racines
The French word for 'roots' is racines.
racines is used to refer to both biological roots, such as those of a plant and metaphorical roots, such as a person's ancestry or origins. When discussing individual roots, you may use mes racines. For more specific contexts, you can use antécédents historiques or ancêtres when discussing historical roots.
Meaning: ancestors (noun)
Which one should you use?
racines is a versatile word that applies to both biological contexts and metaphorical concepts like ancestry or the source of a problem.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is racines and the singular form is racine.
Did you know?
- The English word 'radical' comes from the Latin 'radix', which is the same ancestor as the French word racine.
- The phrase prendre racine is used not just for plants, but to describe a person who has settled permanently in a new city or country.
- The word racine is part of the spelling of the famous French surname 'Racine', named after the playwright Jean Racine. His name itself is derived from the word for 'root'.
Examples in context
- Les racines relient l'arbre au sol.The roots connect the tree to the ground.This sentence illustrates the biological use of racines.Tatoeba #9978531 by lbdx, translation #4328921 by AlanF_US
- Où sont les racines de cette plante ?Where are this plant's roots?This sentence shows the biological use of racines in a question.Tatoeba #10500522 by pkill, translation #13860236 by tieguy
- Les équations quadratiques ont deux racines.Quadratic equations have 2 roots.This sentence demonstrates the mathematical use of racines.Tatoeba #12303246 by Rovo, translation #7778216 by Hybrid
- Les racines de cet arbre sont très profondes.The roots of this tree are very deep.
- Je suis fier de mes origines.I am proud of my roots.
- Cet événement célèbre notre patrimoine.This event celebrates our roots/heritage.
- J'explore mes racines familiales.I am exploring my family roots.
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are looking at an old family photo album.
- LucasNos racines sont très diversifiées.Our roots are very diverse.
- LéaC'est vrai, Lucas, cela se voit sur les photos.It's true, Lucas, it shows in the photos.
- LucasJe veux en apprendre plus sur nos racines.I want to learn more about our roots.
- LéaC'est une excellente idée, mon cher.That is an excellent idea, my dear.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
