débarras
The English phrase "storage room" is translated into French as débarras.
débarras refers to a small room or space used for storing household items that are not used frequently. This term specifically implies a space for clutter or items that are no longer in active use, rather than a professional warehouse or a large pantry.
Which one should you use?
While débarras is intended for miscellaneous clutter, the word cellier is used for a room specifically intended for storing food, wine or kitchen supplies.
How does it change in a sentence?
débarras is an invariable noun, which means its spelling does not change when used in the plural form.
Did you know?
- The root word barre in débarrasser originally referred to a physical bar or bolt, meaning to clear a storage room was literally to remove a barrier.
- While débarras describes the room, the related phrase se débarrasser de is used to say 'to get rid of' something or someone.
- Calling a tidy pantry a débarras can be a subtle insult, as the term carries a heavy connotation of being a place for messy clutter and junk.
Examples in context
- J'ai rangé les vieux meubles dans la cave.I put the old furniture in the cellar/storage room.
- Les balais et les produits de nettoyage sont dans le placard.The brooms and cleaning products are in the cupboard/storage space.
- On a mis les vieilles caisses dans le grenier.We put the old crates in the attic/storage room.
- Les bouteilles de vin sont dans la réserve.The wine bottles are in the storage area.
- Pose tes vieux jouets dans le débarras.Put your old toys in the storage room.
- Le débarras est trop petit pour tout cela.The storage room is too small for all that.
- Je range les outils dans le débarras.I am putting the tools away in the storage room.
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are cleaning their new apartment.
- ChloéOù est le débarras, Gabriel ?Where is the storage room, Gabriel?
- GabrielIl est juste à côté de la cuisine.It is just next to the kitchen.
- ChloéEst-ce qu'on peut y mettre ces cartons ?Can we put these boxes in there?
- GabrielOui, le débarras est assez grand.Yes, the storage room is big enough.
