vagues
The French word for waves is vagues.
It can also be used in the figurative idiom faire des vagues, which means to cause trouble or create a disturbance, similar to the English expression 'to make waves'. In poetic contexts or literary works, you may encounter the word flots to refer to waves.
Which one should you use?
While vagues refers to waves, be aware that the word vague can also function as an adjective meaning 'vague' or 'unclear'. This is a common false friend for English speakers.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the noun is vague.
Did you know?
- To 'wave' your hand in greeting is not done with vague, but with the verb saluer or the phrase faire coucou.
- In French, the 'waves' of a microwave oven are called ondes, which refers to the scientific concept of frequency rather than the visual shape of water.
- While vagues refers to the physical waves in the ocean, the word houle is the specific term used for the long, rolling swell of the sea.
Examples in context
- Les vagues sont hautes.The waves are high.This sentence describes the height of the vagues.Tatoeba #1410443 by sacredceltic, translation #282339 by CK
- Ce physicien étudie les vagues.This physicist studies waves.This sentence shows a physicist studying vagues.Tatoeba #6603993 by aperitero, translation #6603808 by Hybrid
- Je ne veux pas faire de vagues.I don't want to make waves.This sentence uses the idiom vagues to express not wanting to cause a disturbance.Tatoeba #10642517 by lbdx, translation #2012641 by CK
- J'aime écouter le bruit des vagues.I love listening to the sound of waves.
- Nous avons nagé dans les vaguelettes de la rivière.We swam in the ripples of the river.
- Les lames s'écrasaient avec puissance contre les rochers.The waves crashed powerfully against the rocks.
- La houle était spectaculaire au large de la côte.The waves were spectacular off the coast.
- Les flots incessants berçaient le navire.The incessant waves rocked the ship.
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are sitting on the beach watching the ocean.
- LéaRegarde comme les vagues sont belles.Look how beautiful the waves are.
- GabrielOui, elles sont impressionnantes.Yes, they are impressive.
- LéaEst-ce que tu veux surfer sur ces vagues ?Do you want to surf on these waves?
- GabrielNon, je préfère juste les regarder.No, I prefer just watching them.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
