promenades
The English phrase 'walks' can be translated into French as promenades.
promenades refers to leisurely trips taken on foot for pleasure or exercise. To express the act of taking a walk, you typically use the verb faire (to do or make) with promenades, resulting in the phrase faire des promenades. For specific contexts, you might see La promenade en montagne to mean 'the mountain walk/hike'.
Which one should you use?
While promenades refers to leisurely strolls, it is distinct from marches, which implies a more vigorous or purposeful walking.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain parts of France, the word balade can be used instead of promenade or se promener. For example, La balade en vélo is used to mean 'the bike ride'.
Did you know?
- The English word 'promenade' is a direct loanword from the French promenade. It entered English in the 17th century to describe the specific social custom of strolling in public to be seen.
- In some regional French dialects, faire une balade is used even if the 'walk' involves a car or a boat, as long as the purpose is pleasure and wandering.
- In a social context, a promenade can refer to a specific type of dance where couples walk in a circle or line. This usage links the physical act of walking with a rhythmic social ritual.
Examples in context
- Il aime faire des promenades.He likes taking walks.This sentence is useful for showing how to use the verb faire with promenades.Tatoeba #1316326 by sacredceltic, translation #1053699 by CK
- Il doit apprécier les promenades.He must like taking walks.This sentence demonstrates how to express an opinion about taking promenades.Tatoeba #4711540 by sacredceltic, translation #1053700 by CK
- J'apprécie les longues promenades sur la plage.I enjoy long walks on the beach.This sentence shows how to describe a specific type of long promenades.Tatoeba #11219366 by Aiji, translation #3773373 by CK
- Elle se promène chaque soir dans le parc.She walks in the park every evening.
- Nous faisons une promenade dominicale en famille.We take a Sunday walk as a family.
- On va se balader en bord de mer cet après-midi ?Shall we go for a walk by the seaside this afternoon?
- Je fais une petite marche tous les matins près de chez moi.I go for a short walk every morning near my place.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are discussing their weekend plans in a park.
- EmmaTu aimes faire des promenades en forêt ?Do you like taking walks in the forest?
- GabrielOui, les promenades sont très relaxantes.Yes, walks are very relaxing.
- EmmaOn pourrait faire des promenades ensemble dimanche.We could go for walks together on Sunday.
- GabrielC'est une excellente idée, Emma.That is an excellent idea, Emma.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
