French word

étrenne

Pronunciation

IPA/etʁɛn/

Meaning

  • feminine nounNew Year's gift

Example

Chaque année, mes voisins me donnent des étrennes.

Every year, my neighbors give me New Year's gifts.

Illustration for étrenne (New Year's gift)

More examples

En France, la tradition des étrennes est ancienne.

In France, the tradition of New Year's gifts is an old one.

Core concept

A small New Year's payment that marks gratitude for regular service.

Common phrases

  • donner une étrenne

    give a New Year's gift

  • la tradition des étrennes

    the tradition of New Year's gifts

  • les étrennes du Nouvel An

    New Year's gifts

Similar words

pourboire: A small payment routinely given in thanks for a service.
cadeau: Something given to another person as a present.

Definition in French

Somme d'argent que l'on remet en début d'année, souvent en signe de reconnaissance.

Word origin

The noun comes from Latin strena through the Old French forms estrene and estrenne, which referred to a New Year's gift.

Usage tips

  • With donner des étrennes, à introduces the recipient, while recevoir des étrennes can take de for the giver.

Other meanings

  • New Year's moneynoun
  • New Year's tipnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word