sous-vêtements thermiques
In French, thermal underwear is sous-vêtements thermiques.
This phrase refers to clothing worn under other garments to keep the body warm in cold weather.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of sous (under), vêtements (clothing/garments) and thermiques (thermal).
Which one should you use?
While sous-vêtements thermiques is a general term, you can use more specific forms depending on the garment: haut thermique for a thermal top, bas thermiques for thermal bottoms and collants thermiques for thermal tights or leggings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, the term sous-vêtements anti-froid is used primarily to mean cold-resistant underwear.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase can be used in the singular form sous-vêtement thermique when you are referring to a single piece of thermal clothing.
Did you know?
- French speakers use the adjective frileux to describe someone who feels the cold more than others, regardless of what thermal clothing they wear.
- The word vêtements comes from the Old French vestimentum, which shares a root with the English word 'vestment' used for liturgical clothing.
- In sports contexts, French speakers often say une première couche meaning 'a first layer' instead of using the word for underwear.
Examples in context
- Je voudrais acheter des sous-vêtements thermiquesI would like to buy thermal underwear
- Où puis-je trouver des sous-vêtements chauds?Where can I find warm underwear?
- Quelle marque de sous-vêtements chauds recommandez-vous?Which brand of warm underwear do you recommend?
- Quel type de sous-vêtements thermiques est le plus efficace?Which type of thermal underwear is the most effective?
- J'ai froid, je devrais porter des sous-vêtements thermiquesI'm cold, I should wear thermal underwear
- Je porte des sous-vêtements thermiques pour skier.I wear thermal underwear to ski.
- Il faut acheter des sous-vêtements thermiques pour l'hiver.One must buy thermal underwear for the winter.
- Ces sous-vêtements thermiques sont très confortables.This thermal underwear is very comfortable.
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are preparing for a hiking trip in the mountains.
- NathanEst-ce que tu as pris tes sous-vêtements thermiques ?Did you take your thermal underwear?
- EmmaOui, je les ai mis dans mon sac.Yes, I put them in my bag.
- NathanC'est une bonne idée, il fera très froid.That is a good idea, it will be very cold.
- EmmaJe ne veux pas avoir froid pendant la randonnée.I don't want to be cold during the hike.
