noms de rues
The English phrase "street names" is translated into French as noms de rues.
This phrase refers to the official names assigned to public roads within a city or town. In French, the components of a street address can vary. For example, you might encounter the terms rue (street), avenue (avenue), boulevard (boulevard) or place (square).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of noms (names), de (of) and rues (streets).
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are referring to a single street name, use the singular form nom de rue. In the plural, you can use noms de rues to denote multiple specific streets. Alternatively, noms de rue is also used, where the word rue remains singular to indicate the category of street.
Did you know?
- French street names often use the rue de [Name] format, but if a street is named after a saint, it is almost always rue Saint-[Name] without the de.
- While rue is the general term, a boulevard in French cities historically refers to a road built on the site of a former city wall or rampart.
- Unlike English, where 'Street' is often capitalized as part of a proper name, French street names like rue de Rivoli typically keep rue in lowercase unless it starts a sentence.
Examples in context
- Je ne trouve pas les noms de rues sur la carte.I can't find the street names on the map.
- Les noms de rues sont écrits en vieux français.The street names are written in old French.
- Il faut vérifier les noms de rues pour ne pas se tromper.You must check the street names so you don't make a mistake.
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are looking for an address in a new city.
- LéaNathan, regarde les noms de rues sur le panneau.Nathan, look at the street names on the sign.
- NathanJe ne vois pas notre rue ici.I don't see our street here.
- LéaOn a peut-être tourné dans la mauvaise direction.Maybe we turned in the wrong direction.
- NathanOn devrait demander à quelqu'un.We should ask someone.
