If you’re looking to expand your French vocabulary, it’s important to learn how to say common clothing items. In this guide, we’ll tackle the word “sweatpants” and provide you with both formal and informal ways to express it in French. We’ll also add some regional variations where necessary. So, let’s dive in and explore the various ways to say “sweatpants” in French!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Sweatpants”
If you want to express “sweatpants” in a formal setting, such as in a business or academic environment, here are a few options:
- Pantalon de sport – This is a precise and formal term that translates directly to “sports pants.” It is commonly used in official settings, including professional discussions and formal writing.
- Pantalon de survêtement – This term is commonly used in formal French to refer to sweatpants. It combines “pantalon” (pants) with “survêtement” (tracksuit), making it suitable for more professional or conservative environments.
- Pantalon en molleton – This phrase translates to “pants made of fleece.” While not specific to sweatpants, it can be used in more formal contexts where the garment’s material needs to be mentioned.
Informal Ways to Say “Sweatpants”
In informal contexts, such as casual conversations with friends or family, you might come across alternative ways to say “sweatpants.” Here are some informal options:
- Jogging – This is a colloquial term that French speakers often use to refer to sweatpants. It comes from the English word “jogging” but has adapted in French to specifically mean sweatpants.
- Bas de survêt – This phrase is commonly used in informal French to refer to sweatpants. It combines “bas” (bottoms) with “survêt” (a shortened version of “survêtement”). It’s a shorter and more casual way to express sweatpants.
- Pantalon molletonné – This term translates to “fleece pants” and is often used to refer to sweatpants in an informal manner. It conveys a relaxed and comfortable vibe while still clearly referring to this type of garment.
Regional Variations
French is spoken in multiple regions around the world, each with its own unique vocabulary. Here are a couple of regional variations for the word “sweatpants,” which you might encounter:
Québec: In the Canadian province of Quebec, people often use the term pantalons de sport or the more casual jogging to refer to sweatpants. These terms are widely understood and used in everyday conversations. However, it’s important to note that Quebec French includes numerous other regionalisms and colloquial expressions, which might differ from standard French.
Belgium: In Belgium, people typically use the term bas de survêt to refer to sweatpants. This term is similar to the informal French expression mentioned earlier. It’s important to be aware of these regional variations, especially if you plan to visit or communicate with someone from Belgium.
Summary
To summarize, here are the various ways to say “sweatpants” in French:
- Formal terms:
- Pantalon de sport
- Pantalon de survêtement
- Pantalon en molleton
- Informal terms:
- Jogging
- Bas de survêt
- Pantalon molletonné
Remember that regional variations exist, and in Quebec, Canada, the term “pantalons de sport” or “jogging” is more commonly used, while in Belgium, “bas de survêt” is the preferred term. Regardless of which term you use, you’ll be able to communicate effectively with French speakers across various contexts, whether formal or informal. Happy learning and experimenting with these new vocabulary words!
