ciré
The French phrase for rain jacket is ciré.
A rain jacket is a waterproof coat designed to keep the wearer dry. You can also use the term imperméable to describe any waterproof garment, or specifically une veste de pluie cintrée when referring to a fitted rain jacket.
What does it mean word for word?
ciré is the past participle of the verb cirer (to wax), so it literally means waxed.
Which one should you use?
imperméable is a common synonym for ciré and is used to describe any waterproof garment.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Un ciré is a regional term for a rain jacket used in coastal regions of France, especially in Brittany.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the word ciré plural, add an s to form cirés.
Did you know?
- The traditional yellow ciré is considered a cultural symbol of Brittany, representing the region's identity more than just its weather.
- A ciré is not just a way to stay dry, but was historically a life-saving piece of equipment used to prevent hypothermia in the Atlantic spray.
- While imperméable is the general term for waterproof, in a fashion context it often specifically refers to a long, lightweight trench coat.
Examples in context
- Je vais mettre mon manteau imperméable pour affronter la pluie.I will put on my rain jacket to face the rain.
- Ne partez pas sans votre manteau imperméable !Don't leave without your rain jacket!
- N'oublie pas ton K-way, il va pleuvoir aujourd'hui !Don't forget your rain jacket, it's going to rain today!
- As-tu pris ton K-way ? Il va falloir affronter la pluie.Did you take your rain jacket? We will have to face the rain.
- J'ai besoin d'un ciré pour me protéger de la pluie en Bretagne.I need a rain jacket to protect me from the rain in Brittany.
- Regarde ces magnifiques cirés jaunes !Look at those magnificent yellow rain jackets!
- N'oublie pas ton ciré.Don't forget your rain jacket.
- J'ai acheté un nouveau ciré jaune.I bought a new yellow rain jacket.
- Le ciré est dans l'entrée.The rain jacket is in the entryway.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are preparing to go for a walk outside.
- HugoIl va pleuvoir, prends ton ciré.It's going to rain, take your rain jacket.
- ManonMerci, où est le mien ?Thanks, where is mine?
- HugoTon ciré est sur la chaise.Your rain jacket is on the chair.
- ManonAh, je l'ai trouvé.Ah, I found it.
