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A2 noun 11 min de lectura

maillot

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos maillot en 30 segundos

Explicación maillot in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn 'maillot' primarily as part of the theme 'clothes' and 'vacations'. You will most commonly see it as 'maillot de bain' (swimsuit). At this stage, focus on the basic sentence structure: 'J'ai un maillot de bain' (I have a swimsuit) or 'Je mets mon maillot' (I am putting on my swimsuit). You should recognize that it is a masculine noun (un maillot). You might also see it in very simple sports contexts, like 'un maillot de foot'. The goal is to identify the object and use it with simple verbs like 'avoir' (to have), 'être' (to be), and 'mettre' (to put on). You don't need to know the idioms yet, just the physical object. Remember that the 't' at the end is silent, which is a common rule for French words ending in -ot. Practice saying 'un maillot bleu' or 'un maillot rouge' to get used to adjective agreement. This level is about survival communication: being able to ask where your swimsuit is or saying you need to buy one for the beach.

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At the A2 level, you begin to distinguish between different types of 'maillots'. You should be able to use 'maillot de bain' for swimming and 'maillot de sport' (or specifically 'maillot de foot', 'maillot de basket') for athletic activities. You will learn to describe these items with more detail, such as 'un maillot à manches courtes' (a short-sleeved jersey). You might also encounter the word in the context of hobbies and daily routines. For example, 'Le samedi, je mets mon maillot et je vais au stade' (On Saturdays, I put on my jersey and go to the stadium). You should also be aware of 'maillot de corps' as an item of clothing worn under other clothes. At this level, you can start using the word in the past tense: 'J'ai acheté un maillot hier' (I bought a jersey yesterday). You are moving from just naming the object to describing actions involving it in different time frames. You should also be comfortable with plural forms and possessive adjectives: 'nos maillots' (our jerseys), 'tes maillots' (your swimsuits).

By B1, you are expected to understand the cultural significance of the 'maillot' in France. This includes the famous 'maillot jaune' of the Tour de France and the national pride associated with the 'maillot bleu' of the French football team. You should be able to follow a simple sports report where 'maillot' is used to refer to a player's team affiliation. You will also start using the word in more complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses: 'Le maillot que j'ai acheté est trop petit' (The jersey that I bought is too small). This level introduces the first idiomatic expressions, most notably 'mouiller le maillot' (to give one's all). You should be able to use this metaphorically in a work or school context. You also learn more specific vocabulary related to the garment, like 'matière synthétique' (synthetic material) or 'transpiration' (sweat/perspiration). You can participate in discussions about sports or travel where the choice of 'maillot' is relevant to the conversation.

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At the B2 level, you possess a nuanced understanding of 'maillot' in various registers. You can distinguish between formal and informal ways of discussing clothing. You understand the symbolic weight of 'le maillot' in professional sports—how it represents a legacy, a contract, or a fan's loyalty. You can use the word in complex arguments, such as discussing the commercialization of sports through 'la vente de maillots' (the sale of jerseys). Your use of idioms like 'mouiller le maillot' is natural and well-timed. You also understand more technical aspects, such as 'maillot de compression' for athletes or the history of how the 'maillot de bain' evolved with social norms. You can read articles about fashion or sports business where 'maillot' is a key term. You are comfortable with the word in all tenses, including the subjunctive: 'Il faut que tu mettes ton maillot' (You must put on your swimsuit). You can also handle more abstract uses, such as 'le maillot' representing the athlete themselves in certain journalistic contexts.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep appreciation for the linguistic and historical roots of 'maillot'. You understand its connection to the textile industry and the word 'maille'. You can discuss the evolution of the word from its 16th-century origins (meaning swaddling clothes) to its modern athletic and fashion connotations. You are capable of analyzing the 'maillot' as a sociological object—how the 'maillot de bain' changed women's liberation or how the 'maillot de foot' serves as a marker of identity in urban environments. You can use the word in highly sophisticated ways, perhaps in literary or academic writing. You understand subtle puns or wordplay involving 'maillot' in headlines or advertising. Your vocabulary includes related technical terms like 'tissage' (weaving), 'élasticité', and 'ergonomie'. You can engage in high-level debates about the ethics of 'maillot' manufacturing or the impact of sponsorship logos on the aesthetics of the 'maillot'.

