fermeture éclair
The English phrase "zipper" is fermeture éclair in French.
The most common and widely accepted translation for "zipper" in French is fermeture éclair. To say "to zip up", you use the verb fermer (to close) with the noun fermeture éclair.
What does it mean word for word?
The term fermeture éclair literally translates to "lightning closure", which refers to the speed of the mechanism.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a feminine noun phrase, if you use an adjective like coincée (stuck) to describe the zipper, the adjective must take the feminine form.
Did you know?
- The word éclair is also the name of a famous long, cream-filled French pastry.
- The term was originally a trademarked brand name before it became the generic word for all zippers in French.
- In many French-speaking regions outside of France, such as parts of Canada, you might hear the word fermeture à glissière instead of fermeture éclair.
Examples in context
- Ma fermeture éclair est coincée.My zipper is stuck.Tatoeba #11063490 by lbdx, translation #9706254 by DJ_Saidez
- La fermeture éclair ne veut pas s'ouvrir.The zipper won't open.Tatoeba #2343942 by Amastan, translation #5633803 by tabular
- Cette fermeture éclair ne ferme pas bien.This zipper doesn't zip smoothly.Tatoeba #12455980 by lbdx, translation #61047 by CK
- J'ai cassé la fermeture de ma veste.I broke the zipper of my jacket.
- J'ai du mal à fermer ma fermeture éclair.I'm struggling to close my zipper.
- La fermeture éclair de sa robe est cassée.The zipper on her dress is broken.
- Je n'arrive pas à ouvrir ma fermeture éclair.I can't open my zipper.
- La tirette de mon sac est coincée.The zipper pull on my bag is stuck.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are getting ready to go outside in the cold.
- HugoTu peux m'aider avec ma fermeture éclair ?Can you help me with my zipper?
- LéaBien sûr, Hugo. Elle est un peu difficile.Of course, Hugo. It is a bit difficult.
- HugoMerci, elle est coincée depuis un moment.Thanks, it has been stuck for a while.
- LéaÇa y est, c'est réparé !There, it's fixed!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fermeture, fermeture éclair, éclair, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
