histoires
The English phrase "stories" is translated into French as histoires.
histoires refers to narratives that describe a sequence of events, whether they are real or imaginary. It is important to note that the word can also mean "history" in the academic sense. In a dismissive context, such as the phrase des histoires, the word can imply lies, excuses or unnecessary drama.
Which one should you use?
While histoires is the general term for stories, there are more specific formal options. Use Récits if you want to emphasize a factual or historical aspect of a narrative. Use Légendes when referring specifically to mythical or legendary stories.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is histoire. The plural is formed by adding an s to the singular form, resulting in histoires.
Did you know?
- The French word for 'story' (as in a floor of a building) is not 'histoire' but 'étage'.
- The phrase faire des histoires refers to creating a scene or making a fuss about something trivial, rather than narrating a plot.
- In French, if you are telling a child a bedtime story, you might call it a conte, which specifically implies a fairy tale or a folk narrative.
Examples in context
- Il aime les histoires.He likes stories.This sentence shows how to express a preference for histoires.Tatoeba #3634487 by sacredceltic, translation #2861511 by Amastan
- Ils aiment les histoires.They like stories.This sentence demonstrates the plural subject usage with histoires.Tatoeba #3634497 by sacredceltic, translation #2861538 by Amastan
- Épargne-moi ces histoires !Don't tell me fairy stories!This sentence illustrates using histoires in a dismissive way.Tatoeba #8593908 by Micsmithel, translation #1427049 by enteka
- Les contes de Perrault fascinent les enfants du monde entier.The tales by Perrault fascinate children all over the world.
- Les récits des explorateurs français sont remplis d'aventures incroyables.The accounts of French explorers are filled with incredible adventures.
- Les légendes arthuriennes enchantent les lecteurs avec leurs chevaliers courageux.Arthurian legends enchant readers with their brave knights.
- J'ai entendu une histoire incroyable aujourd'hui !I heard an incredible story today!
- Elle adore les racontars sur les célébrités.She loves gossip about celebrities.
- Laissez-moi vous raconter quelques anecdotes sur mon voyage en France.Let me tell you a few anecdotes about my trip to France.
- 93 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are talking about books in a library.
- HugoTu aimes lire des histoires d'aventure ?Do you like reading adventure stories?
- ManonOui, j'adore ces histoires.Yes, I love those stories.
- HugoJe peux t'en prêter quelques histoires.I can lend you a few stories.
- ManonC'est gentil, merci Hugo !That's kind, thank you Hugo!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
