papier mâché
The English phrase "paper mache" is translated into French as papier mâché.
This term refers to the craft technique where pieces of paper are pasted together with an adhesive to create hard objects. You can use it in various contexts, such as sculpture en papier mâché for a paper mache sculpture or masque en papier mâché for a paper mache mask. If you want to say you are practicing the craft, use the phrase faire du papier-mâché to mean "to do paper mache".
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of papier (paper) and mâché (chewed). It literally means "chewed paper" because of the texture of the pulp.
Did you know?
- During the 18th and 19th centuries, French papier mâché was used to create luxury items like jewelry boxes and furniture designed to mimic much more expensive materials like marble or tortoiseshell.
- The French term papier mâché became a global standard because France was the center of European decorative arts and luxury furniture production during the 18th and 19th centuries.
- The French word papier descends from Old Catalan and Old French, showing how early paper-making technology traveled through Mediterranean trade routes.
Examples in context
- Je suis intéressé(e) par la technique du papier-mâchéI am interested in the technique of paper mache
- J'ai fabriqué un masque en plâtre et papier journalI made a mask using plaster and newspaper
- J'ai créé une pinata en papier-mâchéI made a piñata with paper mache
- On va faire du papier-mâché pour le carnavalWe are going to do paper mache for the carnival
- Elle fait un masque en papier mâché.She is making a paper mache mask.
- Le cours porte sur le papier mâché.The class is about paper mache.
- J'adore créer des objets en papier mâché.I love creating paper mache objects.
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are discussing an art project at school.
- NathanTu vas utiliser du papier mâché ?Are you going to use paper mache?
- ChloéOui, je prépare mon projet de papier mâché.Yes, I am preparing my paper mache project.
- NathanC'est une technique très amusante.It is a very fun technique.
- ChloéC'est vrai, j'aime beaucoup ça.That's true, I like it a lot.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries papier, papier mâché, CC BY-SA 4.0.
