pompe à eau
The English phrase "water pump" is pompe à eau in French.
Meaning: Translations (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of pompe (pump) and à eau (for water/water-related).
Which one should you use?
Pompe de relevage is a formal expression for a pump used to raise wastewater from lower to higher levels.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, add an 's' to the noun 'pompe', but the noun 'eau' remains singular.
Did you know?
- In French, pompe is also a slang term for a shoe, derived from the English word 'pump'.
- The word pompe is a linguistic double agent. While it describes a mechanical device, it also describes an 'extravagant ceremony' or 'display' from the Greek word for a 'procession'.
Examples in context
- J'ai besoin d'une pompe à eau pour mon jardin.I need a water pump for my garden.
- La pompe de relevage est essentielle dans les sous-sols.The water lift pump is essential in basements.
- On a besoin d'une pompe à flotteur pour la cave inondée.We need a water pump with a float switch for the flooded basement.
- La pompe à eau est cassée.The water pump is broken.
- Il faut changer la pompe à eau.The water pump needs to be changed.
- Où est la pompe à eau ?Where is the water pump?
Example conversation
Lucas is helping Emma fix a broken garden irrigation system.
- EmmaLucas, la pompe à eau ne marche plus.Lucas, the water pump is no longer working.
- LucasJe vais regarder la pompe à eau pour toi.I will check the water pump for you.
- EmmaEst-ce que c'est grave ?Is it serious?
- LucasJe pense qu'elle est simplement bouchée.I think it is just clogged.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries eau, pompe, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
