tailler
/ta.je/
The English verb 'to trim' is translated into French as tailler.
The verb tailler is used for trimming hair, beards, hedges and bushes.
Meaning: to reduce slightly (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, tailler means to cut, shape or tailor something.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /ta.je/.
Did you know?
- In French slang, the phrase tailler de là is used to tell someone to leave quickly or to 'get lost', similar to the English 'beat it'.
- The word tailler is used to describe the precise carving of gemstones. A diamond cutter is called a tailleur de diamants.
- The word tailler comes from the Latin tālea, which specifically referred to a cutting taken from a plant for the purpose of grafting.
Examples in context
- Je dois tailler ma barbe.I need to trim my beard.This sentence shows how to use tailler regarding facial hair.Tatoeba #12466713 by lbdx, translation #8922194 by CK
- Je pensais t'avoir dit de tailler ta barbe.I thought I told you to trim your beard.This sentence demonstrates the use of tailler when discussing a beard.Tatoeba #2103264 by sacredceltic, translation #1961282 by CK
- Nous avons engagé un jardinier pour tailler notre haie.We hired a gardener to trim our hedge.This sentence shows how to use tailler when referring to garden maintenance like a hedge.Tatoeba #11155940 by lbdx, translation #8584716 by CK
- Lorsque vous taillez vos haies, assurez-vous d'utiliser des outils appropriés.When trimming your hedges, make sure to use the proper tools.
- Les professionnels recommandent d'élaguer les arbres fruitiers au printemps.Professionals recommend trimming fruit trees in spring.
- J'ai réussi à raccourcir mon pantalon moi-même.I managed to trim my pants by myself.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are at a hair salon.
- GabrielJe veux juste tailler un peu les pointes.I just want to trim the ends a bit.
- ManonD'accord, Gabriel, je vais tailler très légèrement.Okay, Gabriel, I will trim very slightly.
- GabrielMerci, Manon, ne coupe pas trop court.Thanks, Manon, don't cut it too short.
- ManonNe t'inquiète pas, je vais juste tailler le nécessaire.Don't worry, I'll just trim what's necessary.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “trim” translations and entries tailler, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tailler, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
