using the phrase to refer to a single unit of lipstick.Tatoeba #13228 by Micsmithel, translation #34298 by Dejo
- Madame, quel rouge à lèvres préférez-vous pour ce soir ?Madam, which lipstick do you prefer for tonight?
- Je porte un rouge à lèvres rouge vif.I am wearing a bright red lipstick.
- Quel est ton rouge à lèvres préféré ?What's your favorite lipstick?
- As-tu des recommandations pour un rouge à lèvres longue tenue ?Do you have any recommendations for long-lasting lipstick?
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon is getting ready for a party in the living room.
- LucasTu as un nouveau rouge à lèvres ?Do you have a new lipstick?
- ManonOui, j'ai acheté ce rouge à lèvres ce matin.Yes, I bought this lipstick this morning.
- LucasIl te va très bien, Manon.It looks very good on you, Manon.
- ManonMerci, c'est gentil, Lucas.Thank you, that's kind, Lucas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lipstick” translations and entries rouge à lèvres, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rouge, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
