stores
The English phrase "window blinds" is translated into French as stores.
stores refers to adjustable coverings used to control the amount of light entering a room through a window. This term is most commonly used for roller or Venetian-style blinds.
Which one should you use?
While stores is the most common term for roller or Venetian-style blinds, it is distinct from rideaux, which refers to fabric curtains. To specify the type of blinds with slats, you can use the term stores vénitiens.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Les persiennes is mainly used in France and parts of Belgium to refer to blinds with slats that can be adjusted to control the amount of light entering a room. Les jalousies is used to refer to window blinds in parts of Canada, mainly Quebec.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun store is masculine, so you use the article un or le. The plural form of store is stores.
Did you know?
- The term jalousies used in Quebec comes from the French word for 'jealousy'. It evokes the idea of a 'jealous' person peering through the slats to spy on others without being seen.
- While English uses 'blind' to describe a window covering, the French word store is more closely related to the concept of a 'screen' or 'awning'.
- While stores is standard for indoor blinds, the term persiennes often refers to external shutters with slats. In many French towns, these are a key architectural feature used to keep houses cool in summer.
Examples in context
- J'ai commandé de nouveaux stores pour la salle de conférence. Ils sont très élégants.I ordered new window blinds for the conference room. They are very elegant.
- J'ai nettoyé les stores vénitiens du salon aujourd'hui. Ça a pris plus de temps que prévu.I cleaned the Venetian blinds in the living room today. It took longer than expected.
- J'aime ouvrir les jalousies le matin pour laisser entrer la lumière naturelle.I like to open the window blinds in the morning to let in natural light.
- Les persiennes américaines sont de plus en plus populaires en Suisse.American-style window blinds are becoming increasingly popular in Switzerland.
- Ferme les stores.Close the blinds.
- Les stores sont fermés.The window blinds are closed.
- Il faut nettoyer les stores.The window blinds need to be cleaned.
- Elle a baissé les stores.She lowered the window blinds.
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are in the living room during a sunny day.
- HugoIl y a trop de soleil ici.There is too much sun in here.
- LéaJe vais baisser les stores tout de suite.I will lower the blinds right away.
- HugoMerci, Léa, c'est beaucoup mieux.Thanks, Léa, it's much better.
- LéaDe rien, Hugo.You're welcome, Hugo.