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At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over the word 'maillot' and its entire semantic field. You can detect the slightest nuance in its usage across different French-speaking regions (e.g., the use of 'chandail' in Quebec versus 'maillot' in France). You understand the word's place in French literature and history, such as its role in descriptions of 19th-century beach life. You can use the word and its derivatives with total precision in any context, from a technical textile engineering report to a passionate sports editorial. You are familiar with rare or archaic uses and can explain them to others. You can use 'maillot' in complex metaphors that go beyond standard idioms. Your understanding is not just linguistic but deeply cultural; you know the stories behind the most iconic 'maillots' in French history. You can switch registers effortlessly, using 'maillot' in a slang context or a formal academic setting without hesitation. You are essentially at the level of a highly educated native speaker.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

maillot en 30 segundos

Maillot is the French word for a sports jersey or a swimsuit, depending on the context.
It is a masculine noun (un maillot) and the final 't' is always silent in pronunciation.
Commonly paired with 'de bain' for swimming or 'de foot' for soccer jerseys.
Used in the popular idiom 'mouiller le maillot,' which means to work very hard or give your best effort.

The French word maillot is a versatile masculine noun that English speakers primarily encounter in two major contexts: athletics and swimming. At its core, it refers to a garment that fits relatively close to the body, designed for physical activity or exposure to water. Understanding its usage requires recognizing the specific qualifiers often attached to it. For instance, when you are at the beach or a swimming pool, you are looking for your maillot de bain (swimsuit). In the world of team sports, particularly football (soccer), rugby, or cycling, the word refers to the team jersey or the leader's shirt. The term originates from the word maille, meaning mesh or stitch, which highlights the knitted or woven nature of the original garments.

Sporting Context: In sports, the maillot is more than just clothing; it is an identity. Fans buy the maillot officiel to show support for their favorite club. In cycling, specifically the Tour de France, the maillot jaune (yellow jersey) is the ultimate symbol of leadership and prestige.

Regarde, il porte le maillot de l'équipe de France pour le match de ce soir.

Summer and Leisure: When the sun comes out, the maillot de bain becomes the essential item. Unlike English, which has many terms like 'trunks', 'bikini', or 'one-piece', French often uses 'maillot' as the umbrella term, followed by 'une pièce' or 'deux pièces' to specify the style.

N'oublie pas ton maillot de bain dans ta valise pour les vacances.

Beyond these common uses, you might encounter the maillot de corps, which is an undershirt or a singlet worn beneath a dress shirt for warmth or to absorb sweat. In the world of dance and gymnastics, a maillot de danse refers to a leotard. The evolution of the word reflects the history of textiles in France, moving from heavy woolens to the high-tech, aerodynamic fabrics seen in modern professional sports. Whether you are cheering in a stadium or lounging by the Mediterranean, this word is your gateway to understanding French leisure and competitive culture.

Historical Nuance: Historically, 'maillot' also referred to swaddling clothes for infants. While this usage is archaic today, it explains why the word carries a sense of something that tightly envelops the body.

Le cycliste a mouillé le maillot pour gagner cette étape difficile.

Elle a acheté un nouveau maillot de bain une pièce pour ses cours de natation.

Les joueurs ont échangé leurs maillots à la fin de la rencontre sportive.

Using maillot correctly involves understanding its role as a masculine noun and how it interacts with adjectives and verbs. Because it refers to specific types of clothing, the verbs used with it are typically those associated with dressing and undressing, such as mettre (to put on), enlever (to take off), or porter (to wear). When describing the garment, adjectives must agree in gender (masculine) and number. For example, 'a white jersey' is un maillot blanc, while 'white jerseys' becomes des maillots blancs.

With Prepositions: The preposition de is crucial when specifying the function of the maillot. You will almost always see maillot de bain, maillot de foot, or maillot de cyclisme. Without the 'de', the word remains generic.

Tu devrais mettre ton maillot avant d'aller à la piscine municipale.

Verbal Collocations: Common verbs include enfiler (to slip on quickly), laver (to wash), and arborer (to wear proudly). In a professional context, a player might honorer le maillot, meaning they are representing their team with dignity.

Chaque été, les magasins vendent des milliers de maillots de bain colorés.

In a sentence, maillot can serve as a direct object, a subject, or part of a prepositional phrase. When used in the plural, it often refers to the collective identity of a group, such as 'les maillots sang et or' (the blood and gold jerseys) referring to the RC Lens football team. In everyday conversation, you might hear 'C'est quoi ton maillot ?' when asking someone which team they support or which jersey they are wearing for a workout.

