phrases
The English phrase sentences is translated into French as phrases.
Which one should you use?
In French, the word phrases is the standard term for a complete linguistic sentence, whereas in English the word 'phrase' often refers to a smaller fragment of a sentence.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun phrase is feminine, so it takes the feminine article une or la.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use phrase to mean a legal sentence (a punishment). However, in French, phrase only refers to a grammatical sentence. To refer to a legal sentence, use une peine or une sentence.
Did you know?
- In French, the term phrase faite refers to a cliché or a readymade expression, rather than a sentence that has been constructed.
- The word phrase shares a root with the Greek word phrasis, which described the art of eloquence and how one chooses to speak.
- While 'sentence' in English can mean a long period of time in prison, the French word sentence is often used in a literary sense to mean a witty or moral maxim.
Examples in context
- Ajoute des phrases !Add sentences!Tatoeba #10509425 by pkill, translation #6294149 by jan_Keto
- Il copie tes phrases.He copies your sentences.Tatoeba #5286761 by martin9, translation #9147240 by dzouras
- Tu copies mes phrases.You copy my sentences.Tatoeba #5286752 by martin9, translation #9563909 by kby
- Comment puis-je vous aider?How can I help you?
- Excusez-moiExcuse me
- Je vous en prieYou're welcome
- Je voudrais réserver une table pour deux, s'il vous plaît.I would like to reserve a table for two, please.
- Comment ça va?How are you?
- Pas de problèmeNo problem
- Tu veux sortir ce soir?Do you want to go out tonight?
- Excusez-moi , où se trouve la gare?Excuse me, where is the train station?
- Salut , tu veux venir au cinéma avec moi?Hi, do you want to come to the movies with me?
- 329 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are working on a school project together.
- HugoEst-ce que tu as fini tes phrases ?Have you finished your sentences?
- LéaPas encore, je révise encore mes phrases.Not yet, I am still revising my sentences.
- HugoLéa, tes phrases sont très bonnes.Léa, your sentences are very good.
- LéaMerci Hugo, c'est gentil.Thanks Hugo, that's kind.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
