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A2 noun #4,000 よく出る 11分で読める

poupée

上位4,000

練習する例文メモとヒント poupée 30秒で

解説 poupée in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'poupée' is one of the basic nouns you learn when discussing toys or family. It is a simple, concrete object. At this stage, you should focus on the gender of the word: it is 'la poupée' (the doll) or 'une poupée' (a doll). You will use it in very simple sentences like 'J'ai une poupée' (I have a doll) or 'La poupée est rose' (The doll is pink). You might also learn it alongside other common toys like 'le ballon' (the ball) or 'le train' (the train). The key is to recognize the word when you hear it and be able to identify the object. You don't need to worry about metaphors or complex history yet. Just remember that it is feminine and refers to the physical toy. Practice saying 'Ma poupée' to get used to the feminine possessive adjective. In a classroom setting, a teacher might show a picture of a doll and ask, 'Qu'est-ce que c'est ?' and you would answer, 'C'est une poupée.' This level is all about building your foundational vocabulary with clear, everyday objects.

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At the A2 level, you begin to expand how you use 'poupée' by adding descriptions and simple actions. You can now talk about what the doll looks like using adjectives: 'une belle poupée' (a beautiful doll), 'une petite poupée' (a little doll), or 'une poupée en plastique' (a plastic doll). You also start using common verbs associated with the word, such as 'jouer' (to play). The phrase 'jouer à la poupée' is a classic A2 expression. You might describe a childhood memory: 'Quand j'étais petite, je jouais souvent à la poupée.' You can also use the word in the context of shopping or giving gifts, such as 'Je veux acheter une poupée pour ma nièce.' At this level, you are moving beyond simple identification and starting to place the word in the context of your daily life and past experiences. You might also encounter 'poupée russe' (Russian doll) in a basic cultural context. The focus remains on the literal meaning, but with more grammatical variety and descriptive power.

At the B1 level, you can use 'poupée' in more complex narratives and start to understand some of its cultural nuances. You might discuss the role of dolls in society or in child development. For example, you could say, 'Les poupées aident les enfants à développer leur imagination.' You are also expected to handle more complex grammar, like using relative pronouns: 'La poupée que j'ai achetée est très ancienne.' You might encounter the word in songs or simple stories where it might have a slightly symbolic meaning. You can distinguish between different types of dolls like 'une poupée de chiffon' or 'une poupée de porcelaine.' Your vocabulary around the word grows to include related terms like 'vêtements de poupée' (doll clothes) or 'maison de poupée' (dollhouse). You are also becoming more aware of the metaphorical use, though you might not use it frequently yourself. You can participate in a discussion about favorite childhood toys and explain why a particular 'poupée' was important to you, using a range of tenses (imparfait, passé composé).

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At the B2 level, you are capable of understanding 'poupée' in a wide variety of contexts, including its metaphorical and idiomatic uses. You can appreciate the wordplay in France Gall's 'Poupée de cire, poupée de son' and discuss the themes of the song. You might use 'poupée' in a more abstract way, such as describing a person: 'Elle est traitée comme une poupée, sans aucune autonomie.' You can also use the metaphor 'poupées russes' to describe a complex situation: 'C'est une affaire de poupées russes, chaque découverte en cache une autre.' Your ability to use the word in professional or academic contexts increases; for example, you might discuss the marketing of 'poupées' or the sociological impact of gendered toys. You understand the nuances of register—knowing that calling someone a 'poupée' can be offensive or patronizing. You can read articles or watch documentaries about the history of doll-making in France and summarize the main points. Your use of the word is no longer limited to the toy but encompasses its broader cultural and social significance.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep and nuanced understanding of 'poupée' in literature, art, and philosophy. You can analyze the 'uncanny' (l'inquiétante étrangeté) of dolls in psychological texts or horror literature. You might explore how authors like Victor Hugo use a 'poupée' (like Cosette's doll in Les Misérables) as a powerful symbol of social class and hope. You are comfortable using the word in sophisticated metaphors and can navigate the subtle connotations it carries in different social circles. You can discuss the evolution of the 'poupée' from a ritual object to a consumer product in a historical or anthropological context. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use synonyms and related terms (pantin, automate, figurine) with precision, choosing the exact word to match the desired tone and meaning. You can write an essay or give a presentation on the representation of women as 'poupées' in 19th-century French literature. The word is now a tool for complex expression and critical analysis.

