lunettes de natation
/ly.nɛt də na.ta.sjɔ̃/
The English phrase swimming goggles is translated into French as lunettes de natation.
lunettes de natation refers to the tight-fitting protective eyewear worn to see clearly and protect the eyes while swimming.
Which one should you use?
While the word lunettes can refer to any type of glasses, adding de natation specifically distinguishes these as swimming goggles rather than prescription glasses or sunglasses.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun lunettes is always used in its plural form when referring to eyewear.
How do you pronounce it?
/ly.nɛt də na.ta.sjɔ̃/
Did you know?
- The word lunettes literally translates to 'little moons' because of the shape of the lenses. This diminutive form is why French uses a plural noun for a single piece of eyewear.
- The term lunettes was historically used for telescopes before it became the standard word for glasses. This reflects the early history of optics in France.
- While you might think of swimming as a hobby, the word natation is a formal, technical term derived directly from Latin, making it sound more like a scientific discipline than a casual splash in a pool.
Examples in context
- Excusez-moi, où puis-je trouver des lunettes de natation ?Excuse me, where can I find swimming goggles?
- Où sont mes lunettes de natation ?Where are my swimming goggles?
- Il faut acheter de nouvelles lunettes de natation.We need to buy new swimming goggles.
- Tes lunettes de natation sont bleues.Your swimming goggles are blue.
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are preparing to go to the pool.
- EmmaLucas, as-tu vu mes lunettes de natation ?Lucas, have you seen my swimming goggles?
- LucasElles sont sur la table, Emma.They are on the table, Emma.
- EmmaMerci, elles sont très propres.Thanks, they are very clean.
- LucasN'oublie pas ton bonnet de bain.Don't forget your swim cap.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lunettes de natation, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