Specifying Types: To be precise about swimwear, use maillot deux-pièces for a bikini or maillot une-pièce for a standard swimsuit. For sports, maillot à manches courtes (short-sleeved) or manches longues (long-sleeved) specifies the cut.

Le gardien de but porte un maillot d'une couleur différente de ses coéquipiers.

Elle a oublié son maillot de bain mouillé dans son sac de sport.

Le cycliste a enfilé son maillot thermique pour affronter le froid de la montagne.

The word maillot is ubiquitous in French daily life, but its frequency peaks in specific environments. You will hear it most often in sports broadcasts, retail settings, and during summer travel. In France, football is the most popular sport, and the 'maillot' of the national team (Les Bleus) is a significant cultural icon. During the World Cup or the Euro, the word is spoken millions of times daily in bars, homes, and on the news.

In the Stadium: Commentators will frequently mention the 'maillot' when discussing a player's performance or a transfer. 'Il va porter le maillot de Marseille l'année prochaine' (He will wear the Marseille jersey next year) is a typical phrase in sports journalism.

Le commentateur s'exclame : 'Quel magnifique maillot vintage pour cette équipe !'

At the Beach: In coastal towns like Nice or Biarritz, 'maillot' is heard in every shop and on every beach. Parents shout to their children, 'Mets ton maillot !' (Put on your swimsuit!) before they run into the water. It is the quintessential word for French summer holidays.

À la plage, on voit des maillots de toutes les couleurs et de toutes les formes.

The cycling world offers perhaps the most specialized hearing of this word. During July, the entire country follows the Tour de France. The 'maillot jaune' (overall leader), 'maillot vert' (best sprinter), and 'maillot à pois' (king of the mountains) are discussed with technical precision. Even if you aren't a cycling fan, you will hear these terms on the radio while driving or see them in newspaper headlines. The 'maillot' becomes a shorthand for the athlete's status and achievements.

In the Gym: Fitness instructors might use the word when discussing gear. 'Préparez votre maillot pour la séance d'aquagym' (Prepare your swimsuit for the water aerobics session) is a common instruction in community centers.

Il est fier de porter le maillot jaune lors de la dernière étape sur les Champs-Élysées.

La boutique du club est pleine de supporters qui achètent le nouveau maillot.

Le maître-nageur porte un maillot de bain rouge très reconnaissable.

For English speakers, the word maillot presents several pitfalls, mostly related to its broad meaning and its similarity to other clothing terms. The most frequent error is using 'maillot' for any type of shirt. If you are wearing a t-shirt, you should say t-shirt; if you are wearing a dress shirt, it is a chemise; if it is a sweater, it is a pull. Using 'maillot' for a casual cotton shirt sounds strange to native ears unless it is specifically a sports jersey.

The 'De Bain' Omission: A classic mistake is saying 'Je vais à la piscine, j'ai mon maillot' and expecting everyone to know you mean a swimsuit. While often understood, it is technically ambiguous. In a sports store, if you ask for a 'maillot', the clerk will likely point you to the football section, not the swimwear.

Faux pas : 'Je porte un maillot en coton pour aller au travail.' (Correction : Utilisez 'chemise').

Confusion with 'Maillot de Corps': English speakers often confuse an undershirt with a regular shirt. In French, a 'maillot de corps' is strictly underwear. If you tell someone you are wearing your 'maillot de corps' as your main outfit, they might think you forgot to get dressed properly.

Attention : Ne confondez pas le maillot de foot avec un simple tee-shirt de sport.

Another area of confusion is the gender. Beginners often assume that 'maillot de bain' should be feminine because women wear them, but the noun maillot is always masculine. This affects the articles (un/le) and any adjectives used. For example, 'une maillot' is incorrect. Finally, be careful with the plural. While 'swimwear' is often uncountable in English, 'maillots' is plural in French if you are referring to multiple items. 'Mes maillots de bain' means my collection of swimsuits.

Translating 'Jersey': In English, 'jersey' can also refer to a type of fabric or a sweater. In French, 'maillot' is only for the sports garment. If you mean the fabric, use 'le jersey'. If you mean a wool sweater, use 'un pull'.

Erreur : 'Elle a acheté une maillot rose.' (Correct : 'Elle a acheté un maillot rose').

