taille-crayon
/taj.kʁɛ.jɔ̃/
The English word "sharpener" is translated into French as taille-crayon.
The term taille-crayon refers to a device used for making things sharp, most commonly a pencil sharpener.
Meaning: device for making things sharp (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
This is a compound noun composed of the verb tailler (to cut, shape or sharpen) and the noun crayon (pencil).
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine and is typically used with the indefinite article un to mean "a sharpener" (un taille-crayon).
How do you pronounce it?
/taj.kʁɛ.jɔ̃/
Did you know?
- Although taille-crayon is masculine, the word taille on its own can mean 'waist' or 'size', creating potential confusion for beginners when the word appears in other contexts.
- If you use the verb tailler in a fashion context, it refers to the 'cut' or 'fit' of a garment, showing the word's versatility in describing shape.
- In some regions, a person who works as a stone cutter or a gemstone carver is also associated with the root taille, as they 'shape' the material similarly to a taille-crayon.
Examples in context
- J'ai besoin d'un taille-crayon.I need a pencil sharpener.This sentence is useful for expressing the need for a taille-crayon.Tatoeba #5569188 by sacredceltic, translation #2631954 by Joseph
- Ce crayon est mal taillé. As-tu un taille-crayon ?This pencil is blunt. Have you got a sharpener?This sentence shows how to ask if someone has a taille-crayon when a pencil is blunt.Tatoeba #12856345 by lbdx, translation #10910253 by sundown
- Le taille-crayon, c'est pour le côté de la mine, pas celui de la gomme.It's the lead that goes in the pencil sharpener, not the eraser.This sentence clarifies that the taille-crayon is used for the lead of the pencil.Tatoeba #7922532 by Aiji, translation #13855506 by tieguy
- Excusez-moi, auriez-vous un taille-crayon ?Excuse me, do you have a pencil sharpener?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are in a classroom.
- ChloéNathan, tu as un taille-crayon ?Nathan, do you have a sharpener?
- NathanOui, il est dans mon sac.Yes, it is in my bag.
- ChloéPeux-tu me le prêter, s'il te plaît ?Can you lend it to me, please?
- NathanBien sûr, le voilà.Of course, here it is.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry taille-crayon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
