phases de la lune
The English phrase "moon phases" is translated into French as phases de la lune.
This phrase describes the different shapes of the moon as seen from Earth over a month.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of "phases of the moon": phases means phases, de la means of the and lune means moon.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a single moon phase, use the singular form la phase de la lune.
Did you know?
- The word croissant for a crescent moon is the same word used for the iconic French pastry, reflecting the shape of the moon's phase.
- In French, the word lune is used in the expression être dans la lune to describe someone who is daydreaming or absent-minded.
- The word lune shares a common root with the English word 'light', as both stem from the ancient Proto-Indo-European root lewk-, which relates to brightness or shining.
Examples in context
- La lune est pleine ce soirThe moon is full tonight.
- J'adore regarder les étoiles et les phases de la luneI love watching the stars and moon phases.
- La nouvelle lune marque le début du cycle lunaireThe new moon marks the beginning of the lunar cycle.
- Les phases de la lune changent chaque nuit.The moon phases change every night.
- J'étudie les phases de la lune en astronomie.I study the moon phases in astronomy.
- Regarde les différentes phases de la lune ce mois-ci.Look at the different moon phases this month.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are looking at the sky through a telescope.
- GabrielPeux-tu m'expliquer les phases de la lune ?Can you explain the moon phases to me?
- LéaBien sûr, Gabriel, c'est fascinant.Of course, Gabriel, it is fascinating.
- GabrielEst-ce que la prochaine phase arrive demain ?Is the next phase coming tomorrow?
- LéaOui, la lune sera pleine demain soir.Yes, the moon will be full tomorrow night.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, la, lune, CC BY-SA 4.0.
