sens unique
In French, 'one way' is translated as sens unique.
The phrase sens unique is used to describe a physical street that only allows traffic to move in one direction, as well as the direction of the traffic flow itself. For a more formal way to say 'in only one direction', you can use Dans un seul sens.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of sens, meaning direction or sense and unique, meaning single or only.
Which one should you use?
While sens unique describes the street or the flow, if you are looking at a road sign that indicates you cannot enter from a certain direction, that sign will say sens interdit.
Did you know?
- The word sens in sens unique is a rare linguistic hybrid. It evolved from both the Latin word sēnsus meaning 'feeling' and the Frankish word sinn meaning 'direction'.
- The word sens is also the root of the French word forcené, which describes someone who is manic or crazed.
- The term sens unique can be used metaphorically to describe a relationship or conversation where only one person is communicating.
Examples in context
- C'est une rue à sens unique.This is a one-way street.This sentence is useful for identifying a street as a sens unique.Tatoeba #7067794 by Aiji, translation #2268934 by _undertoad
- Est-ce une rue à sens unique ?Is this a one-way street?This sentence is useful for asking if a street is a sens unique.Tatoeba #10322558 by felix63, translation #10681414 by AlanF_US
- Qu'est-il écrit sur ce panneau ? SENS UNIQUE.What is written on the road sign? – ONE WAY.This sentence is useful for identifying the text found on a road sign containing sens unique.Tatoeba #749613 by Erwan29200, translation #695367 by danepo
- La rue est dans un seul sens, tu devrais changer de direction.The street is one way, you should change direction.
- Attention, cette rue est à sens unique !Watch out, this street is one way!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are looking at a map in a car.
- ManonAttention, cette rue est en sens unique.Watch out, this street is one way.
- HugoAh, je n'avais pas vu le panneau.Ah, I didn't see the sign.
- ManonOn doit faire demi-tour, Hugo.We have to turn around, Hugo.
- HugoD'accord, je cherche une autre route.Okay, I am looking for another route.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sens, unique, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
