première partie
The English phrase "part one" is translated into French as première partie.
première partie is a general term used to describe one part of a larger whole.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of première (first) and partie (part).
Which one should you use?
While première partie is a general term, premier volet is often used specifically when referring to installments in a series, such as a film saga or a book series.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective première is in the feminine form to agree with the feminine noun partie.
Did you know?
- While première partie describes a section of a work, the term premier volet literally means 'first shutter' or 'first panel'. It evokes the image of a folding screen or a triptych opening to reveal a story.
- In French, the word partie can also mean a 'game' or a 'match', such as in 'une partie de tennis'.
- The word partie is historically the past participle of the verb partir, which means 'to leave'.
Examples in context
- La première partie de notre présentation porte sur l'histoire de l'artThe first part of our presentation is about art history
- On devrait regarder la première partie de ce film ce soirWe should watch the first part of this movie tonight
- C'est la première partie du film.It is the first part of the movie.
- La première partie de l'examen est facile.The first part of the exam is easy.
- Veuillez lire la première partie du livre.Please read the first part of the book.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are discussing a book they are reading.
- GabrielTu as fini la première partie ?Have you finished the first part?
- EmmaOui, elle était très intéressante.Yes, it was very interesting.
- GabrielJe commence la deuxième partie demain.I am starting the second part tomorrow.
- EmmaBonne lecture, Gabriel !Happy reading, Gabriel!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries partie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
