paddle
The English phrase "paddle board" is translated into French as paddle.
A paddle refers to the long, buoyant board that a person stands on and moves through the water using a paddle. To describe the activity of paddle boarding, French speakers frequently use the verb phrase faire du stand up paddle.
Which one should you use?
SUP is an informal abbreviation for stand-up paddle used in French.
Did you know?
- In a French shop, a paddle board is found under sports de glisse, a term for 'glide sports' that groups it with surfing and skateboarding.
- The adoption of paddle is an example of 'Franglais', where English terms are used specifically to make a sport sound more international or modern.
- The abbreviation SUP is widely used in France, but you will hear it pronounced using the French phonetic alphabet: ess, u, and pé.
Examples in context
- On va faire du SUP cet après-midi ?Shall we go paddle boarding this afternoon?
- On peut louer un paddle.We can rent a paddle board.
- Elle utilise son paddle sur la mer.She is using her paddle board on the sea.
- J'ai acheté un nouveau paddle.I bought a new paddle board.
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are at the beach planning their activities.
- NathanTu veux faire du paddle aujourd'hui ?Do you want to go paddle boarding today?
- ChloéOui, j'adore utiliser mon paddle quand il n'y a pas de vagues.Yes, I love using my paddle board when there are no waves.
- NathanParfait, on apporte ton paddle ?Perfect, shall we bring your paddle board?
- ChloéOui, et je prends aussi ma crème solaire.Yes, and I'll take my sunscreen too.
