trombone
/tʁɔ̃.bɔn/masculine
The English phrase 'paper clip' is translated into French as trombone.
trombone is the noun used to refer to the paper clip.
Meaning: paper clip (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
trombone is a masculine noun. The plural form is trombones.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʁɔ̃.bɔn/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may mistakenly assume trombone refers to the musical instrument, but in French, trombone is the standard word for a paper clip.
Did you know?
- In French slang, the phrase avoir un trombone dans le cerveau is sometimes used to describe someone who is stuck or unable to think clearly.
- The term trombone is actually a loanword from Italian, originally referring to the large brass instrument.
- If you ask a French musician for a trombone, they will hand you a brass instrument rather than stationery.
Examples in context
- Il a attaché les cinq feuilles qu'il venait d'imprimer avec un trombone.He put a paper clip around the five sheets he had just printed.This sentence shows how to use trombone to describe attaching printed sheets.Tatoeba #10519985 by lbdx, translation #10504799 by AlanF_US
- La conception de base de l'humble trombone n'a pas été altérée en un siècle.The basic design of the humble paper clip has not changed in over one hundred years.This sentence refers to the long-standing design of the humble trombone.Tatoeba #1725759 by sacredceltic, translation #1686182 by darinmex
- Une note était attachée au document avec un trombone.A note was attached to the document with a paper clip.This sentence demonstrates attaching a note to a document using a trombone.Tatoeba #135849 by hortusdei, translation #44114 by CK
- Est-ce que tu peux me passer un trombone ? J'ai besoin de fixer ces papiers ensemble.Can you pass me a paper clip? I need to fasten these papers together.
Example conversation
Gabriel is looking for supplies at his desk.
- ManonGabriel, tu cherches quelque chose ?Gabriel, are you looking for something?
- GabrielOui, je cherche un trombone pour mon dossier.Yes, I am looking for a paper clip for my file.
- ManonTiens, j'en ai un dans mon sac.Here, I have one in my bag.
- GabrielMerci beaucoup, Manon !Thanks a lot, Manon!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “paper clip” translations and entries trombone, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries trombone, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