N'utilisez pas maillot pour parler d'un gilet ou d'une veste de sport.

Il est incorrect de prononcer le 't' final de maillot.

To expand your French vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that occupy the same semantic space as maillot. Depending on the context, you might choose a more specific or more casual term. The French language has a rich lexicon for clothing, and choosing the right word can make you sound much more natural.

Tricot vs. Maillot: 'Tricot' is an older term for a knitted garment. While 'maillot' is the modern word for a sports jersey, you might still hear 'tricot' in rural areas or when referring to a handmade wool jersey. However, 'maillot' is almost always preferred for modern athletic gear.
T-shirt vs. Maillot: A 't-shirt' is casual wear, usually cotton, with no specific sporting affiliation. A 'maillot' (de foot/de basket) is made of synthetic, moisture-wicking material and features team logos and colors. You wear a t-shirt to the movies, but you wear a maillot to play a match.

J'ai mis mon maillot de sport, mais j'ai pris un t-shirt de rechange.

Débardeur: A 'débardeur' is a tank top or sleeveless shirt. While a basketball 'maillot' is also sleeveless, 'débardeur' is the general term for the style, regardless of whether it is for sports or fashion.

Le maillot une pièce est plus classique que le bikini.

In the world of swimming, you might also hear slip de bain for men's swim briefs or short de bain for swim trunks. While 'maillot de bain' is the general term, these specific words help clarify the cut. In sports, 'la tenue' (the outfit/kit) includes the maillot, the shorts, and the socks. If you want to talk about the entire uniform, use 'la tenue' or 'l'équipement'.

Jersey (The Material): Note that 'jersey' in French refers to the fabric itself (a soft, stretchy knit). You might have a t-shirt en jersey, but it wouldn't be called un maillot unless it was for a sports team.

Elle préfère porter un débardeur plutôt qu'un maillot pour courir.

Le maillot de corps est indispensable sous une chemise en hiver.

Les nageurs de compétition portent des maillots de bain très techniques.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

In the 16th century, a 'maillot' was the term for the long strips of fabric used to wrap babies in swaddling. It wasn't until the 19th century that it became associated with swimwear and athletic gear.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ma.jo/

US /mɑ.joʊ/

French words typically have stress on the final syllable.

Rima con

Cahot Paquebot Chariot Pinceau Bateau Niveau Drapeau Cadeau

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the final 't'.
Pronouncing the 'll' like the 'L' in 'light' instead of a 'y' sound.
Confusing the 'ai' sound with 'ay' as in 'stay'; it should be closer to 'ah'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text, especially with context like 'bain' or 'foot'.

Escritura 2/5

Simple spelling, but remember the double 'l' and silent 't'.

Expresión oral 2/5

Must remember not to pronounce the 't'.

Escucha 2/5

Can sometimes be confused with 'maillot' vs 'maillot de corps' if the speaker is fast.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

Vêtement Bain Sport Porter Mettre

Aprende después

Short Chaussettes Baskets Serviette Piscine

Avanzado

Élasthanne Aérodynamisme Équipementier Sponsorisation Textile

Gramática que debes saber

Masculine Noun Agreement

Un maillot blanc (not blanche).

Silent Final Consonants

The 't' in maillot is silent, like in 'chat' or 'plat'.

Compound Nouns with 'de'

Maillot de bain, maillot de foot.

Possessive Adjectives

Mon maillot, ton maillot, son maillot.

Pluralization

Add an 's' for 'les maillots'.

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Ejemplos por nivel

J'ai un maillot de bain bleu.

I have a blue swimsuit.

Notice the placement of the adjective 'bleu' after the noun.

Où est mon maillot ?

Where is my jersey?

The possessive adjective 'mon' is used for masculine singular nouns.

C'est un maillot de foot.

It is a football jersey.

'De' is used to specify the type of maillot.

Je mets le maillot.

I am putting on the jersey.

The verb 'mettre' is commonly used for clothing.

Le maillot est dans le sac.

The jersey is in the bag.

'Le' is the masculine definite article.

Tu as un maillot rouge ?

Do you have a red jersey?

Questions can be formed by rising intonation.

Elle porte un maillot de bain.

She is wearing a swimsuit.

The noun 'maillot' remains masculine even if worn by a female.

Voici mon nouveau maillot.

Here is my new jersey.

