doudoune
The English phrase winter jacket is translated into French as doudoune.
A doudoune is a thick, quilted coat filled with down or synthetic fibers to keep the wearer warm in cold weather. While manteau means a general coat, doudoune specifically refers to the quilted, padded style of jacket common in winter.
Which one should you use?
Anorak is an informal term for a parka or a heavy winter jacket.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun doudoune is feminine, so it is used with the feminine indefinite article une: une doudoune. The plural form of doudoune is doudounes.
Did you know?
- In French, the word doudou is a common term for a child's favorite security blanket or stuffed toy. This creates a linguistic link between the 'soft' comfort of a child's toy and the warmth of a doudoune.
- The term doudoune became an iconic fashion symbol in France during the 1970s and 80s, shifting from purely functional ski gear to a staple of urban Parisian style.
- French speakers distinguish strictly between manteau and doudoune because a manteau is often associated with formal wool coats, while a doudoune is viewed as purely casual or sporty.
Examples in context
- Je vais mettre ma veste d'hiver avant de sortir.I'm going to put on my winter jacket before going out.
- As-tu vu mon manteau d'hiver ? Il fait vraiment froid dehors.Have you seen my winter coat? It's really cold outside.
- J'ai acheté un nouvel anorak pour l'hiver, il est vraiment chaud.I bought a new winter parka, it's really warm.
- Ma doudoune est très chaude.My winter jacket is very warm.
- Il faut acheter une nouvelle doudoune.It is necessary to buy a new winter jacket.
- Cette doudoune bleue est magnifique.This blue winter jacket is beautiful.
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are shopping for winter clothes in a boutique.
- NathanTu aimes cette doudoune, Chloé ?Do you like this winter jacket, Chloé?
- ChloéOui, elle est très jolie.Yes, it is very pretty.
- NathanEst-ce qu'elle te va bien ?Does it suit you well?
- ChloéOui, elle est très confortable.Yes, it is very comfortable.
