chaussée glissante
The English phrase "slippery when wet" is translated into French as chaussée glissante.
The phrase chaussée glissante is the standard technical term used on official road signs in French-speaking regions to warn of slick conditions. You may also see attention chaussée glissante used to create a full warning sign meaning "caution: slippery roadway".
What does it mean word for word?
The adjective glissante means "slippery".
How does it change in a sentence?
Because chaussée is a feminine noun, the adjective must take the feminine form glissante.
Did you know?
- While chaussée refers to the road surface on a sign, the verb chausser means 'to put on shoes'.
- The root of chaussée may derive from the Latin word for 'lime', referring to the material used to pave ancient Roman roads.
- If you were to say a person is glissant, you might imply they are being slippery or evasive in their speech, much like the English idiom.
Examples in context
- Attention, chaussée glissante après la pluie.Warning, slippery road after the rain.
- Le panneau indique une chaussée glissante.The sign indicates a slippery roadway.
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are driving through a heavy rainstorm.
- NathanRegarde ce panneau, chaussée glissante.Look at that sign, slippery road.
- EmmaTu as raison, ralentissons un peu.You are right, let's slow down a bit.
- NathanLa visibilité est mauvaise aussi.The visibility is bad too.
- EmmaJe conduis prudemment, ne t'inquiète pas.I am driving carefully, don't worry.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chaussée, CC BY-SA 4.0.
