bâtonnets
The English phrase 'tally marks' is translated into French as bâtonnets.
In French, the term for tally marks is often expressed simply as des bâtonnets (little sticks) rather than a complex phrase for 'tally marks'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word bâtonnets is the diminutive form of bâton (stick), literally meaning 'little sticks'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the phrase is un bâtonnet.
Did you know?
- In French, bâtonnets is not just for counting, but is also the technical culinary term for cutting vegetables into matchstick strips.
- In various French-speaking regions, the visual pattern used to group five bâtonnets can differ from the standard French diagonal cross.
- The word bâtonnet is used to describe a wide variety of small cylindrical objects, including deodorant sticks and percussion drumsticks.
Examples in context
- Le professeur a utilisé des traits de comptage pour marquer les réponses correctes.The teacher used tally marks to mark the correct answers.
- Nous avons ajouté trois bâtonnets pour chaque question correcte.We added three tally marks for each correct question.
- Fais des bâtonnets pour compter les votes.Make tally marks to count the votes.
- Dessine des bâtonnets sur ton carnet.Draw tally marks in your notebook.
- Utilise des bâtonnets pour suivre le score.Use tally marks to track the score.
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are counting cars passing by.
- ChloéCombien de voitures as-tu vues, Lucas ?How many cars have you seen, Lucas?
- LucasJe ne sais pas, regarde mes bâtonnets.I don't know, look at my tally marks.
- ChloéOh, tu en as déjà compté douze !Oh, you have already counted twelve!
- LucasOui, c'est plus facile avec des bâtonnets.Yes, it's easier with tally marks.
