surfer sur la vague
The English phrase 'ride the wave' is translated into French as surfer sur la vague.
The phrase describes the physical act of balancing on a surfboard while being carried forward by a breaking wave.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase surfer sur la vague is composed of the verb surfer (to surf) and the prepositional phrase sur la vague (on the wave).
Which one should you use?
While surfer sur la vague refers to riding a single wave, you can use surfer sur les vagues to express the plural 'ride the waves' by changing the article and noun to the plural form les vagues. Surfers specifically might use the alternative prendre la vague, which means 'to take the wave', to describe the act of catching or riding a specific wave.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural 'ride the waves', change the article and noun to the plural form les vagues in the phrase surfer sur les vagues.
Did you know?
- The word sur in this phrase is actually a 'doublet', meaning it has two entirely different historical origins: one from the Latin 'super' meaning 'over', and another from a Germanic word meaning 'sour'.
- While vague means 'wave' in a surfing context, it is also a common French adjective meaning 'vague' or 'unclear' in English. This is because the word stems from the Latin 'vagus', meaning 'wandering' or 'strolling'.
- In French, the verb surfer is used not only for water but also for the internet. To 'surf the web' is expressed as surfer sur le net.
Examples in context
- Tu kiffes surfer la vague, n'est-ce pas?You love riding the wave, don't you?
- On se laisse tous porter par le courant de la vie, mec!We all ride the wave of life, dude!
- Il aime surfer sur la vague avec élégance.He likes to ride the wave with elegance.
- Regarde comme elle peut surfer sur la vague !Look how she can ride the wave!
- Tu veux surfer sur la vague maintenant ?Do you want to ride the wave now?
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are at the beach watching surfers.
- HugoManon, regarde ce gars surfer sur la vague !Manon, look at that guy ride the wave!
- ManonC'est impressionnant, il a beaucoup d'équilibre.It's impressive, he has a lot of balance.
- HugoJ'aimerais savoir surfer sur la vague comme lui.I would like to know how to ride the wave like him.
- ManonOn peut prendre un cours ensemble demain.We can take a lesson together tomorrow.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, sur, surfer, vague, CC BY-SA 4.0.
