French word

combine

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔ̃bin/

Meaning

  • feminine nountrick

Example

Tu as une combine pour réparer ça ?

Do you know a trick for fixing this?

Illustration for combine (trick)

More examples

Il a trouvé une combine pour économiser de l'argent.

He found a clever trick to save money.

Core concept

A practical little workaround that can sound either clever or mildly shady depending on the context.

Common phrases

  • une combine

    a clever trick

  • avoir une combine

    have a clever trick

Similar words

astuce: A useful tip for solving a problem quickly and conveniently.
truc: A simple method for getting something done quickly.
bidouille: A makeshift modification that temporarily repairs a machine or device.
magouille: A dishonest scheme or deal designed to benefit one person.

Definition in French

Désigne une astuce pratique, parfois proche d'un petit subterfuge ou d'un raccourci improvisé.

Word origin

Combine is a noun derived from combiner, which comes from Latin combinare and refers originally to putting elements together.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English combine, French combine is pronounced with a nasal first vowel and is used as a feminine noun.

Other meanings

  • schemenoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word