écharpe
/e.ʃaʁp/feminine
The English word scarf is translated into French as écharpe. Wiktionary also lists cache-nez.
Meaning: long garment worn around the neck (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| écharpe | /e.ʃaʁp/ | feminine |
| cache-nez | /kaʃ.ne/ | masculine |
A scarf is a long garment worn around the neck. Use écharpe for a standard long scarf worn for warmth or fashion.
What does it mean word for word?
The word cache-nez is a compound of cache (hide/cover) and nez (nose).
Which one should you use?
Use écharpe for a standard long scarf.
How does it change in a sentence?
écharpe is a feminine noun, so it takes the feminine article une (une écharpe). cache-nez is a masculine noun, so it takes the masculine article un (un cache-nez).
How do you pronounce it?
/e.ʃaʁp/. The word has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The verb écharper is derived from the noun and means to 'tear' or 'shred' something, often used metaphorically to describe a fierce verbal attack.
- The word écharpe is a linguistic survivor from a time when it actually meant a 'small bag' or 'satchel' rather than a piece of clothing.
- In French, the term écharpe can also refer to a 'sash' worn across the chest, such as those worn by high-ranking officials or in military uniforms.
Examples in context
- Elle tricote une écharpe.She is knitting a scarf.This sentence shows the use of écharpe in the context of knitting.Tatoeba #1910669 by sacredceltic, translation #1908943 by Spamster
- J'ai oublié mon cache-nez.I forgot my scarf.This sentence shows the use of cache-nez in the context of forgetting an item.Tatoeba #3040510 by Blabla, translation #3129196 by brad
- Ton écharpe traîne par terre.Your scarf is dragging along the ground.This sentence shows the use of écharpe in the context of an object on the ground.Tatoeba #5071268 by Sisyphe, translation #10692945 by AlanF_US
- J'adore ta nouvelle écharpe en soie.I love your new silk scarf.
- Je porte un foulard en soie pour la soirée.I am wearing a silk scarf for the evening.
- Le châle que vous portez est magnifique.The shawl/scarf you are wearing is magnificent.
- J'ai acheté un joli foulard au marché.I bought a nice scarf at the market.
- Passe-moi ton écharpe, il fait froid aujourd'hui.Pass me your scarf, it's cold today.
- J'ai besoin de mon cache-col pour rester au chaud.I need my scarf to stay warm.
- Un foulard en soieA silk scarf
- Une écharpe en laineA woolen scarf
- Un foulard élégantAn elegant scarf
- Une écharpe coloréeA colorful scarf
- J'aime les châles en cachemire.I like cashmere shawls.
- Nous avons acheté plusieurs foulards en voyage.We bought several scarves while traveling.
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are getting ready to go outside in the cold.
- ChloéN'oublie pas ton écharpe, Gabriel.Don't forget your scarf, Gabriel.
- GabrielMerci, il fait vraiment froid aujourd'hui.Thanks, it is really cold today.
- ChloéJe vais aussi prendre mon écharpe.I am going to take my scarf too.
- GabrielBonne idée, on ne sait jamais.Good idea, you never know.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “scarf” translations and entries écharpe, cache-nez, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cache-nez, écharpe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
