chasse-neige
The English phrase "snow plow" is translated into French as chasse-neige.
In French, you can use the term to refer to the vehicle equipped with a blade for clearing snow from roads.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a compound noun where chasse is derived from the verb chasser, meaning to drive away or chase and neige means snow, literally translating to "snow-chaser".
Which one should you use?
While chasse-neige is a standard term, une déneigeuse is a common alternative used specifically to describe the machine that clears snow.
Did you know?
- The verb in chasse-neige, chasser, can also mean 'to hunt' or 'to drive away' animals, giving the machine the poetic image of a hunter chasing the snow away.
- Unlike the English 'snow plow' which uses a noun as an adjective, chasse-neige is a compound noun formed from a verb and a noun. This structure is common for French tools, such as casse-noix for a nutcracker.
- While chasse-neige describes the blade itself, déneigeuse is often used for the entire truck. A French speaker might say they are waiting for the déneigeuse to arrive, even if the truck is equipped with a chasse-neige.
Examples in context
- La déneigeuse a nettoyé les rues pendant la nuitThe snow plow cleared the streets overnight
- Appelle le déneigeur pour nettoyer notre alléeCall the snow plow to clear our driveway
- Le chasse-neige déblaie la rue.The snow plow is clearing the street.
- J'ai vu passer un chasse-neige ce matin.I saw a snow plow pass by this morning.
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are looking out the window at a snowy street.
- ChloéRegarde, un chasse-neige arrive enfin !Look, a snow plow is finally coming!
- HugoC'est vrai, la route sera propre bientôt.It's true, the road will be clean soon.
- ChloéHugo, peux-tu ouvrir un peu la fenêtre ?Hugo, can you open the window a little?
- HugoNon, il fait trop froid ici.No, it is too cold in here.