'Nouveau' comes before the noun 'maillot'.

Il porte le maillot numéro dix.

He is wearing the number ten jersey.

'Numéro' is used to specify the jersey number.

Nous achetons des maillots de bain pour l'été.

We are buying swimsuits for the summer.

Plural 'des' and 'maillots' with an 's'.

Ce maillot de bain est trop grand pour moi.

This swimsuit is too big for me.

'Ce' is the masculine demonstrative adjective.

Elle a oublié son maillot à la piscine.

She forgot her swimsuit at the pool.

Past tense using 'passé composé' with 'avoir'.

Tu préfères le maillot blanc ou le maillot vert ?

Do you prefer the white jersey or the green jersey?

Using 'ou' to offer a choice between two masculine nouns.

Les joueurs changent de maillot à la mi-temps.

The players change jerseys at halftime.

The phrase 'changer de maillot' uses the preposition 'de'.

Je cherche un maillot de bain deux pièces.

I am looking for a two-piece swimsuit.

'Deux pièces' acts as an adjective phrase.

Il met un maillot de corps car il fait froid.

He is putting on an undershirt because it is cold.

'Car' is a formal way to say 'because'.

Le cycliste rêve de porter le maillot jaune un jour.

The cyclist dreams of wearing the yellow jersey one day.

Infinitives like 'porter' follow verbs of dreaming/desire.

Il faut mouiller le maillot pour réussir ce projet.

You have to work hard to succeed in this project.

Idiomatic use of 'mouiller le maillot' meaning 'to give one's all'.

Ce maillot est fabriqué avec des matériaux recyclés.

This jersey is made with recycled materials.

Passive voice: 'est fabriqué'.

Le supporter a fait dédicacer son maillot par son idole.

The fan had his jersey signed by his idol.

The 'faire + infinitive' construction means 'to have something done'.

C'est le maillot officiel de la saison prochaine.

It is the official jersey for next season.

'Prochaine' agrees with the feminine noun 'saison'.

Elle a choisi un maillot de bain qui sèche très vite.

She chose a swimsuit that dries very quickly.

Relative clause starting with 'qui'.

Tous les élèves doivent avoir un maillot pour le sport.

All students must have a jersey for sports.

'Doivent' is the present tense of 'devoir' (must).

Le maillot à pois est réservé au meilleur grimpeur.

The polka-dot jersey is reserved for the best climber.

'Meilleur' is the superlative of 'bon'.

Le club a retiré le numéro de son maillot légendaire.

The club retired the number of its legendary jersey.

Use of 'retirer' in a sports management context.

Bien qu'il soit fatigué, il continue de mouiller le maillot.

Although he is tired, he continues to give his all.

Subjunctive 'soit' after 'bien que'.

Le design du maillot reflète l'histoire de la ville.

The design of the jersey reflects the city's history.

Reflexive/Representative use of 'refléter'.

La vente de maillots représente une part importante du budget.

Jersey sales represent a significant part of the budget.

Collective noun 'la vente' as the subject.

Il arbore fièrement le maillot de son pays d'origine.

He proudly wears the jersey of his country of origin.

The verb 'arborer' implies wearing something with pride.

Le maillot thermique est essentiel pour les sports d'hiver.

The thermal undershirt is essential for winter sports.

Adjective 'essentiel' modifying 'maillot'.

Elle ne supporte pas le contact du maillot sur sa peau.

She can't stand the feel of the jersey on her skin.

'Supporter' here means 'to stand' or 'to tolerate'.

Le sponsor a exigé que son logo soit plus visible sur le maillot.

The sponsor demanded that its logo be more visible on the jersey.

Subjunctive 'soit' after 'exiger que'.

L'évolution du maillot de bain témoigne des changements sociaux.

The evolution of the swimsuit bears witness to social changes.

Using 'témoigner de' for abstract evidence.

Porter ce maillot, c'est assumer un héritage lourd de sens.

To wear this jersey is to take on a heritage full of meaning.

Infinitive as a subject: 'Porter... c'est...'.

Le maillot à rayures est devenu un emblème de la mode française.

The striped jersey has become an emblem of French fashion.

'Rayures' (stripes) is a common descriptor for jerseys.

Les supporters s'identifient viscéralement aux couleurs du maillot.

Fans identify viscerally with the colors of the jersey.

Adverb 'viscéralement' adds emotional depth.

