aiguille
/ɛ.ɡɥij/feminine
The English word "needle" is translated into French as aiguille.
The word aiguille is used to refer to sewing needles, medical needles and the needles found on a compass or a clock. When you specifically mean a pine needle, the phrase aiguille de pin is used.
Meaning: implement for sewing etc. (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
aiguille is a feminine noun. You will see it used with the feminine article in the form une aiguille.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɛ.ɡɥij/
Did you know?
- The word aiguille is the root of the French verb aiguiller, which means to switch or divert a train to a different track.
- In the French Alps, une aiguille refers to a sharp, jagged mountain peak, such as the famous Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix.
- In French, if you are talking about a person who is very precise or sharp-witted, you might encounter the term aiguisé, which shares the same root as aiguille.
Examples in context
- L'aiguille indique le nord.The needle is pointing toward the north.This sentence is useful for seeing how aiguille can refer to a compass needle.Tatoeba #12617059 by lbdx, translation #2774074 by sharptoothed
- Elle sait manier l'aiguille.She is handy with a needle.This sentence shows how aiguille is used to describe being handy with a sewing tool.Tatoeba #12687073 by lbdx, translation #315237 by CC
- As-tu une aiguille à coudre ?Do you have a sewing needle?This sentence shows how to use aiguille when asking for a sewing needle.Tatoeba #550370 by sacredceltic, translation #489229 by FeuDRenais
- J'ai besoin d'une aiguille pour réparer ce bouton.I need a needle to fix this button.
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas is asking Emma for help with a rip in his clothes.
- LucasEmma, as-tu une aiguille ?Emma, do you have a needle?
- EmmaOui, je vais chercher une aiguille.Yes, I will go get a needle.
- LucasMerci, je dois recoudre mon pantalon.Thanks, I have to sew my pants.
- EmmaTiens, voilà l'aiguille et le fil.Here, here is the needle and the thread.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “needle” translations and entries aiguille, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
