ciseaux
/si.zo/
The English phrase 'scissor' is translated into French as ciseaux.
The word ciseaux refers to a handheld tool with two blades used for cutting paper or cloth.
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, ciseaux is a plural noun and is grammatically masculine. Because it is a plural noun, it is almost always used with a plural article, such as les ciseaux for 'the scissors'. To refer to a single tool while avoiding the plural-only feel of the word, you can use the phrase une paire de ciseaux, which means 'a pair of scissors'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables and is pronounced /si.zo/.
Did you know?
- While ciseaux always refers to the tool with two blades, the word ciseau in the singular actually exists as a completely different tool: a chisel.
- In the game of Rock Paper Scissors, the French call it Pierre Papier Ciseaux, but in some regions, they say Chifoumi, a nonsensical word that replaces the names of the objects.
- The phrase couper les cheveux en quatre literally means 'to cut the hair in four' using ciseaux, but it is an idiom meaning to overcomplicate a simple problem.
Examples in context
- J'ai besoin d'acheter des ciseaux pour mon cours de couture.I need to buy scissors for my sewing class.
- Pouvez-vous me prêter votre paire de ciseaux ?Could you lend me your pair of scissors?
- Mes ciseaux sont dans le tiroir.My scissors are in the drawer.
- Où sont les ciseaux ?Where are the scissors?
- J'ai besoin de ciseaux pour ce tissu.I need scissors for this fabric.
- Utilise ces ciseaux pour couper le papier.Use these scissors to cut the paper.
Example conversation
Léa is doing some crafting at the kitchen table.
- LucasLéa, tu as vu mes ciseaux ?Léa, have you seen my scissors?
- LéaIls sont sur la table, Lucas.They are on the table, Lucas.
- LucasMerci, je dois découper ce carton.Thanks, I need to cut this cardboard.
- LéaFais attention à tes doigts.Watch your fingers.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ciseaux, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
