pente raide
The English phrase steep slope is translated into French as pente raide.
The phrase pente raide is used to describe a steep slope. In geology or when describing the side of a mountain, you might also use the term talus to refer to a steep slope or incline.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of pente, meaning 'slope' and raide, meaning 'steep'.
Which one should you use?
You can use the adjective abrupte as a synonym for raide (e.g., une pente abrupte). If you want to describe the opposite of a steep slope, use pente douce (gentle slope).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, people may use côte raide instead of pente raide to describe a steep slope.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural 'steep slopes', both the noun and the adjective must take an 's', resulting in pentes raides.
Did you know?
- The word pente shares an ancestral root with the English word 'pendulum', as both come from the Latin 'pendere', meaning 'to hang'.
- In French, the adjective raide can also mean 'stiff' or 'rigid', which is why it is used to describe a slope that feels uncompromising or difficult to climb.
- In many parts of France, a 'steep slope' on a road is often called a montée rather than a pente, focusing on the act of ascending.
Examples in context
- Il fixa la pente raide.He stared at the steep slope.This sentence shows how to use pente raide when someone is staring at a slope.Tatoeba #131987 by Micsmithel, translation #296041 by CM
- Nous grimpâmes une pente raide.We climbed the steep slope.This sentence is useful for describing the action of climbing a pente raide.Tatoeba #7982 by sysko, translation #248630 by CK
- Le chemin zigzaguait le long de la pente raide.The path zigzagged up the steep slope.This sentence demonstrates how a path might move along a pente raide.Tatoeba #876227 by U2FS, translation #327880 by CK
- Le sentier mène à un escarpement abrupt avec une vue incroyable sur la vallée.The path leads to a steep escarpment with an incredible view of the valley.
- Les alpinistes doivent être prudents lorsqu'ils gravissent une pente raide.Climbers must be careful when climbing a steep slope.
- Pour atteindre le sommet, il faut grimper cette pente raide.To reach the summit, you must climb this steep slope.
- J'ai glissé en descendant cette côte abrupte, mais heureusement, je ne me suis pas blessé.I slipped while going down this steep slope, but fortunately, I did not get hurt.
- Nous avons réalisé une randonnée sur une pente escarpée et la vue était incroyable!We went for a hike on a steep slope and the view was incredible!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are hiking in the mountains.
- ChloéRegarde cette pente raide devant nous !Look at that steep slope in front of us!
- LucasC'est vrai, ça a l'air difficile.It's true, it looks difficult.
- ChloéOn peut contourner la pente raide par la gauche.We can go around the steep slope to the left.
- LucasBonne idée, allons-y.Good idea, let's go.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pente, raide, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
