lunettes de soleil
/ly.nɛt də sɔ.lɛj/feminine, plural
The English phrase "sunglasses" is translated into French as lunettes de soleil.
lunettes de soleil refers to tinted glasses worn to protect the eyes from the sun. You may also encounter the phrase lunettes noires, which literally means "black glasses," used to specifically identify sunglasses and avoid confusion with regular glasses.
Meaning: tinted glasses worn to protect the eyes from the sun (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of lunettes (glasses) and de soleil (of sun).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because lunettes is always plural, you use une paire de to refer to a single item, such as "a pair of sunglasses" (une paire de lunettes de soleil).
How do you pronounce it?
/ly.nɛt də sɔ.lɛj/
Did you know?
- The word lunettes comes from the French word for 'little moons' (lunes), describing the curved shape of the glass lenses.
- In France, wearing lunettes de soleil indoors can be perceived as a sign of arrogance or a desire to hide one's identity and emotions.
- The word lunettes was historically used for any small lens or telescope before it became the standard word for eyeglasses.
Examples in context
- Il ôta ses lunettes de soleil.He removed his sunglasses.This sentence is useful for seeing the verb used with lunettes de soleil.Tatoeba #2279057 by sacredceltic, translation #2276840 by Hybrid
- Elle ôta ses lunettes de soleil.She removed her sunglasses.Tatoeba #2279060 by sacredceltic, translation #2276838 by Hybrid
- Je porte des lunettes de soleil.I'm wearing sunglasses.This sentence is useful for seeing how to say you are wearing lunettes de soleil.Tatoeba #5688349 by Aiji, translation #2707469 by CK
- J'ai acheté différentes lunettes de soleil pour cet été. Elles sont toutes très élégantes !I bought different pairs of sunglasses for this summer. They are all very stylish!
- 48 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is preparing to go to the beach.
- GabrielOù sont mes lunettes de soleil ?Where are my sunglasses?
- ChloéElles sont sur la table, Gabriel.They are on the table, Gabriel.
- GabrielMerci, Chloé.Thank you, Chloé.
- ChloéN'oublie pas tes lunettes de soleil !Don't forget your sunglasses!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sunglasses” translations and entries lunettes de soleil, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
