caisse à lait
The English phrase milk crate is translated into French as caisse à lait.
caisse à lait is the literal term for a milk crate. However, in modern contexts, people often use cagette if they are referring to a small wooden or plastic crate used for produce.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase caisse à lait is composed of caisse (crate/box), à (for/intended for) and lait (milk).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, the term for milk crate is Le cageot à lait.
How does it change in a sentence?
Using the diminutive caissette instead of caisse implies a smaller or more delicate container.
Did you know?
- In French, caisse is common slang for a car. If someone says they are getting into their caisse, they are not climbing into a milk crate.
- The word caisse is an etymological relative of the English word 'case'. Both descend from the Latin capsa, which referred to a cylindrical box used for storing scrolls.
- While caisse refers to a sturdy crate, the word casse is a homophone that means 'a break' or 'a smash'.
Examples in context
- Où puis-je trouver une caisse à lait?Where can I find a milk crate?
- Pose ce livre sur la caisse à lait.Put this book on the milk crate.
- Il y a une caisse à lait dans le garage.There is a milk crate in the garage.
- J'utilise une caisse à lait comme petit tabouret.I use a milk crate as a small stool.
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are organizing a storage room.
- LéaOù est la caisse à lait ?Where is the milk crate?
- LucasElle est juste derrière toi, Léa.It is right behind you, Léa.
- LéaMerci, je vais mettre les dossiers dedans.Thanks, I'll put the folders inside.
- LucasC'est une bonne idée, Lucas.That's a good idea, Lucas.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caisse, lait, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