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like mastery of 'poupée' and all its linguistic and cultural baggage. You can pick up on the most subtle ironies and allusions in texts that use the word. Whether it's a philosophical treatise on the nature of the 'simulacrum' or a avant-garde poem, you understand how 'poupée' functions within the work. You can effortlessly switch between the literal, metaphorical, and idiomatic uses of the word. You might engage in high-level debates about the ethics of modern dolls or the artistic use of dolls in the works of Hans Bellmer. You are aware of rare or archaic uses of the word and can understand wordplay that relies on deep cultural knowledge. Your speech and writing are indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, allowing you to use 'poupée' with perfect timing and tone, whether you are being poetic, clinical, or humorous. The word is fully integrated into your vast mental lexicon of the French language.

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練習する例文メモとヒント

poupée 30秒で

A feminine noun meaning 'doll,' primarily used as a toy for children to mimic human interaction.
Used in various compound terms like 'poupée russe' (Russian doll) or 'poupée de chiffon' (rag doll).
Carries a metaphorical meaning describing a very beautiful but perhaps superficial or passive person.
Essential vocabulary for discussing toys, childhood, fashion history, and certain literary or artistic themes.

The French word poupée primarily refers to a doll—a small representation of a human being, typically used as a toy for children. However, the depth of this word extends far beyond the nursery. Etymologically derived from the Latin pupa, which means 'little girl' or 'puppet,' the term has evolved through centuries of French history. In its most literal sense, a poupée is an object of play, often made of plastic, cloth, or porcelain. Children use them to mimic adult behaviors, fostering empathy and social skills through role-play. You will find poupées in every toy store (magasin de jouets) across the Francophone world, from the classic baby dolls called baigneurs to modern fashion dolls. Beyond the world of toys, the word is frequently used in fashion and art. For instance, a poupée de mode was historically a mannequin used to showcase the latest Parisian trends to foreign courts before the advent of fashion magazines. In a more metaphorical sense, poupée can describe a person, often a woman, who is perceived as being exceptionally beautiful but perhaps lacking in depth or agency, similar to the English term 'living doll.' This usage can range from affectionate to patronizing, depending on the context and tone. Furthermore, the word appears in specific cultural artifacts like the poupée russe (Russian nesting doll), which serves as a common metaphor in French for layers of complexity or a story within a story. Whether you are discussing childhood memories, analyzing a piece of literature, or shopping for a gift, understanding the nuances of poupée is essential for any learner of French.

Literal Usage: Refers to a child's toy representing a human. Example: 'Elle joue avec sa poupée toute la journée.'

Metaphorical Usage: Refers to a person who is very pretty but perhaps passive or 'plastic.' Example: 'Elle ressemble à une véritable poupée de porcelaine.'

Artistic Context: Used in puppetry and theater to describe certain types of figurines. Example: 'Le théâtre de poupées est un art ancien.'

Ma fille a reçu une magnifique poupée pour son anniversaire.

Les poupées russes s'emboîtent les unes dans les autres.

Elle collectionne les poupées anciennes en porcelaine.

Il a fabriqué une poupée de chiffon pour son neveu.

La poupée de cire est un thème célèbre dans la chanson française.

Using the word poupée correctly involves understanding its grammatical gender and the verbs that typically accompany it. As a feminine noun, it is always preceded by la, une, or ma/ta/sa. In a sentence, you will often find it as the object of verbs related to play or care. For example, children jouent à la poupée (play with dolls). Note the use of the preposition à; in French, you don't 'play with' a doll in the same sense as English—you 'play doll' as a game. Other common verbs include habiller (to dress), coiffer (to style the hair of), and promener (to take for a walk, usually in a poussette or doll stroller). When describing the physical attributes of a poupée, adjectives must agree in gender: une poupée cassée (a broken doll), une petite poupée (a little doll). In more advanced contexts, poupée might appear in passive constructions or as part of a compound noun. For instance, une poupée de chiffon (a rag doll) or une poupée de son (a doll filled with bran, often used metaphorically to mean something fragile or hollow). If you are talking about collectibles, you might use the verb collectionner. The word also fits into broader discussions about childhood development, where one might say, 'L'enfant exprime ses émotions à travers sa poupée.' In literature, the word is often used to evoke nostalgia or, conversely, something eerie. The 'uncanny' nature of dolls is a frequent theme, where a poupée might be described as having a regard fixe (fixed stare). Understanding these collocations and sentence patterns will help you transition from simple identification to fluent expression.

