rouleau de papier toilette
The English phrase "toilet paper roll" is translated into French as rouleau de papier toilette.
The term refers to the cylindrical roll of paper used for hygiene. In casual conversation, speakers often omit the word rouleau and simply say papier toilette to refer to the product.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of rouleau (roll), de (of), papier (paper) and toilette (toilet).
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, add an s to the word rouleau to form rouleaux de papier toilette.
Did you know?
- While papier toilette is standard, some French speakers use the slang term PQ. This is an abbreviation for papier cul, where cul is a vulgar term for 'bottom'.
- In France, you will often find toilet paper rolls folded into a triangle at the end of the sheet in hotels. This is a traditional signal to guests that the room has been professionally cleaned.
- The word toilette comes from toile, meaning 'cloth'. It originally referred to the small cloth draped over a dressing table where people performed their grooming rituals.
Examples in context
- Ah non, j'ai complètement oublié d'acheter du papier Q au supermarché.Oh no, I completely forgot to buy toilet paper at the supermarket.
- Il n'y a plus de rouleau de papier toilette.There is no more toilet paper roll.
- Il manque un rouleau de papier toilette.There is a toilet paper roll missing.
- Peux-tu acheter un rouleau de papier toilette ?Can you buy a toilet paper roll?
- J'ai trouvé un rouleau de papier toilette dans le placard.I found a toilet paper roll in the cupboard.
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are at the supermarket.
- ChloéGabriel, n'oublie pas le rouleau de papier toilette.Gabriel, don't forget the toilet paper roll.
- GabrielEst-ce qu'il en faut un paquet entier ?Do we need a whole pack?
- ChloéOui, un paquet de plusieurs rouleaux de papier toilette.Yes, a pack of several toilet paper rolls.
- GabrielD'accord, je vais le mettre dans le chariot.Okay, I will put it in the cart.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, papier, rouleau, toilette, CC BY-SA 4.0.
