serviette
/sɛʁ.vjɛt/feminine
The English phrase towel is translated into French as serviette.
serviette is a noun used to refer to a cloth used for wiping.
Meaning: cloth used for wiping (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /sɛʁ.vjɛt/.
Did you know?
- In a French pharmacy or gym, you might see serviette hygiénique, which refers to a sanitary pad rather than a cloth for drying.
- The word serviette is a cognate of the English word 'servant', as both share the Latin root for 'to serve'.
- A 'beach towel' is often specifically called a drap de plage rather than a serviette de plage to emphasize its large size.
Examples in context
- Il me faut une serviette.I need a towel.This sentence is useful for expressing a need for a serviette.Tatoeba #4161397 by Amastan, translation #2387469 by CK
- Cette serviette est rêche.This towel feels rough.This sentence is useful for describing the texture of a serviette.Tatoeba #572796 by sacredceltic, translation #8549660 by Amastan
- Il lui faut une serviette.He needs a towel.This sentence is useful for expressing that someone else needs a serviette.Tatoeba #742702 by qdii, translation #434974 by lukaszpp
- Pourriez-vous me passer une serviette de bain, s'il vous plaît?Could you please pass me a towel?
- Où puis-je trouver un drap de bain?Where can I find a towel?
- J'ai besoin d'une serviette pour me sécher les mainsI need a towel to dry my hands
- Vous avez une serviette de bain supplémentaire?Do you have an extra towel?
- Tu peux me passer une serviette?Can you pass me a towel?
- 76 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a swimming pool.
- NathanOù est ma serviette ?Where is my towel?
- EmmaElle est sur le banc.It is on the bench.
- NathanMerci, Emma.Thanks, Emma.
- EmmaDe rien, Nathan.You're welcome, Nathan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “towel” translations and entries serviette, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
