articles de toilette
articles de toilette is the French phrase for toiletries.
The phrase articles de toilette refers to personal care items used for washing and grooming the body. It is commonly used when discussing hotel amenities, creating travel checklists or shopping for personal care products.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of articles (items or articles) and de toilette (of grooming or toilet), where toilette refers to the act of washing and grooming oneself.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the term produits d'hygiène is used to mean hygiene products.
How does it change in a sentence?
While the phrase is typically used in the plural, you can use the singular form article de toilette to refer to a single grooming item.
Did you know?
- Historically, a toilette was a social event where a noble person of the court would receive guests while being groomed.
- The word toilette is a diminutive of toile, meaning 'cloth'. It originally referred to the small piece of fabric draped over a dressing table to hold grooming tools.
- In a French fashion context, a toilette can refer to an entire outfit or a specific stylistic look.
Examples in context
- Pardon, pouvez-vous m'indiquer où se trouvent les articles de toilette?Excuse me, can you tell me where the toiletries are?
- Où puis-je trouver les produits de toilette?Where can I find the toiletries?
- Hey, tu sais où sont les affaires de toilette?Hey, do you know where the toiletries are?
- Est-ce que tu sais où se trouvent les produits d'hygiène?Do you know where the hygiene products are?
- J'ai oublié mes articles de toilette à l'hôtel.I forgot my toiletries at the hotel.
- Il faut acheter des articles de toilette pour le voyage.We need to buy some toiletries for the trip.
- Sa trousse contient tous ses articles de toilette.His kit contains all of his toiletries.
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are packing for a weekend trip.
- ManonGabriel, as-tu pris les articles de toilette ?Gabriel, did you take the toiletries?
- GabrielOui, j'ai mis tout ça dans mon sac.Yes, I put all of that in my bag.
- ManonParfait, n'oublie pas le savon.Perfect, don't forget the soap.
- GabrielNe t'inquiète pas, je m'en occupe.Don't worry, I'll take care of it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, toilette, CC BY-SA 4.0.
