compétition de natation
The English phrase swim meet is translated into French as compétition de natation.
A compétition de natation refers to a sports event where swimmers compete in various races. You can use the phrase Participer à une compétition de natation to say to participate in a swim meet. Other related terms include Nageur for a male swimmer, Nageuse for a female swimmer and the verb Gagner, which means to win.
Which one should you use?
While compétition de natation is the standard term, you may sometimes encounter une rencontre de natation. The word rencontre is used in a sporting context to denote a meeting or a meet specifically between different clubs.
Did you know?
- French distinguishes between natation for competitive swimming and baignade for recreational swimming or bathing, so a compétition de baignade would sound absurd to a native speaker.
- The word natation refers to the sport of swimming, but the French word for a swimming pool, piscine, originally referred to a fish pond.
- In France, the most prestigious swim meets are often called championnats, which specifically implies a tournament to determine a national or regional title rather than just a general compétition.
Examples in context
- La compétition de natation aura lieu ce samedi à la piscine municipale.The swim meet will take place this Saturday at the municipal pool.
- La rencontre de natation se déroulera dans le cadre du championnat national.The swim meet will take place as part of the national championship.
- On va à la compét' de natation samedi? Ça va être sympa!Are we going to the swim meet on Saturday? It's going to be fun!
- Jean va participer à une compétition de natation la semaine prochaine.Jean will participate in a swim meet next week.
- La nageuse a gagné une médaille d'or lors de la compétition régionale.The female swimmer won a gold medal at the regional swim meet.
- Je vais à une compétition de natation demain.I am going to a swim meet tomorrow.
- Elle a gagné sa compétition de natation.She won her swim meet.
- La compétition de natation commence à huit heures.The swim meet starts at eight o'clock.
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are talking about their weekend plans at a cafe.
- LéaTu fais quoi ce week-end, Lucas ?What are you doing this weekend, Lucas?
- LucasJe participe à une compétition de natation.I am participating in a swim meet.
- LéaC'est super, bonne chance pour ta compétition !That's great, good luck with your competition!
- LucasMerci, Léa, c'est très gentil.Thanks, Léa, that is very kind.
