montre-bracelet
The English phrase "wrist watch" is translated into French as montre-bracelet.
montre-bracelet refers specifically to a small clock worn on a strap around the wrist. In many contexts, simply saying une montre is more common than using the full compound term montre-bracelet.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a compound of montre (watch) and bracelet (bracelet/strap).
Which one should you use?
While montre-bracelet specifically refers to a wristwatch, the word montre alone is often used as a shorthand for any wristwatch in everyday conversation.
Did you know?
- In the early 20th century, the montre-bracelet was considered feminine jewelry and was often dismissed by French men as an ornament rather than a tool.
- While montre-bracelet describes the object, the phrase avoir l'heure is used to ask if someone has a watch or knows the time.
- In French, if you say ma montre avance or ma montre retarde, you are saying your watch is fast or slow, rather than using adjectives like 'fast' or 'slow'.
Examples in context
- Je me demande quand ils vont sortir un téléphone cellulaire dans une montre-bracelet.I wonder when they'll come out with a cell phone in a wrist watch.This sentence illustrates the use of montre-bracelet when discussing technology integrated into a watch.Tatoeba #1030911 by sacredceltic, translation #1030607 by darinmex
- J'ai acheté une nouvelle montre-bracelet.I bought a new wrist watch.
- Je porte toujours ma montre.I always wear my watch.
- Ma montre-bracelet ne fonctionne plus.My wrist watch no longer works.
Example conversation
Léa is giving Lucas a gift for his birthday.
- LéaJoyeux anniversaire, Lucas ! Voici une montre-bracelet.Happy birthday, Lucas! Here is a wrist watch.
- LucasMerci beaucoup, Léa ! Elle est magnifique.Thank you very much, Léa! It is magnificent.
- LéaJe pensais que tu en avais besoin.I thought that you needed one.
- LucasC'est vrai, j'adore ce style.That's true, I love this style.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
