couche
/kuʃ/
The English phrase 'nappy' is translated into French as couche.
The term couche refers to an absorbent garment worn by a baby instead of underwear. To say 'to change the nappy' or 'to change a diaper', use the standard phrase changer la couche. If you are referring specifically to training pants or pull-up style garments used during potty training, the term is couche-culotte.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of couche is couches.
How do you pronounce it?
/kuʃ/
Did you know?
- In French, the word couche is also used in geology to describe a 'stratum' or 'layer' of rock.
- The word couche is a noun derived directly from the verb coucher, which means 'to lay down' or 'to put to bed'.
- In certain older or more formal contexts, the term couche can refer to a 'bedding' or a 'layer of straw' used for animals, connecting the baby's nappy to the concept of a soft foundation.
Examples in context
- Je dois changer la couche du bébé.I have to change the baby's nappy.This sentence is useful for expressing the need to change the couche of a baby.Tatoeba #9840723 by lbdx, translation #2428904 by anjin
- Mon bébé a fait pipi dans sa couche.My baby has peed in his nappy.This sentence describes a baby having wet the couche.Tatoeba #12949305 by lbdx, translation #3456681 by Jesse
- Je suis sur le point de changer la couche du bébé.I'm just about to change the baby's nappy.This sentence indicates that one is about to change the couche of a baby.Tatoeba #9710424 by lbdx, translation #6174095 by sundown
- J'assume mes cheveux crépus.I embrace my kinky hair.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are at home with their baby.
- LucasEst-ce que la couche est propre ?Is the nappy clean?
- ManonNon, je pense qu'elle doit être changée.No, I think it needs changing.
- LucasOù est la couche de rechange ?Where is the spare nappy?
- ManonElle est dans le sac à langer.It is in the changing bag.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry couche, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries couche, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
