sac en toile
The English phrase "tote bag" is translated into French as sac en toile.
The standard way to describe this item is sac en toile. While you may occasionally encounter the English term "tote bag" used within French fashion contexts, sac en toile is the common descriptive term.
Meaning: large handbag (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase sac en toile literally translates to "bag in canvas", where sac means bag and toile means canvas.
Which one should you use?
The term sac cabas is another common way to refer to a large, open-top bag used for carrying many items, such as a large shopping bag.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions of France, particularly in the south, the term pochon is used for a tote bag.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun sac is masculine, so when referring to a single tote bag, you use the masculine indefinite article un sac en toile.
Did you know?
- While sac en toile is common, French speakers often use the term sac fourre-tout to describe a bag that holds everything.
- The word cabas used in sac cabas originally described a specific type of woven basket made from palm leaves or straw.
- The word sac shares a linguistic ancestor with the English word 'ransack', coming from the Old Norse word saka.
Examples in context
- J'ai acheté un magnifique sac cabas pour aller avec ma nouvelle tenue.I bought a beautiful tote bag to go with my new outfit.
- Tu as vu mon cabas en toile ? Je peux transporter tous mes livres sans problème !Have you seen my canvas tote bag? I can carry all my books without any issues!
- Ce sac fourre-tout est parfait pour mes voyages. Il est très spacieux !This tote bag is perfect for my travels. It's very spacious!
- J'ai acheté un nouveau sac en toile.I bought a new tote bag.
- Elle transporte ses livres dans un sac en toile.She carries her books in a tote bag.
- Ce sac en toile est très pratique.This tote bag is very practical.
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are shopping at a local market.
- ChloéTu aimes mon sac en toile ?Do you like my tote bag?
- LucasOui, il est très joli, Chloé.Yes, it is very pretty, Chloé.
- ChloéIl est assez grand pour mes courses.It is big enough for my groceries.
- LucasC'est un bon choix pour toi.It is a good choice for you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, sac, toile, CC BY-SA 4.0.