Common Verb Pairings: Jouer à la poupée, habiller une poupée, offrir une poupée.

Descriptive Adjectives: En porcelaine, en plastique, articulée, parlante, ancienne.

Grammar Note: Always feminine. 'Un poupée' is a common mistake for beginners. 'Une poupée' is the only correct form.

L'enfant aime habiller sa poupée avec des vêtements colorés.

C'est une poupée articulée qui peut bouger les bras et les jambes.

Elle a trouvé une poupée ancienne dans le grenier de sa grand-mère.

In contemporary France and other French-speaking regions, poupée is a ubiquitous term that appears in various domains of daily life. The most obvious place is within the family home, especially in households with young children. You will hear parents asking, 'Où est ta poupée ?' or children narrating their play. In commercial settings, particularly during the holiday season (la période des fêtes), the word dominates toy catalogs and advertisements. Television commercials for brands like Barbie or Corolle use the word constantly. Beyond the literal toy, the word has a strong presence in French pop culture. One of the most famous examples is the song 'Poupée de cire, poupée de son,' written by Serge Gainsbourg and performed by France Gall, which won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1965. The lyrics play on the dual meaning of a doll as both a toy and a person controlled by others. In the world of cinema, you might hear the term in horror movie titles (e.g., 'La Poupée sanglante') or in dramas exploring childhood. In fashion boutiques, especially those dealing with haute couture, designers might refer to their miniature models as poupées. You might also encounter it in a more colloquial, though slightly dated, sense in songs or films from the mid-20th century where men refer to women as 'ma poupée' (my doll), similar to American English slang of that era. In literature, from the works of Victor Hugo to modern novelists, the poupée often serves as a symbol of lost innocence or social conditioning. Even in the news, you might hear about 'poupées gonflables' (inflatable dolls) in discussions regarding adult products or societal trends. Finally, the 'poupées russes' metaphor is frequently used by journalists and politicians to describe complex, layered scandals or bureaucratic structures. This wide range of contexts—from the innocent play of a child to the sophisticated metaphors of a political analyst—makes poupée a versatile and essential word in the French lexicon.

In Music: France Gall's 'Poupée de cire, poupée de son' is a cultural touchstone.

In Retail: Toy stores like 'JouéClub' or 'La Grande Récré' feature entire aisles dedicated to 'poupées'.

In Media: Used metaphorically in political analysis: 'C'est un système de poupées russes.'

'Je suis une poupée de cire, une poupée de son,' chante la radio.

Le film d'horreur met en scène une poupée maléfique.

For English speakers learning French, the word poupée presents a few common pitfalls. The first and most frequent mistake is grammatical gender. Because a doll can represent a male character (like a soldier or a male action figure), learners often want to use the masculine article un. However, poupée is grammatically feminine regardless of what it represents. You must say une poupée. Another common error is confusing poupée with marionnette (puppet) or pantin (jumping jack/string puppet). While all are figurines, a poupée is generally for static play or cuddling, whereas a marionnette is specifically for performance. Learners also sometimes confuse the pronunciation of poupée (/pu.pe/) with poulet (/pu.lɛ/), which means chicken. Imagine the embarrassment of telling someone your child is playing with a chicken when you meant a doll! Additionally, the phrase 'jouer à la poupée' is often mistranslated. English speakers might say jouer avec la poupée. While not strictly incorrect, jouer à la poupée is the idiomatic way to describe the activity of playing with dolls as a genre of play. Furthermore, be careful with the metaphorical use. Calling a woman a poupée in French can be seen as very objectifying or belittling, even more so than in modern English. It implies she has no brain or will of her own. Another subtle mistake involves the plural poupées russes. Some learners forget to make both words plural or misplace the adjective. Finally, don't confuse poupée with bébé. While a doll might look like a baby, in French, if you are talking about the toy, poupée or poupon (specifically a baby doll) is more precise than just bébé. Avoiding these common slips will make your French sound much more natural and precise.

Gender Error: Incorrect: Un poupée. Correct: Une poupée.

Vocabulary Confusion: Don't confuse 'poupée' (doll) with 'poulet' (chicken) or 'marionnette' (puppet).

