montagnes russes
The English phrase "roller coaster" is translated into French as montagnes russes.
This term refers to the amusement park ride featuring tracks with steep drops and sharp curves. A common way to say you are going on a roller coaster is to use the verb faire, as in faire les montagnes russes.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase montagnes russes literally translates to "Russian mountains".
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, this phrase is always plural, even when you are referring to a single roller coaster ride.
What mistakes should you avoid?
When expressing that you are riding a roller coaster, it is more common to use the verb faire (to do/make) rather than monter (to climb/go up).
Did you know?
- The phrase montagnes russes refers to early 18th century Russian ice slides, where riders descended wooden ramps covered in ice using sleds.
- French speakers use montagnes russes as a metaphor for emotional instability or volatile stock market trends, similar to the English 'emotional roller coaster'.
- In French, the expression faire les montagnes russes can be used to describe a conversation that jumps erratically from one topic to another.
Examples in context
- La vie est comme un tour sur les montagnes russes.Life is like a roller coaster ride.This sentence is useful for illustrating a metaphorical comparison of life to a roller coaster ride using montagnes russes.Tatoeba #3956880 by sacredceltic, translation #3731342 by CM
- Tom est monté sur les montagnes russes.Tom rode the roller coaster.This sentence shows an example of someone riding the montagnes russes.Tatoeba #2865846 by Popolon, translation #1164260 by CK
- Excusez-moi, où est-ce que je peux trouver les montagnes russes dans ce parc?Excuse me, where can I find the roller coaster in this park?
- Les montagnes russes sont vraiment impressionnantes.The roller coasters are really impressive.
Example conversation
Two friends are standing in front of a theme park entrance.
- HugoTu veux faire les montagnes russes ?Do you want to ride the roller coaster?
- ChloéOui, j'adore les sensations fortes !Yes, I love thrills!
- HugoSuper, c'est la plus grande ici.Great, it's the biggest one here.
- ChloéParfait, allons-y vite !Perfect, let's go quickly!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries montagnes russes, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
