de rechange
The English phrase 'spare' is translated into French as de rechange.
de rechange is typically used for physical objects that can be swapped out, such as batteries, tires or clothing. Depending on the context and desired tone, other words may be more appropriate: supplémentaire can be used formally to mean 'additional', inutilisé can be used formally to mean 'unused' and en trop can be used informally to mean 'extra'.
Meaning: being over and above what is necessary (adj)
Which one should you use?
While de rechange refers to a specific spare item meant to replace a broken or used one, en réserve refers to items kept in stock or in reserve for future use.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective meaning 'spare', the phrase de rechange is placed after the noun it modifies.
Did you know?
- The phrase en trop used for 'extra' or 'spare' is often used to describe people who feel like 'third wheels' in a romantic setting, implying they are an unnecessary addition.
- While de rechange refers to a replacement part, the French use the word secours for a 'spare tire', which literally means 'help' or 'rescue'.
- In French, if you have a 'spare room', you would call it une chambre d'amis, which means 'a guests room', rather than describing the room as being 'of replacement'.
Examples in context
- Je n'ai pas de chemise de rechange.I don't have a spare shirt.This sentence shows how to use de rechange with a piece of clothing.Tatoeba #5857601 by Aiji, translation #384721 by CK
- Au passage, as-tu des piles de rechange ?By the way, do you have any spare batteries?This sentence uses de rechange to ask about spare batteries.Tatoeba #11924304 by zogwarg, translation #38051 by CM
- Donne-moi une couverture de rechange, je te prie.Please give me a spare blanket.This sentence uses de rechange to request a spare blanket.Tatoeba #1012874 by sacredceltic, translation #1009275 by AOCinJAPAN
- J'ai un stylo en trop. Tu en veux un ?I have an extra pen. Do you want one?
- Si tu as des vêtements en trop, je les prendrai volontiers.If you have any spare clothes, I'll gladly take them.
- Est-ce que tu as un peu de temps libre ?Do you have some spare time?
- Il y a une place libre sur le canapé.There's a spare seat on the couch.
- Si tu as une batterie de rechange, ça serait super !If you have a spare battery, that would be great!
- Un employé supplémentaire sera nécessaire pour cette tâche.An extra employee will be needed for this task.
- Vous avez un bureau inutilisé pour la réunion ?Do you have a spare office for the meeting?
- Les pièces détachées inutilisées peuvent être retournées à notre fournisseur.Unused spare parts can be returned to our supplier.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are getting ready for a trip.
- GabrielEst-ce que tu as une roue de rechange ?Do you have a spare wheel?
- LéaOui, elle est dans le coffre.Yes, it is in the trunk.
- GabrielParfait, car la route est très longue.Perfect, because the road is very long.
- LéaJ'ai aussi des clés de rechange ici.I also have spare keys here.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
