prise de courant
The English phrase "power outlet" is translated into French as prise de courant.
prise de courant refers specifically to the socket in a wall that provides electricity for electrical equipment. When you want to say you are plugging something into an outlet, you use the verb brancher.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, prise de courant means "socket of current".
Which one should you use?
While prise de courant specifically refers to the wall outlet, the word prise alone can refer to either the wall socket or the plug itself depending on the context.
Did you know?
- In France, the standard prise de courant is Type E, which features a male grounding pin protruding from the socket.
- The word prise comes from the verb prendre, meaning 'to take'. This implies that the outlet is a place where electricity is 'taken' from the grid.
- If you need to plug multiple devices into one outlet, you would look for a multiprise. This literally translates to a 'multi-socket', which is the French word for a power strip.
Examples in context
- Je cherche une prise de courant.I'm looking for a power outlet.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are searching for a prise de courant.Tatoeba #10547836 by Micsmithel, translation #8470897 by Luiaard
- Le cordon d'alimentation est-il branché sur une prise de courant ?Is the power cord plugged into a power outlet?This sentence is useful for asking if a cord is plugged into a prise de courant.Tatoeba #10547842 by Micsmithel, translation #5996372 by Hybrid
- Pouvez-vous me dire où je peux trouver une prise de courant ?Can you tell me where I can find a power outlet?
- Les prises de courant sont situées sous les bureaux.The power outlets are located under the desks.
- Est-ce qu'il y a une prise électrique près du canapé ?Is there a power outlet near the couch?
- Je dois recharger mon téléphone, mais je ne trouve pas de prise électrique.I need to charge my phone, but I can't find a power outlet.
- Pouvez-vous, s'il vous plaît, me montrer une prise de courant ?Can you please show me a power outlet?
- Il y a une prise de courant près de la table.There is a power outlet near the table.
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are in a hotel room.
- ManonOù est la prise de courant ?Where is the power outlet?
- GabrielElle est juste derrière le lit, Manon.It is right behind the bed, Manon.
- ManonMerci, j'ai besoin de charger mon téléphone.Thanks, I need to charge my phone.
- GabrielPas de problème, je vais t'aider.No problem, I will help you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
