boule à neige
The English phrase "snow globe" is translated into French as boule à neige.
The term refers to a decorative glass sphere containing a miniature scene and artificial snow that swirls when shaken.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of boule (ball), à (for/with) and neige (snow).
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, boules à neige, add an s to boule but do not change the part following the preposition à.
Did you know?
- The word boule can also be a slang term for 'buttocks' because it was borrowed from the Romani word bul.
- While boule à neige describes the object, the French use the expression une boule au ventre to describe the feeling of anxiety.
- In French, boule is not just for snow globes but is the name of a popular sport where players throw large wooden balls.
Examples in context
- Je recherche une boule à neige avec la Tour EiffelI'm looking for a snow globe with the Eiffel Tower
- J'ai acheté une boule à neige pour Noël.I bought a snow globe for Christmas.
- J'ai acheté une boule à neige.I bought a snow globe.
- Regarde cette belle boule à neige.Look at this beautiful snow globe.
- La boule à neige est sur l'étagère.The snow globe is on the shelf.
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are looking at decorations in a gift shop.
- LucasEst-ce que tu aimes cette boule à neige ?Do you like this snow globe?
- LéaOui, elle est magnifique, Lucas.Yes, it is magnificent, Lucas.
- LucasElle ferait un bon cadeau pour elle.It would make a good gift for her.
- LéaTu as raison, elle va l'adorer.You are right, she is going to love it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries boule, neige, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
