taille moyenne
The English phrase 'medium size' is taille moyenne in French.
taille moyenne is used to describe both the physical height of a person and the dimensions of an object.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of taille (size/height) and moyenne (average/medium).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective moyenne must be in the feminine form to agree with the feminine noun taille.
Did you know?
- The English word 'tailor' is a direct relative of taille, as both stem from the same root meaning 'to cut' fabric to size.
- In the context of gardening and hedges, the verb tailler means 'to prune'. The 'size' of a shrub is managed by the act of taille.
- While taille moyenne describes a person's height, if you want to say someone is 'of medium build' or 'medium weight', you would use different words like corpulence moyenne.
Examples in context
- J'ai trouvé un jour dans une école un garçon de taille moyenne qui maltraitait un petit garçon. Je lui ai fait la leçon, mais il a répondu : "Les grands me frappent, alors je frappe les petits, c'est juste." Par ces paroles, il a résumé toute l'histoire du genre humain.I found one day in school a boy of medium size ill-treating a smaller boy. I expostulated, but he replied: "The bigs hit me, so I hit the babies, that's fair." In these words he epitomized the history of the human race.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe a boy of taille moyenne.Tatoeba #411827 by Scott, translation #411790 by Scott
- Le projet nécessite des entreprises de moyenne taille pour participer à l'appel d'offres.The project requires medium-sized companies to participate in the bidding process.
- Ce chien est de taille moyenne.This dog is medium size.
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are shopping for a new suitcase.
- ManonQuelle valise veux-tu acheter, Nathan ?Which suitcase do you want to buy, Nathan?
- NathanJe préfère une valise de taille moyenne.I prefer a medium size suitcase.
- ManonC'est un bon choix pour voyager.That is a good choice for traveling.
- NathanOui, elle est parfaite pour moi.Yes, it is perfect for me.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
