nécessaire de couture
The English phrase sewing kit is translated into French as nécessaire de couture.
The term refers to a package or set of supplies used for sewing.
Meaning: package (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of nécessaire (necessity or essential items) and de couture (of sewing).
Which one should you use?
While nécessaire de couture refers to a kit or set of supplies, the alternative trousse de couture is often used to imply a smaller, more portable pouch or case.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun nécessaire is masculine. If you use an adjective to describe the kit, it must be in the masculine form, such as un petit nécessaire de couture.
Did you know?
- While couture refers to sewing, the term haute couture is a legally protected appellation in France. Only houses that meet strict criteria set by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture can use the term.
- The term trousse in trousse de couture is the same word used for a first aid kit, trousse de secours, and a pencil case, trousse d'école.
- In historical French contexts, a nécessaire was often a lavish, ornate box containing luxury toiletries or vanity items, not just basic utility tools.
Examples in context
- Est-ce que vous avez une trousse de couture?Do you have a sewing kit?
- J'ai mis ma trousse de couture dans ma valise.I put my sewing kit in my suitcase.
- Qu'est-ce qu'il y a dans ta boîte de couture?What's in your sewing box?
- J'ai oublié mon nécessaire de couture.I forgot my sewing kit.
- Où est le nécessaire de couture ?Where is the sewing kit?
- Elle a acheté un nouveau nécessaire de couture.She bought a new sewing kit.
Example conversation
Nathan is looking for a way to fix a hole in his shirt.
- NathanChloé, as-tu un nécessaire de couture ?Chloé, do you have a sewing kit?
- ChloéOui, il est dans le tiroir du salon.Yes, it is in the living room drawer.
- NathanMerci, je dois recoudre un bouton.Thanks, I have to sew a button back on.
- ChloéPas de problème, Nathan.No problem, Nathan.