Le maillot de corps a perdu sa fonction utilitaire pour devenir un accessoire.

The undershirt lost its utilitarian function to become an accessory.

Contrast between 'fonction utilitaire' and 'accessoire'.

On ne peut pas se contenter de porter le maillot, il faut l'honorer.

One cannot be satisfied with just wearing the jersey; one must honor it.

Reflexive verb 'se contenter de'.

La texture du maillot a été optimisée pour l'aérodynamisme.

The texture of the jersey was optimized for aerodynamics.

Technical scientific vocabulary.

Le maillot de bain une pièce fait un retour remarqué dans les défilés.

The one-piece swimsuit is making a notable comeback in fashion shows.

'Faire un retour' is a common idiom for 'making a comeback'.

Le maillot cristallise les passions nationalistes lors des compétitions.

The jersey crystallizes nationalist passions during competitions.

The verb 'cristalliser' used metaphorically.

Il y a une dimension quasi sacrée dans le don du maillot après le match.

There is an almost sacred dimension to the giving of the jersey after the match.

Use of 'quasi' to modify 'sacrée'.

La fétichisation du maillot porté par les stars atteint des prix records.

The fetishization of jerseys worn by stars reaches record prices.

Sociological term 'fétichisation'.

Le maillot de corps, jadis caché, s'exhibe désormais sans complexe.

The undershirt, once hidden, is now shown off without inhibition.

Use of the literary 'jadis'.

L'esthétique du maillot vintage puise dans la nostalgie des années 70.

The aesthetic of the vintage jersey draws from 70s nostalgia.

The verb 'puiser dans' means 'to draw from'.

Le maillot est le support privilégié du marketing sportif contemporain.

The jersey is the preferred medium for contemporary sports marketing.

Formal phrasing 'support privilégié'.

Chaque fil du maillot semble imprégné de la sueur des anciens champions.

Every thread of the jersey seems soaked in the sweat of former champions.

Poetic and evocative language.

Le maillot de bain, par son échancrure, a redéfini les limites de la pudeur.

The swimsuit, through its cut, redefined the limits of modesty.

Abstract discussion of social norms.

Colocaciones comunes

Maillot de bain

Maillot jaune

Maillot à pois

Maillot de foot

Maillot de corps

Porter le maillot

Changer de maillot

Maillot une pièce

Maillot officiel

Mouiller le maillot

Frases Comunes

Un maillot de bain

— A swimsuit. Used whenever going to a pool or beach.

Je dois acheter un nouveau maillot de bain.

Le maillot jaune

— The yellow jersey. Specifically the leader of the Tour de France.

Il a conservé son maillot jaune après l'étape.

Un maillot de corps

— An undershirt. Worn for warmth or sweat absorption.

Mon père porte toujours un maillot de corps.

Un maillot de foot

— A soccer jersey. The most common sports shirt in France.

Il a une collection de maillots de foot.

Vendre son maillot

— To sell one's jersey. Often used when a player leaves a club.

Le club a arrêté de vendre son maillot.

Honorer le maillot

— To honor the jersey. To play with pride and effort.

Il faut honorer le maillot national.

Floquer un maillot

— To print a name or number on a jersey.

Je vais faire floquer mon maillot avec mon nom.

Un maillot thermique

— A thermal jersey. Used for cold-weather sports.

Le maillot thermique est parfait pour le ski.

L'amour du maillot

— Love for the jersey. Loyalty to a sports team.

Il joue par amour du maillot, pas pour l'argent.

Un maillot de rechange

— A spare jersey or swimsuit.

Apporte un maillot de rechange au cas où.

Se confunde a menudo con

maillot vs Pull

A pull is a sweater; a maillot is a jersey or swimsuit.

maillot vs Chemise

A chemise is a button-down dress shirt; a maillot is sporty or for swimming.

maillot vs Tee-shirt

A tee-shirt is casual cotton wear; a maillot is usually synthetic or for a specific team/activity.

Modismos y expresiones

"Mouiller le maillot"

— To work very hard or give a lot of effort for a goal.

Toute l'équipe a mouillé le maillot pour réussir.

Common / Informal

"Porter le maillot"

— To be part of a team or represent a group.

Il porte le maillot de l'entreprise depuis dix ans.

Professional

"Le maillot à pois"

— Used metaphorically for someone who is good at overcoming obstacles (climbing).