Idiomatic Error: Use 'jouer à la poupée' for the general activity of playing with dolls.

Attention : ne dites pas 'un poupée', c'est toujours féminin.

Ma fille joue à la poupée dans sa chambre.

While poupée is the general term for a doll, French offers several more specific alternatives depending on the type of toy or the context. If you are referring specifically to a doll that looks like a baby, the word poupon is often used. This term is masculine (un poupon) and usually describes dolls that don't have hair and are meant to be 'cared for' like infants. Another related word is baigneur, which literally means 'bather' but refers to a waterproof doll that children can take into the bath. For older children or collectors, the word figurine is common. A figurine usually represents a character from a movie, comic book, or video game and is often made of hard plastic (like an action figure). If the object is moved by strings or by hand for a show, it is a marionnette. In a more decorative or artistic context, you might use statuette if it's a small statue, or mannequin if it's a life-sized figure used for clothes. There is also the word pantin, which refers to a jointed doll or puppet, often used metaphorically to describe a person who is easily manipulated by others. In the realm of soft toys, a doll made of fabric is a poupée de chiffon, while a stuffed animal is a peluche (though a peluche is not a poupée, they are often found together). Understanding these distinctions allows you to be much more descriptive. For example, 'Elle collectionne des figurines de super-héros' is very different from 'Elle joue avec son poupon.' Each word carries its own specific imagery and register, enriching your ability to describe the world of toys and representations in French.

Poupon vs Poupée: A 'poupon' is specifically a baby doll (masculine), while 'poupée' is the general term (feminine).

Figurine vs Poupée: A 'figurine' is typically an action figure or a small collectible statue, often made of hard plastic.

Marionnette vs Poupée: A 'marionnette' is a puppet used for performance, whereas a 'poupée' is primarily a toy for play.

Le petit garçon préfère jouer avec son poupon qu'avec des voitures.

Il possède une vaste collection de figurines de Star Wars.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

In Latin, 'pupa' also meant 'pupil of the eye' because of the tiny reflection of yourself you see in someone else's eye, which looks like a little doll.

発音ガイド

UK /pu.pe/

US /pu.pe/

Stress is evenly distributed, with a slight emphasis on the final syllable 'pée'.

韻が合う語

épée (sword) coupé (cut) canapé (sofa) fessée (spanking) dictée (dictation) entrée (entrance) poupée (doll) idée (idea)

よくある間違い

Pronouncing 'ou' like the English 'out'.
Pronouncing 'é' like 'eh' (open e).
Confusing it with 'poulet' (chicken).
Adding a 'y' sound at the end of 'pée'.
Failing to make the 'p' sounds crisp.

難易度

読解 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text.

ライティング 2/5

Need to remember the double 'e' and the accent.

スピーキング 2/5

Pronunciation is simple but needs care with the 'ou' and 'é'.

リスニング 2/5

Easily confused with 'poulet' if not listening carefully.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

jouet enfant fille jouer petit

次に学ぶ

figurine marionnette peluche poussette dînette

上級

automate simulacre réification anthropomorphisme hiératique

知っておくべき文法

Gender of Nouns

Une poupée (always feminine).

Adjective Agreement

Une petite poupée bleue.

Prepositions with Games

Jouer à la poupée (use 'à').

Possessive Adjectives

Ma poupée, ta poupée, sa poupée.

Plural Formation

Une poupée -> des poupées.

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レベル別の例文

La petite fille a une poupée.

The little girl has a doll.

Focus on the feminine article 'une'.

Où est ma poupée ?

Where is my doll?

Use of the possessive adjective 'ma' (feminine).

C'est une belle poupée.

It is a beautiful doll.

Adjective 'belle' agrees with the feminine 'poupée'.

La poupée est sur la table.

The doll is on the table.

Simple preposition 'sur'.

Je joue avec la poupée.

I am playing with the doll.

Basic verb 'jouer'.

Voici une poupée rose.

Here is a pink doll.

Color adjective 'rose' follows the noun.

La poupée s'appelle Marie.

The doll's name is Marie.

Pronominal verb 's'appeler'.

Tu as une poupée ?

Do you have a doll?

Simple question structure.

Elle joue à la poupée dans sa chambre.

She is playing with dolls in her room.

The idiomatic expression 'jouer à la poupée'.

Ma mère m'a offert une poupée pour Noël.

My mother gave me a doll for Christmas.

