serviettes hygiéniques
The English phrase "pads" is translated into French as serviettes hygiéniques.
If you are looking for pads designed to provide support and comfort to the feet, the formal term is semelles. Additionally, if you need to specify that a product is disposable, you can use the adjective jetable.
Which one should you use?
While serviettes hygiéniques refers specifically to external sanitary pads, the word tampons is used to refer to internal tampon use.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In casual conversation, people often shorten 'serviettes hygiéniques' to just serviettes. semelles is the formal term used specifically for foot pads or shoe insoles.
Did you know?
- The word serviette is so versatile that it can refer to a table napkin, a bathroom towel or a sanitary pad depending on the context.
- While serviettes hygiéniques is the standard term, some French speakers use the slang term protections to refer to any menstrual product, including pads and tampons.
- In certain African French-speaking regions, you are more likely to hear the phrase serviettes de protection instead of the European standard.
Examples in context
- les protège-slips pour tous les jourseveryday panty liners
- Elle a acheté des serviettes hygiéniques.She bought some pads.
- Où sont les serviettes hygiéniques ?Where are the pads?
- Il faut prendre des serviettes hygiéniques.One needs to take some pads.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are at a supermarket.
- NathanEmma, est-ce qu'il te manque quelque chose ?Emma, do you need anything?
- EmmaOui, je cherche des serviettes hygiéniques.Yes, I am looking for pads.
- NathanJe vais les chercher pour toi.I will go get them for you.
- EmmaMerci, c'est très gentil.Thank you, that is very kind.
