batterie externe
The English phrase 'power bank' is translated into French as batterie externe.
While 'power bank' is sometimes used in technical contexts, batterie externe is the standard term used in shops and daily conversation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase batterie externe literally translates to 'external battery'.
Which one should you use?
Chargeur portable translates to portable charger.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, both the noun and the adjective must take an 's': batteries externes.
Did you know?
- In French, the word batterie is used for both a portable power bank and a set of musical drums.
- The word batterie comes from the Old French verb batre, which means 'to hit'. This refers to the rhythmic beating of drums in a military battery, rather than the chemical cells in a device.
- A French speaker might colloquially refer to a power bank as a batterie de secours, which emphasizes its role as an 'emergency battery' rather than just an 'external' one.
Examples in context
- J'ai oublié ma batterie externe à la maison.I forgot my power bank at home.
- Tu peux me prêter ta batterie externe ?Can you lend me your power bank?
- Cette batterie externe est très puissante.This power bank is very powerful.
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are at a music festival.
- NathanChloé, je n'ai plus de batterie !Chloé, I'm out of battery!
- ChloéHeureusement, j'ai ma batterie externe avec moi.Luckily, I have my power bank with me.
- NathanTu peux me la prêter un moment ?Can you lend it to me for a moment?
- ChloéOui, tiens, prends-la.Yes, here, take it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries batterie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
