bouteille en plastique
The English phrase "plastic bottle" is translated into French as bouteille en plastique.
The phrase refers to a container made of plastic used for holding liquids.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of bouteille (bottle) and en plastique (made of plastic), literally meaning bottle in plastic.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun bouteille is feminine, so you must use the feminine indefinite article une when referring to a single bottle, as in une bouteille en plastique. To make the phrase plural, you add an s to the noun bouteille, but the material plastique remains singular, resulting in bouteilles en plastique.
Did you know?
- While plastique refers to the material of a bottle, the word is also used in French as a noun to mean 'plastic explosive'.
- French speakers distinguish between a bouteille and a flacon. A flacon is typically a smaller, more decorative bottle used for perfumes or medicines.
- The French word bouteille comes from the Late Latin word butticula, which referred to a small cask or barrel.
Examples in context
- T'as vu où j'ai mis la bouteille en pét?Did you see where I put the plastic bottle?
- Je jette la bouteille en plastique dans la poubelle de recyclage.I am throwing the plastic bottle in the recycling bin.
- J'ai jeté la bouteille en plastique.I threw away the plastic bottle.
- Où est ma bouteille en plastique ?Where is my plastic bottle?
- Cette bouteille en plastique est vide.This plastic bottle is empty.
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are preparing for a hike.
- ManonGabriel, as-tu une bouteille en plastique ?Gabriel, do you have a plastic bottle?
- GabrielOui, j'en ai une dans mon sac.Yes, I have one in my bag.
- ManonParfait, j'ai besoin de remplir la mienne.Perfect, I need to fill mine.
- GabrielPrends la mienne si tu veux.Take mine if you want.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bouteille, en, plastique, CC BY-SA 4.0.
