sonnez les matines
The phrase "morning bells are ringing" is translated into French as sonnez les matines.
This phrase refers to the ringing of church bells early in the morning to wake people or call them to prayer.
Did you know?
- The term matines refers to a specific canonical hour that historically began at midnight, meaning the 'morning bells' might actually ring in the middle of the night.
- The word matines derives from the Latin 'matutinus', meaning 'of the morning', which shares the same root as the English word 'matins' used in musical or liturgical contexts.
- In a modern context, the verb sonner is used not just for church bells, but also when you 'ring' a doorbell or when a phone 'rings'.
Examples in context
- Les cloches du matin sonnent chaque jour à l'aube.Morning bells ring every day at dawn
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are waking up in a rural French town.
- LucasEst-ce que tu entends ? On sonnez les matines.Do you hear? The morning bells are ringing.
- ManonOui, je les entends depuis cinq minutes.Yes, I have heard them for five minutes.
- LucasC'est l'heure de se lever, Manon.It is time to get up, Manon.
- ManonD'accord, je me lève tout de suite.Okay, I am getting up right away.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries les, CC BY-SA 4.0.
