patine
/pa.tin/feminine
The English phrase 'patina' is translated into French as patine.
The noun patine refers to the colour or incrustation which age and wear give to objects.
Meaning: colour or incrustation which age and wear give to objects (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /pa.tin/.
Did you know?
- While patine describes a surface coating, the verb patiner can also mean to spend time skating. It captures both the physical act and the effect left behind on the surface.
- The word shares its Latin root, patina, with the English word 'pan'. This refers to a shallow dish or plate used in ancient times.
- In French leatherworking, la patine is a highly specialized craft where dyes are applied by hand to create a gradient effect on luxury shoes.
Examples in context
- La patine de cette statue est magnifique.The patina on this statue is beautiful.
- La couche de patine donne un aspect ancien aux meubles.The layer of patina gives the furniture an antique look.
- Le conservateur a su préserver la patine d'origine.The curator has managed to preserve the original patina.
- Je trouve que cette patine rend les objets plus beaux.I think this patina makes objects more beautiful.
- La patine sur cette table lui donne du caractère.The patina on this table gives it character.
- Cette vieille pièce de monnaie a une patine riche.This old coin has a rich patina.
- Cette vieille table a une belle patine.This old table has a beautiful patina.
- La patine du cuir est très douce.The patina of the leather is very smooth.
- J'aime la patine sur ce vieux bronze.I love the patina on this old bronze.
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are looking at an antique in a shop.
- ChloéRegarde la patine de ce vieux miroir, Nathan.Look at the patina of this old mirror, Nathan.
- NathanElle est magnifique et très authentique.It is magnificent and very authentic.
- ChloéElle lui donne un charme incroyable.It gives it an incredible charm.
- NathanTu as raison, elle est superbe.You are right, it is superb.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “patina” translations and entries patine, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries patine, CC BY-SA 4.0.
