What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of sous, meaning under and vêtements, meaning clothes.
Which one should you use?
While sous-vêtements is the standard way to refer to the general category, you can use the singular form un sous-vêtement when referring to a single piece of undergarment. For specific genders, la lingerie refers to women's underwear and les caleçons refers specifically to men's underwear, typically boxer shorts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term les dessous can be used as an informal way to describe underwear, though it can also serve as a more elegant or euphemistic way to refer to lingerie. In formal or commercial contexts, la lingerie is used for women's underwear and the expression le linge de corps can occasionally be used in formal situations to refer to undergarments in general.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is almost always used in its plural form, sous-vêtements. When you want to describe the state of wearing underwear, use the preposition en before the word, such as in en sous-vêtements.
Did you know?
- While sous-vêtements is the general term, the word dessous can also be used in the phrase voir les dessous, meaning to see the inner workings or hidden side of a situation.
- The word culotte is a false friend for English speakers. While it means 'panties' in modern French, in English it refers to 'culottes', which are wide-legged trousers that look like a skirt.
- The expression le linge de corps refers to underwear as 'body linen'. This reflects an older tradition where undergarments were primarily made of linen to protect outer clothes from skin oils.
Examples in context
- Je suis en sous-vêtements.I'm in my underwear.This sentence is useful for stating that you are currently wearing sous-vêtements.Tatoeba #2025317 by sacredceltic, translation #1891004 by CK
- Il se promène en sous-vêtements.He's walking around in his underwear.This sentence is useful for describing someone walking around in sous-vêtements.Tatoeba #1706602 by sacredceltic, translation #1690589 by Spamster
- Elle ne portait pas de sous-vêtements.She didn't wear underwear.This sentence is useful for stating that someone was not wearing any sous-vêtements.Tatoeba #12477053 by always, translation #8394868 by Amastan
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are packing for a trip.
- HugoN'oublie pas tes sous-vêtements dans ta valise.Don't forget your underwear in your suitcase.
- ManonJe les ai déjà mis dedans.I already put them in there.
- HugoTu as pris assez de sous-vêtements ?Did you take enough underwear?
- ManonOui, j'ai tout préparé.Yes, I have prepared everything.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
