allumette
/a.ly.mɛt/
The English word 'match' is translated into French as allumette.
Meaning: a pair of items or entities with mutually suitable characteristics (noun)
Which one should you use?
For formal sports matches or meetings, one might use rencontre and for competitive matches or tournaments, compétition is appropriate.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the word partie is the most common way to say 'match'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word allumette is pronounced /a.ly.mɛt/ and consists of three syllables.
Did you know?
- The term allumettes is sometimes used in French culinary contexts to describe potatoes cut into thin, matchstick shapes.
- The English word 'match' shares a historical connection to the French word mèche, which refers to a fuse or a wick.
- If you are looking for a 'match' in terms of a romantic partner, you should never use allumette, as that refers exclusively to the wooden stick used to start a fire.
Examples in context
- As-tu une allumette ?Have you got a match?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has an allumette.Tatoeba #885196 by sacredceltic, translation #32522 by CM
- Il frotta une allumette.He struck a match.This sentence shows the action of striking an allumette.Tatoeba #1314089 by sacredceltic, translation #292918 by CK
- Vous avez une allumette ?Do you have a match?This sentence is a way to ask if someone has an allumette.Tatoeba #7698119 by Maxence, translation #32525 by CK
- Ce soir, il y aura une rencontre de football entre l'équipe nationale et l'équipe adverse.Tonight, there will be a football match between the national team and the opposing team.
- On regarde le match à la télé ce soir ?Are we watching the match on TV tonight?
- Tu viens jouer une partie de basket avec nous plus tard ?Are you coming to play a game of basketball with us later?
- Allons voir le match de hockey ensemble !Let's go watch the hockey match together!
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are in the kitchen trying to light a candle.
- LucasTu as une allumette pour la bougie ?Do you have a match for the candle?
- ChloéNon, je n'ai pas d'allumette.No, I don't have a match.
- LucasTiens, j'ai trouvé une allumette dans le tiroir.Here, I found a match in the drawer.
- ChloéMerci, elle va bien nous servir.Thanks, it will be very useful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry allumette, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