Dans cette entreprise, c'est lui qui a le maillot à pois.

Informal / Humorous

"Quitter le maillot"

— To retire from a sport or leave a specific team.

Il est temps pour lui de quitter le maillot.

Journalistic

"Avoir le maillot jaune"

— To be the leader in a competition or a specific field.

Elle a le maillot jaune des ventes ce mois-ci.

Business / Informal

"Sueur de maillot"

— Hard work and dedication (literal sweat of the jersey).

Ce trophée est le fruit de la sueur de son maillot.

Poetic / Sports

"Être dans le maillot"

— To be deeply involved or 'in the thick' of something.

Il est vraiment dans le maillot avec ce projet.

Slang (Rare)

"Changer de maillot comme de chemise"

— To change teams or loyalties very frequently.

Il change de maillot comme de chemise, on ne peut pas lui faire confiance.

Critical / Informal

"Le maillot de la discorde"

— A controversial jersey design that causes arguments.

Le nouveau design est devenu le maillot de la discorde.

Journalistic

"Un maillot trop grand pour lui"

— A responsibility or role that is too much for someone to handle.

Le poste de directeur est un maillot trop grand pour lui.

Metaphorical

Fácil de confundir

maillot vs Maille

Similar root and spelling.

Maille is the stitch or the mesh itself; maillot is the garment made from it.

Ce pull a une maille très fine.

maillot vs Maillon

One letter difference.

Maillon means a link in a chain; maillot is clothing.

C'est le maillon faible de la chaîne.

maillot vs Maquillage

Starts with 'ma-'.

Maquillage is makeup; maillot is clothing.

Elle met du maquillage avant de sortir.

maillot vs Maillot (as in swaddling)

Same word, different meaning.

In modern French, this is very rare. Usually refers to sports/swimming now.

L'enfant était dans son maillot (archaic).

maillot vs Jersey (Fabric)

Synonymous with jersey shirts in English.

In French, 'le jersey' is the fabric; 'un maillot' is the shirt.

Un t-shirt en jersey.

Patrones de oraciones

J'ai un maillot [couleur].

J'ai un maillot bleu.

Je cherche un maillot de [activité].

Je cherche un maillot de bain.

Il faut [verbe] le maillot.

Il faut mouiller le maillot.

C'est le maillot de [équipe].

C'est le maillot de l'équipe de France.

Le maillot que je porte est [adjectif].

Le maillot que je porte est neuf.

Le maillot symbolise [concept].

Le maillot symbolise l'unité de l'équipe.

Malgré le froid, il ne porte pas de maillot de corps.

L'esthétisme du maillot s'inscrit dans [contexte].

L'esthétisme du maillot s'inscrit dans une démarche rétro.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Maillage (meshing/network)

Maille (stitch/mesh)

Verbos

Mailler (to mesh/knit)

Démailler (to unknit/ladder)

Adjetivos

Maillé (meshed/knitted)

Relacionado

Tricot

Jersey

Baignade

Sport

Cyclisme

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very common in daily life, especially in summer and sports seasons.

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 't'. → Keep it silent: /ma-jo/.
French words ending in -ot usually have a silent 't'.
Using 'une maillot'. → Un maillot.
Maillot is a masculine noun.
Calling a regular t-shirt a 'maillot'. → Un t-shirt.
Maillot is reserved for sports or swimming gear.
Saying 'maillot de toilette' for swimsuit. → Maillot de bain.
'Toilette' refers to hygiene or the bathroom, not swimming.
Confusing 'maillot' with 'maillon'. → Maillot for clothing.
Maillon means a link in a chain.

Consejos

Adjective Agreement

Always keep adjectives masculine. 'Un maillot blanc' even if it belongs to a girl.

Be Specific

Add 'de bain' for swimming or 'de foot' for sports to be as clear as possible.

Tour de France

Learn the different jerseys (jaune, vert, à pois) to follow French cycling culture.

Silent T

The 't' is silent. Think of 'yo-yo' to remember the ending sound.

Hard Work

Use 'mouiller le maillot' to impress colleagues with your French idioms.

Undershirts

Don't confuse 'maillot de corps' with a regular shirt. It's strictly for underneath!

Quebec Usage

If you are in Canada, you might hear 'chandail' instead of 'maillot'.

Retail

In stores, look for the 'Rayon natation' for swimsuits or 'Rayon sports d'équipe' for jerseys.

