sur la pointe des pieds
To tip toe in French is sur la pointe des pieds.
This phrase is used to describe the action of walking carefully on the balls of the feet and toes to avoid making noise.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to on the tip of the feet.
How does it change in a sentence?
While the plural form sur la pointe des pieds is standard, the singular version sur la pointe du pied (on the tip of the foot) is also commonly used to mean walking on tiptoe.
Did you know?
- In French, you can also use sur la pointe des pieds figuratively to describe someone acting with extreme discretion or even being 'sneaky' in a social situation.
- The word pointe shares a common ancestor with the English word 'point', both originating from the Latin verb pungō, meaning 'to prick'.
- If you are a ballet dancer, the phrase sur la pointe describes a specific technical position of standing on the very tips of the toes.
Examples in context
- Elle marche sur la pointe des pieds avec précaution pour ne pas faire de bruit.She walks on tiptoes with caution so as not to make any noise.
- Elle marche sur la pointe des pieds.She is walking on tiptoe.
- Il est entré sur la pointe des pieds.He entered on tiptoe.
- Marchez sur la pointe des pieds pour ne pas réveiller le bébé.Walk on tiptoe so you don't wake the baby.
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are in a quiet house at night.
- HugoChut, marche sur la pointe des pieds.Shh, walk on tiptoe.
- LéaD'accord, je ne veux pas faire de bruit.Okay, I don't want to make any noise.
- HugoLéa, tu marches très doucement.Léa, you are walking very softly.
- LéaMerci, je fais attention.Thanks, I am being careful.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries des, la, pointe, sur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
