draps
The English phrase sheets is translated into French as draps.
Which one should you use?
While draps is the plural form, it is very common in French to use the plural when referring to bed linen in general, even if referring to a single sheet.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the noun is drap. The noun drap is a masculine noun.
Did you know?
- Unlike English, where 'sheet' can refer to paper or metal, drap is strictly for fabric. For a sheet of paper, French uses the word feuille.
- The word drap shares a root with the English word 'drapery'. While 'drapery' now often refers to curtains, in French drap remains the primary word for the sheet on a bed.
- The word drap is used to describe the material of certain heavy fabrics, such as 'drap de laine', even though it is most commonly thought of as bed linen.
Examples in context
- Tom a plié ses draps.Tom folded his sheets.Tatoeba #1495543 by martin9, translation #2940774 by Hakaku
- J'ai changé les draps.I changed the sheets.Tatoeba #2867519 by manuchko, translation #12057457 by carlosalberto
- Les draps sont propres.The sheets are clean.Tatoeba #11778396 by lbdx, translation #2490812 by Hybrid
- J'ai besoin d'une feuille de papier pour écrire ma lettre.I need a sheet of paper to write my letter.
- Je dois laver les draps ce soir.I have to wash the sheets tonight.
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are cleaning the bedroom together.
- HugoOù sont les draps propres ?Where are the clean sheets?
- ChloéIls sont dans l'armoire, Hugo.They are in the wardrobe, Hugo.
- HugoJe vais mettre les draps sur le lit.I am going to put the sheets on the bed.
- ChloéMerci, c'est très gentil.Thank you, that is very kind.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
