rétrécissement
The English phrase "shrinking" translates to French as rétrécissement.
rétrécissement refers to the process of becoming smaller in size or amount. It is also the standard term used to describe a narrowing, such as a gap or a road.
Which one should you use?
While it can mean a reduction in size, it is also the standard term for a narrowing (such as a road or a gap).
How does it change in a sentence?
rétrécissement is a masculine noun. If you wish to use the verb form to say "to shrink", use rétrécir. Note that the verb diminuer primarily means "to decrease," though it may imply shrinking in specific contexts.
Did you know?
- If you are talking about a shirt shrinking in the wash, you might use rétrécir, but if you are talking about a person's influence or status shrinking, you would almost always switch to diminuer. Using rétrécir for abstract concepts like power sounds very unnatural.
- The word rétrécissement is frequently used in French medicine to describe the narrowing of a valve or a vessel, such as rétrécissement aortique for aortic stenosis.
- The verb rétrécir can be used with both être and avoir as an auxiliary verb, depending on whether the shrinking is an action or a result. This can be confusing for learners who are used to a single auxiliary in many other tenses.
Examples in context
- Les vêtements peuvent rétrécir au lavage.Clothes can shrink in the wash.
- La population de cette ville se réduit chaque année.The population of this city shrinks every year.
- Ma chemise a rapetissé après avoir été lavée.My shirt shrank after being washed.
- Les photos que j'ai imprimées ont été réduites en taille.The photos I printed have been shrunk in size.
- Le rétrécissement de la zone est inquiétant.The shrinking of the zone is worrying.
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are discussing environmental issues.
- NathanLe rétrécissement des glaciers est visible partout.The shrinking of the glaciers is visible everywhere.
- ManonC'est vrai, c'est très triste.It's true, it is very sad.
- NathanNous devons agir maintenant.We must act now.
- ManonJe suis tout à fait d'accord.I completely agree.
