livres d'images
The English phrase 'picture books' is translated into French as livres d'images.
The term refers to books that use illustrations to tell a story, which are often intended for young children.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of livres (books) and d'images (of images or pictures).
Which one should you use?
You may encounter livres illustrés in formal contexts, Les bouquins illustrés in colloquial speech or albums illustrés in professional publishing environments.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a single picture book, use the singular form livre d'images.
Did you know?
- France has a deeply rooted tradition of albums, often featuring high-art styles that treat the picture book as a gallery of art rather than just a tool for literacy.
- The term bouquin is a common slang word for 'book' in French, making bouquins illustrés a typical way to refer to picture books in casual conversation.
- While English uses 'picture' for both a photo and a drawing, image in French is an umbrella term that can also describe a mental representation or a literary metaphor.
Examples in context
- Les librairies sont remplies de livres illustrés pour enfants.Bookstores are filled with picture books for children.
- J'ai acheté un livre illustré pour mon neveu.I bought a picture book for my nephew.
- On devrait lire des bouquins illustrés avant de dormir !We should read picture books before going to sleep!
- Maryam adore les bouquins illustrés avec des animaux.Maryam loves picture books with animals.
- Elle aime lire des livres d'images.She loves reading picture books.
- Il y a beaucoup de livres d'images ici.There are many picture books here.
- Les enfants préfèrent les livres d'images.Children prefer picture books.
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are in a children's bookstore.
- ChloéEst-ce que tu cherches des livres d'images ?Are you looking for picture books?
- LucasOui, je cherche un livre d'images pour mon fils.Yes, I am looking for a picture book for my son.
- ChloéCe rayon est parfait pour lui.This section is perfect for him.
- LucasMerci, c'est très gentil.Thank you, that is very kind.