Passé composé with 'offrir'.

Cette poupée porte une jolie robe rouge.

This doll is wearing a pretty red dress.

Verb 'porter' (to wear).

Les enfants adorent les poupées articulées.

Children love jointed dolls.

Plural agreement 'poupées articulées'.

Il y a beaucoup de poupées dans le magasin.

There are many dolls in the store.

Use of 'beaucoup de'.

Je préfère cette poupée en porcelaine.

I prefer this porcelain doll.

Demonstrative adjective 'cette'.

Elle coiffe sa poupée tous les matins.

She combs her doll's hair every morning.

Verb 'coiffer' (to style hair).

La poupée est tombée par terre.

The doll fell on the floor.

Passé composé with 'être' for 'tomber'.

Quand j'étais petite, ma poupée était ma meilleure amie.

When I was little, my doll was my best friend.

Use of the imparfait for childhood memories.

Elle a trouvé une vieille poupée de chiffon dans le grenier.

She found an old rag doll in the attic.

Compound noun 'poupée de chiffon'.

Il est important de choisir une poupée adaptée à l'âge de l'enfant.

It is important to choose a doll suitable for the child's age.

Infinitive construction 'Il est important de'.

La maison de poupée est très détaillée et réaliste.

The dollhouse is very detailed and realistic.

Noun phrase 'maison de poupée'.

Elle collectionne les poupées russes depuis des années.

She has been collecting Russian dolls for years.

Present tense with 'depuis' for ongoing actions.

La poupée que tu m'as donnée est magnifique.

The doll that you gave me is magnificent.

Relative clause with 'que'.

Elle s'amuse à habiller sa poupée avec des restes de tissu.

She has fun dressing her doll with scraps of fabric.

Reflexive verb 's'amuser à'.

Cette poupée est si fragile qu'on ne peut pas jouer avec.

This doll is so fragile that one cannot play with it.

Consecutive clause 'si... que'.

Le roman explore la symbolique de la poupée dans la littérature enfantine.

The novel explores the symbolism of the doll in children's literature.

Academic vocabulary 'symbolique', 'littérature enfantine'.

Certains critiques voient en elle une simple poupée sans volonté propre.

Some critics see her as a simple doll with no will of her own.

Metaphorical use of 'poupée'.

L'intrigue se développe comme un jeu de poupées russes.

The plot develops like a set of Russian dolls.

Metaphor for complexity.

Elle a restauré une poupée de collection datant du XIXe siècle.

She restored a collectible doll dating from the 19th century.

Present participle 'datant'.

La chanson compare l'artiste à une poupée de cire manipulée par le public.

The song compares the artist to a wax doll manipulated by the public.

Comparison using 'à'.

Il ne faut pas traiter les gens comme des poupées.

One must not treat people like dolls.

Moral/ethical context.

L'exposition présente l'évolution technique de la fabrication des poupées.

The exhibition presents the technical evolution of doll manufacturing.

Noun of action 'fabrication'.

Elle a un visage de poupée, presque trop parfait pour être vrai.

She has a doll-like face, almost too perfect to be true.

Descriptive phrase 'visage de poupée'.

L'inquiétante étrangeté de cette poupée automate fascine les spectateurs.

The uncanny nature of this automaton doll fascinates the spectators.

Advanced concept 'l'inquiétante étrangeté' (The Uncanny).

Dans 'Les Misérables', la poupée offerte par Jean Valjean symbolise le salut de Cosette.

In 'Les Misérables', the doll given by Jean Valjean symbolizes Cosette's salvation.

Literary analysis context.

L'artiste déconstruit l'image de la femme-poupée à travers ses sculptures.

The artist deconstructs the image of the doll-woman through her sculptures.

Compound concept 'femme-poupée'.

La structure narrative en poupées russes égare le lecteur dans des récits emboîtés.

The Russian-doll narrative structure misleads the reader into nested stories.

Sophisticated literary terminology.

Elle refuse d'être la poupée de son mari, revendiquant son indépendance.

She refuses to be her husband's doll, claiming her independence.

Social/feminist context.

Le fétichisme de la poupée est un thème récurrent dans l'œuvre de Bellmer.

Doll fetishism is a recurring theme in Bellmer's work.

Academic terminology 'fétichisme', 'récurrent'.

La poupée de cire fondait lentement sous la chaleur des projecteurs.

