ciseaux
/si.zo/masculine, plural
The French word for scissors is ciseaux.
ciseaux is a masculine plural noun used to refer to the tool used for cutting.
Meaning: tool used for cutting (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
While ciseaux is the standard plural form used in most situations, the singular form un ciseau is used in technical contexts, such as blacksmithing or tool-making, to refer to a single blade or a specific type of chisel.
How do you pronounce it?
/si.zo/
When do people say it?
When referring specifically to sewing scissors, you can use the phrase Les ciseaux de couture.
Did you know?
- The word ciseaux shares a root with the English word 'scissor', both deriving from the Latin 'caedere', which means 'to cut' or 'to kill'.
- When talking about the physical act of a person 'cutting corners' or being imprecise, French speakers might use different metaphors rather than using the word ciseaux itself.
- In French, ciseaux is a 'plurale tantum', meaning it is almost always used in the plural. Even when you are referring to one single pair of scissors, you must use the plural form and plural verbs.
Examples in context
- Où sont les ciseaux ?Where are the scissors?This sentence is useful for asking for the location of the scissors.Tatoeba #6880196 by GB3, translation #6880009 by batsheep
- Où sont mes ciseaux ?Where are my scissors?Tatoeba #8339506 by felix63, translation #8345280 by deniko
- Ces ciseaux sont neufs.These scissors are new.This sentence is useful for describing the condition of the scissors.Tatoeba #6597812 by GB3, translation #2790267 by CK
- Pouvez-vous me passer les ciseaux, s'il vous plaît?Can you pass me the scissors, please?
- Passe-moi les ciseaux de couture, s'il te plaît. J'ai besoin de les utiliser pour couper le tissu.Pass me the sewing scissors, please. I need to use them to cut the fabric.
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a craft room, Manon is looking for a tool.
- NathanManon, tu as vu mes ciseaux ?Manon, have you seen my scissors?
- ManonNon, je ne trouve pas les ciseaux.No, I can't find the scissors.
- NathanPeux-tu chercher les ciseaux dans le tiroir ?Can you look for the scissors in the drawer?
- ManonAh, les ciseaux sont ici !Ah, the scissors are here!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “scissors” translations and entries ciseaux, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
