écris ton nom
To say "write your name" in French, use écris ton nom.
This phrase is used as a request or command for someone to provide their name on a piece of paper or a digital form. Note that in French, the word nom specifically refers to a surname or family name, while a given name is referred to as a prénom.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb écris (write), the possessive adjective ton (your) and the noun nom (name).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes from écris ton nom to écrivez votre nom depending on whether you are addressing someone formally or a group of people.
Did you know?
- The word ton in écris ton nom is a homonym that can also mean 'tone' or 'pitch' when referring to music or voice.
- While nom refers to a name, the French word prénom literally translates to 'before-name', highlighting the structural way French distinguishes between the two.
- The word nom shares a common ancestor with the English word 'name' and the Russian word 'имя' (ímja), all tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root '*h₁nómn̥'.
Examples in context
- Écris ton nom ici, s'il te plaît.Write your name here, please.
- Écris ton nom sur cette feuille.Write your name on this sheet.
- Écris ton nom en lettres capitales.Write your name in capital letters.
Example conversation
Manon is handing a sign-up sheet to Gabriel.
- ManonGabriel, écris ton nom sur ce papier.Gabriel, write your name on this paper.
- GabrielOù dois-je le mettre ?Where should I put it?
- ManonMets-le dans la première case.Put it in the first box.
- GabrielC'est fait, voilà !It's done, here you go!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nom, ton, CC BY-SA 4.0.