The wax doll was melting slowly under the heat of the spotlights.

Descriptive precision.

Sublimée par le cinéma, la poupée devient parfois un objet de terreur pure.

Sublimated by cinema, the doll sometimes becomes an object of pure terror.

Passive past participle 'sublimée'.

L'ontologie de la poupée interroge la frontière entre l'animé et l'inanimé.

The ontology of the doll questions the boundary between the animate and the inanimate.

High-level philosophical vocabulary.

Par un procédé de mise en abyme, le film utilise des poupées pour commenter la condition humaine.

Through a process of 'mise en abyme', the film uses dolls to comment on the human condition.

Literary device 'mise en abyme'.

La réification de l'individu le transforme en une simple poupée articulée au service du capital.

The reification of the individual transforms them into a simple jointed doll at the service of capital.

Marxist/sociological terminology 'réification'.

L'esthétique de la poupée de porcelaine imprègne toute la mode de cette saison.

The porcelain doll aesthetic permeates all of this season's fashion.

Verb 'imprégner' (to permeate).

On ne saurait réduire son œuvre à une simple collection de poupées baroques.

One cannot reduce his work to a simple collection of baroque dolls.

Formal 'on ne saurait' construction.

L'aspect hiératique de la poupée rituelle lui confère une aura mystique.

The hieratic aspect of the ritual doll gives it a mystical aura.

Rare adjective 'hiératique'.

Le simulacre de vie offert par la poupée soulève des questions éthiques profondes.

The simulacrum of life offered by the doll raises profound ethical questions.

Philosophical term 'simulacre'.

Elle manipule les mots avec la précision d'un horloger réparant une poupée automate.

She manipulates words with the precision of a watchmaker repairing an automaton doll.

Complex metaphorical comparison.

よく使う組み合わせ

jouer à la poupée

maison de poupée

poupée de porcelaine

poupée russe

poupée de chiffon

habiller une poupée

visage de poupée

poupée articulée

poupée de cire

vêtements de poupée

よく使うフレーズ

Une vraie poupée

— Describes a very pretty child or woman.

Ta fille est une vraie poupée !

Poupée de son

— A doll filled with bran; metaphorically, something fragile or hollow.

Il n'est qu'une poupée de son sans caractère.

Comme une poupée

— In a way that is stiff or overly perfect.

Elle restait là, immobile comme une poupée.

Poupée gonflable

— Inflatable doll (often used for adult products).

C'est une plaisanterie avec une poupée gonflable.

Poupée de mode

— Historical term for fashion mannequins.

Les poupées de mode voyageaient dans toute l'Europe.

Jouer les poupées

— To treat people like playthings (informal).

Arrête de jouer les poupées avec tes sentiments.

Poupée vaudou

— Voodoo doll.

Il a fabriqué une poupée vaudou pour se venger.

Poupée de luxe

— A woman who lives a life of luxury but is seen as superficial.

Elle ne veut pas être une simple poupée de luxe.

Poupée qui parle

— A talking doll.

Ma nièce veut une poupée qui parle.

Petite poupée

— Affectionate term for a little girl.

Viens ici, ma petite poupée.

よく混同される語

poupée vs poulet

Means chicken. Pronounced /pu.lɛ/ vs /pu.pe/.

poupée vs poulie

Means pulley. Pronounced /pu.li/.

poupée vs poupard

Means a chubby baby or a type of doll, but is less common.

慣用句と表現

"Être une poupée de cire"

— To be easily influenced or to have no personality of one's own.

Elle n'a pas d'opinion, c'est une poupée de cire.

informal

"S'emboîter comme des poupées russes"

— To fit perfectly inside one another; to be perfectly organized or nested.

Les boîtes s'emboîtent comme des poupées russes.

neutral

"Un visage de poupée de porcelaine"

— A very delicate, perfect, and pale face.

Elle a un visage de poupée de porcelaine, très fragile.

literary

"Jouer à la poupée avec quelqu'un"

— To manipulate someone as if they were a toy.

Il joue à la poupée avec ses employés.

informal

"Une poupée de son"

— Something or someone that lacks substance or strength.

Cet argument n'est qu'une poupée de son.

literary

"C'est une poupée"

— She is very beautiful (often used for children).

Regarde ce bébé, c'est une vraie poupée !

neutral

"Ressembler à une poupée"

— To be very pretty but perhaps static or expressionless.

