faire du kayak
The English phrase "paddling" is translated into French as faire du kayak.
The phrase faire du kayak is the most common way to express the activity of paddling in a kayak.
Which one should you use?
If the paddling is specifically in a canoe rather than a kayak, use faire du canoë instead.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec, faire du canotage is used to describe paddling activities such as canoeing or using a small boat. In France, Ramer is used to describe paddling activities involving canoes, kayaks or any other paddle-driven boats.
Did you know?
- In France, ramer is often used as a slang metaphor meaning to struggle or to have a hard time achieving something, similar to 'treading water'.
- The word kayak traces its origins back to the Inuktitut word qayaq, which historically meant 'man's boat'.
- In professional competitive paddling, French athletes distinguish between le kayak and le canoë not just by the boat, but by whether the paddle has one or two blades.
Examples in context
- Où puis-je faire du canoë ici?Where can I go canoeing here?
- Y a-t-il des endroits où je peux ramer près d'ici?Are there any places where I can paddle nearby?
- J'adore faire du canotI love canoeing
- J'aime faire du kayak en été.I love to go kayaking in summer.
- Nous allons faire du kayak demain.We are going kayaking tomorrow.
- Est-ce que tu veux faire du kayak avec moi ?Do you want to go kayaking with me?
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are planning a weekend trip.
- EmmaOn va faire du kayak ce week-end ?Are we going kayaking this weekend?
- NathanOui, c'est une excellente idée, Emma.Yes, that is an excellent idea, Emma.
- EmmaEst-ce que tu as ton équipement ?Do you have your equipment?
- NathanOui, je suis prêt pour faire du kayak.Yes, I am ready to go kayaking.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, faire, kayak, CC BY-SA 4.0.
