panne d'électricité
The English phrase power outage is translated into French as panne d'électricité.
The phrase is used to describe a period of time when the supply of electricity to an area is interrupted. You can also use panne de courant as a very common alternative to express the same idea.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase panne d'électricité is composed of panne (breakdown or failure) and d'électricité (of electricity).
Which one should you use?
While panne implies a failure or breakdown, coupure d'électricité is often used to describe a deliberate or sudden cut in the supply.
Did you know?
- The word panne traces its roots back to a word for 'feather' or 'fur' in Old French. It is believed the term evolved from the idea of a 'lining' or 'feather' used to describe something that has been depleted or worn down.
- The term panne is also used in the expression en panne, which can describe a person who is 'stuck' or 'at a loss' during a conversation.
- In many parts of the world, including France, you can describe a broken-down car using the same word for a power outage: une panne. If your vehicle stops working, it is en panne, just like a faulty electrical grid.
Examples in context
- La tempête a provoqué une panne d'électricité.The storm caused a power outage.This sentence shows how a storm can cause a panne d'électricité.Tatoeba #1293454 by sacredceltic, translation #1293100 by CK
- Nous avons eu une panne de courant pendant deux heures hier soir.We had a power outage for two hours last night.
- Oh non ! Encore une coupure de courant . Les bougies seront utiles maintenant.Oh no! Another power outage. The candles will come in handy now.
- Le blackout a duré toute la nuit, nous ne pouvions même pas regarder la télévision.The power outage lasted all night, we couldn't even watch television.
- Plusieurs quartiers ont été touchés par des coupures de jus à cause de la tempête.Several neighborhoods were affected by power outages due to the storm.
- Les pannes d'électricité sont malheureusement assez fréquentes dans cette région.Power outages are unfortunately quite common in this region.
- Il y a une panne d'électricité dans tout le quartier.There is a power outage in the whole neighborhood.
- J'espère que la panne d'électricité ne durera pas longtemps.I hope the power outage won't last long.
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are at home in the dark.
- LucasEmma, regarde ! On a une panne d'électricité.Emma, look! We have a power outage.
- EmmaAh mince, je ne trouve plus mes bougies.Oh shoot, I can't find my candles anymore.
- LucasJe vais chercher la lampe de poche.I will go get the flashlight.
- EmmaMerci Lucas, fais attention où tu marches.Thanks Lucas, be careful where you walk.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries panne, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
