canapé-lit
The English phrase "pull out couch" is translated into French as canapé-lit.
A canapé-lit refers to a sofa that can be converted into a bed.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a compound noun consisting of canapé (sofa) and lit (bed).
Which one should you use?
While canapé-lit refers to a sofa that converts into a bed, it is often used interchangeably with clic-clac to refer to specific types of folding sofa beds.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the term divan-lit can be used for 'pull out couch'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine, so you use the masculine article un or le.
Did you know?
- The word canapé comes from the same root as 'canopy', referring to the covered beds common in royal courts.
- While canapé-lit is the standard term, many French speakers use the onomatopoeic word clic-clac to describe a sofa bed, mimicking the sound the mechanism makes when it snaps into place.
- In some informal French contexts, a person might call a cheap or small sofa bed a lit d'appoint, which literally translates to a 'supplementary bed' rather than describing the furniture itself.
Examples in context
- J'ai récemment acheté un canapé-lit pour ma chambre d'amis.I recently bought a pull out couch for my guest room.
- On a acheté un clic-clac pour le salon, c'est super pratique !We bought a pull out couch for the living room, it's super practical!
- Je cherche un canapé-lit pour mon invité.I am looking for a sofa-bed for my guest.
- Il y a un canapé-lit dans le salon.There is a pull out couch in the living room.
- Est-ce que ce canapé-lit est confortable ?Is this pull out couch comfortable?
- Nous allons utiliser le canapé-lit pour l'invité.We are going to use the pull out couch for the guest.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at furniture in a showroom.
- ManonRegarde ce joli canapé-lit bleu.Look at this pretty blue pull out couch.
- NathanIl est parfait pour mon petit appartement.It is perfect for my small apartment.
- ManonTu veux l'acheter, Nathan ?Do you want to buy it, Nathan?
- NathanOui, je pense que je vais le prendre.Yes, I think I am going to take it.
