Today’s lesson explores the masculine noun bouchon, which means both cork and traffic jam. I’ve also included embouteillage, which also means traffic jam.
bouchon
cork, traffic jam
Pronunciation: [buʃɔ̃]
Example sentences
This first example sentence uses the object pronoun on, which has many meanings including “we”, “you” or “one”.
On utilise un bouchon pour fermer une bouteille.
A cork is used to close a bottle.
When combined, with tirer (to pull), un tire-bouchon means “bottle opener”. The verb servir à + infinitive means “to be used for”.
Un tire-bouchon sert à ouvrir une bouteille.
A bottle opener is used for opening a bottle.
In this example, à cause de can translate to “due to” or “because of”. In addition to bouchon, I could have used the synonym embouteillage for this sentence.
Je vais arriver en retard à cause des bouchons.
I’m going to arrive late due to the traffic jams.
For this final sentence, another meaning bouchon is a type of restaurant found in the city of Lyon. This lesson explains quand vs. lorsque, which both mean “when”.
J’adore manger dans un bouchon lorsque je visite Lyon.
I love eating in a bouchon when I visit Lyon.
Related lessons
Reference
Word of the Day archive | Lessons by David Issokson