Washing

Sports maillots are often 'synthétique' and shouldn't be washed at high temperatures.

Exchanging

Players 'échangent leurs maillots' at the end of a match as a sign of respect.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'Maillot' as a 'My-Yo'—Imagine yourself playing with a yo-yo while wearing a sports jersey. The 't' is silent because the yo-yo string is so quiet.

Asociación visual

Visualize a bright yellow jersey (maillot jaune) floating in a swimming pool. This links the two main meanings: sports and swimming.

Word Web

Bain Foot Jaune Sport Corps Piscine Stade Vêtement

Desafío

Try to use 'maillot' in three different ways today: once for a sport, once for swimming, and once using the idiom 'mouiller le maillot'.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the French word 'maille', which comes from the Latin 'macula' (mesh of a net or spot). It originally referred to any garment made of knitted mesh.

Significado original: Knitted fabric or swaddling clothes for an infant.

Romance (Latin root)

Contexto cultural

None. The word is completely neutral and safe to use in all contexts.

English speakers might use 'jersey', 'kit', 'swimsuit', or 'undershirt'. French simplifies all these under 'maillot'.

The Yellow Jersey (Le Maillot Jaune) of the Tour de France. The song 'Le Maillot de Bain' (various French pop references). The film 'Le Grand Bain' which features characters in swimsuits.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At the Beach

Où est mon maillot de bain ?
Je vais mettre mon maillot.
C'est un joli maillot une pièce.
Ton maillot est encore mouillé.

In a Sports Shop

Je cherche le maillot de l'équipe de France.
Est-ce que vous avez ce maillot en taille L ?
Quel est le prix de ce maillot ?
Je voudrais faire floquer ce maillot.

Watching Sports

Le maillot jaune attaque !
Ils ont changé de maillot cette saison.
Regarde, il a déchiré son maillot.
Leurs maillots sont magnifiques.

At School (Gym Class)

N'oubliez pas votre maillot pour demain.
On doit porter le maillot de l'école.
Il a perdu son maillot de sport.
Range ton maillot dans ton sac.

In the Bedroom (Getting Dressed)

Mets un maillot de corps, il fait froid.
Où sont mes maillots de corps propres ?
Ce maillot de corps est trop serré.
Je ne trouve plus mon maillot de corps blanc.

Inicios de conversación

"Tu préfères quel maillot cette année, celui de Marseille ou celui de Paris ?"

"Est-ce que tu as déjà acheté ton maillot de bain pour les vacances ?"

"Qui penses-tu va gagner le maillot jaune lors de la prochaine étape ?"

"Tu trouves que ce maillot de sport me va bien ?"

"Est-ce que tu portes un maillot de corps quand il neige ?"

Temas para diario

Décris ton maillot de bain préféré. Pourquoi l'aimes-tu ? (Couleur, forme, souvenirs...)

Si tu pouvais créer le maillot officiel d'une équipe, à quoi ressemblerait-il ?

Raconte une fois où tu as dû 'mouiller le maillot' pour réussir quelque chose de difficile.

L'importance du maillot dans le sport : est-ce juste un vêtement ou un symbole ?

Quels vêtements emportes-tu dans ta valise pour l'été ? N'oublie pas de mentionner le maillot !

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Generally, no. A 'maillot' is specifically for sports or swimming. If you are wearing a normal cotton shirt, call it a 't-shirt'. However, in sports contexts, people might use them interchangeably if the t-shirt is being used as a jersey.

You can say 'un bikini', but it is also very common to say 'un maillot deux pièces'. Both are perfectly understood and used frequently.

It is always masculine: 'un maillot'. This is true even if it's a woman's swimsuit. You would say 'un beau maillot' for a woman's swimsuit.

It is an undershirt, like a tank top or a singlet, worn under a dress shirt or for warmth. It is considered underwear.

No, the 't' is silent. The word ends with the 'o' sound: /ma-jo/.

It's an idiom meaning to work very hard or give a lot of effort. It literally means 'to wet the jersey' with sweat.

The most common way is 'un maillot de foot'. You can also say 'un maillot de football' for more formal contexts.

It is the yellow jersey worn by the leader of the general classification in the Tour de France cycling race.

Yes, 'un maillot de basket' is the correct term for a basketball jersey.

It is a one-piece swimsuit, typically worn by women for swimming laps or for a more classic look.

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