French word

soie

Pronunciation

IPA/swa/

Meaning

  • feminine nounsilk

Example

J'aime toucher la soie.

I like touching silk.

Illustration for soie (silk)

More examples

Elle porte une robe en soie ce soir.

She is wearing a silk dress tonight.

Core concept

A smooth, shining thread that becomes delicate cloth.

Common phrases

  • une robe en soie

    a silk dress

  • un foulard en soie

    a silk scarf

  • un tissu de soie

    a silk fabric

Similar words

coton: A soft, absorbent natural fiber made from cotton plants, or fabric made from it.
laine: A fluffy, insulating natural fiber made from sheep's wool, or fabric made from it.
polyester: A durable, quick-drying synthetic fiber widely used in everyday clothing, or fabric made from it.
lin: A cool, breathable natural fiber made from flax, or fabric made from it.

Definition in French

Fibre ou étoffe naturelle brillante et très douce, produite surtout par le ver à soie et utilisée pour des vêtements fins.

Word origin

French soie developed from Old French seie and Latin serica, which is related to Greek serikos, meaning silken and associated with the Seres.

Usage tips

  • Soie is commonly treated as an uncountable material, so fabric is described as de la soie rather than une soie.

Other meanings

  • bristlenoun

Related words

  • soyeuxsilkyadjective
  • soieriesilk fabricnoun
  • soyeusementsilkilyadverb

Word lists with this word