serviettes
The English word 'towels' is translated into French as serviettes.
serviettes refers to pieces of absorbent cloth used for drying. Depending on the context, this word can mean either 'towels' or 'napkins'.
Which one should you use?
Because serviettes is a general term, you may need more specific phrases to avoid ambiguity. To specify large towels used for drying the body, use serviettes de bain (bath towels). For smaller towels used specifically for drying hands, essuie-mains is more precise. If you are referring to kitchen towels used for drying dishes or hands, use torchons.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is une serviette.
Did you know?
- In French, the word serviette can also refer to a briefcase or a laptop bag, specifically a serviette en cuir.
- In France, if you ask for a serviette at a restaurant, you will receive a napkin, but in Quebec, the term serviette is more commonly used for a bath towel.
- The word serviette comes from the French verb servir, meaning 'to serve', reflecting the object's role in serving a guest's needs.
Examples in context
- Il a quatre serviettes.He has four towels.This sentence is useful for practicing the count of the word serviettes.Tatoeba #12480579 by always, translation #8597180 by Amastan
- Je pliai les serviettes.I folded the towels.This sentence is useful for practicing the past tense with the word serviettes.Tatoeba #2422824 by sacredceltic, translation #2326539 by CK
- Les serviettes sont sales.The towels are dirty.This sentence is useful for practicing the plural subject with the word serviettes.Tatoeba #845690 by sacredceltic, translation #273375 by CK
- Avant de plonger dans la piscine, veuillez vous munir de serviettes de bain.Before diving into the pool, please make sure you have towels.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are preparing for a trip to the beach.
- ManonGabriel, as-tu pris les serviettes ?Gabriel, did you take the towels?
- GabrielOui, elles sont dans le sac.Yes, they are in the bag.
- ManonEst-ce qu'il y a assez de serviettes ?Are there enough towels?
- GabrielOui, nous en avons deux pour nous deux.Yes, we have two for the both of us.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
