cartes à jouer
The English phrase "playing cards" is translated into French as cartes à jouer.
The phrase cartes à jouer refers to a set of small rectangular cards used for playing games. While cartes à jouer describes the cards themselves, if you wish to refer to a complete deck or a specific set of playing cards, you should use the phrase jeu de cartes.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cartes (cards), à (for/to) and jouer (to play), literally meaning "cards to play".
Which one should you use?
The word cartes alone can mean cards, but depending on the context, it can also refer to maps or charts. Using the full phrase cartes à jouer specifies that you are talking about gaming cards.
Did you know?
- The French word for the 'Jack' in a deck of cartes à jouer is valet, which literally translates to 'male servant' or 'page'.
- French speakers use the expression battre les cartes to describe the act of shuffling a jeu de cartes.
- While cartes à jouer refers to the cards, the expression avoir toutes les cartes en main means to be in a position of total control over a situation.
Examples in context
- On se retrouve chez moi ce soir pour jouer aux cartes?Shall we meet at my place tonight to play cards?
- Quels jeux de cartes préférez-vous?Which card games do you prefer?
- Il a acheté des cartes à jouer.He bought some playing cards.
- Où sont les cartes à jouer ?Where are the playing cards?
- Nous avons besoin de cartes à jouer pour le jeu.We need playing cards for the game.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are in their living room preparing for a game night.
- GabrielChloé, est-ce que tu as les cartes à jouer ?Chloé, do you have the playing cards?
- ChloéOui, je les ai dans mon sac.Yes, I have them in my bag.
- GabrielEst-ce qu'il manque des cartes ?Are any cards missing?
- ChloéNon, le paquet est complet.No, the deck is complete.
