walkie-talkie
The English phrase "walkie talkie" is translated into French as walkie-talkie.
A walkie-talkie refers to a portable, handheld radio device used for two-way communication.
Which one should you use?
While walkie-talkie is a standard way to express the device, you may also encounter Talkie-walkie, which is a common informal variation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine, so you should use the articles un or le (e.g., un walkie-talkie).
Did you know?
- The English loanword walkie-talkie entered the French language during the mid-20th century, largely due to the influence of American military equipment during World War II.
- While walkie-talkie is used for toys and leisure, French police and emergency services typically use the term portatif as a noun to refer to their handheld radios.
- The French language has a tendency to swap the order of English compound words, which is why talkie-walkie is a frequent and accepted variation of walkie-talkie.
Examples in context
- Dans le monde des affaires, les émetteurs-récepteurs portables sont largement utilisés pour maintenir la communication.In the business world, portable transmitter-receivers are widely used to maintain communication.
- Il a oublié son walkie-talkie dans la voiture.He forgot his walkie-talkie in the car.
- Est-ce que tu peux me prêter ton walkie-talkie ?Can you lend me your walkie-talkie?
- Le walkie-talkie de la sécurité fonctionne très bien.The security walkie-talkie works very well.
Example conversation
Two hikers are preparing for a walk in the woods.
- HugoN'oublie pas ton walkie-talkie pour la randonnée.Don't forget your walkie-talkie for the hike.
- EmmaJe l'ai déjà dans mon sac, Hugo.I already have it in my bag, Hugo.
- HugoParfait, on pourra rester en contact.Perfect, we can stay in touch.
- EmmaOui, c'est beaucoup plus sûr.Yes, it's much safer.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries walkie-talkie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