Avec tout ce maquillage, elle ressemble à une poupée.

neutral

"Poupée de chiffon"

— Metaphor for someone who is weak-willed.

Il s'est comporté comme une poupée de chiffon face au patron.

informal

"Le syndrome de la poupée"

— A tendency to treat others as objects to be dressed or posed.

Elle souffre un peu du syndrome de la poupée avec ses enfants.

informal

"Déshabiller la poupée"

— To look for the truth behind appearances (rare).

Il faut déshabiller la poupée pour comprendre le mécanisme.

literary

間違えやすい

poupée vs marionnette

Both are human-shaped figures.

A marionnette is for performances/shows; a poupée is for play.

On va voir un spectacle de marionnettes.

poupée vs pantin

Both refer to jointed figures.

Pantin is often a flat, jumping-jack toy or a metaphorical puppet.

Il bouge comme un pantin.

poupée vs figurine

Both are small representations.

Figurine is usually hard plastic and for action/collection; poupée is for role-play.

Une figurine de Batman.

poupée vs poupon

Both are dolls.

Poupon is specifically a baby doll (masculine); poupée is general.

Le poupon dort dans son berceau.

poupée vs peluche

Both are children's toys.

Peluche is a stuffed animal; poupée is a human figure.

Un ours en peluche.

文型パターン

C'est une [adjective] poupée.

C'est une belle poupée.

Je joue à la poupée avec [person].

Je joue à la poupée avec ma sœur.

J'ai trouvé une poupée qui [verb].

J'ai trouvé une poupée qui parle.

Elle ressemble à une poupée de [material].

Elle ressemble à une poupée de porcelaine.

La poupée sert de métaphore pour [concept].

La poupée sert de métaphore pour la passivité.

L'aspect [adjective] de la poupée évoque [feeling].

L'aspect hiératique de la poupée évoque le mystère.

Ma mère m'a donné une poupée pour [occasion].

Ma mère m'a donné une poupée pour mon anniversaire.

Il collectionne les poupées depuis [time].

Il collectionne les poupées depuis dix ans.

語族

名詞

poupon (baby doll)

pouponnière (nursery)

poupard (chubby baby)

動詞

pouponner (to mother/coddle)

形容詞

poupard (chubby)

使い方

frequency

High in childhood and commercial contexts; medium in general adult conversation.

よくある間違い

Un poupée → Une poupée
The word is always feminine, regardless of the doll's appearance.
Jouer avec la poupée → Jouer à la poupée
While 'avec' is understood, 'à la' is the idiomatic way to describe the game.
Poupée de poulet → Poupée
Confusing 'poupée' with 'poulet' (chicken) because of similar sounds.
Poupée russe (singular for plural) → Poupées russes
Both words must be plural when referring to the set.
Poupée de marionnette → Marionnette
Using both words when only one is needed to describe a puppet.

ヒント

Gender Consistency

Always use 'une' or 'la'. Don't let the doll's 'gender' confuse you.

Material Matters

Specify the material (porcelaine, chiffon, plastique) to sound more natural.

Russian Dolls

Use 'poupées russes' when talking about a story with many layers.

The 'OU' sound

Ensure your 'ou' is deep and rounded, not like the 'u' in 'tu'.

Gainsbourg

Listen to 'Poupée de cire, poupée de son' to hear the word in a famous context.

Jouer à

Remember the preposition 'à' in 'jouer à la poupée'.

Double E

Don't forget the second 'e' in 'poupée'; it's a common spelling error.

Personification

Use 'visage de poupée' to describe someone with very delicate features.

Poupée vs Figurine

Use 'figurine' for Star Wars or Marvel characters, 'poupée' for Barbie or baby dolls.

Latin Roots

Knowing it comes from 'pupa' (girl) helps remember it's feminine.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of a 'POO-pée' as a 'POO-dle' that is shaped like a person. It's a 'poupée'!

視覚的連想

Imagine a child in a Parisian park holding a classic porcelain doll with a beret.

Word Web

jouet fille robe porcelaine chiffon enfant jeu cadeau

チャレンジ

Try to name five different types of 'poupées' in French without looking at your notes.

語源

From the Old French 'poupée', derived from the Vulgar Latin 'puppa', a variant of the Classical Latin 'pupa', meaning 'girl', 'doll', or 'puppet'.

元の意味： A small girl or a representation of a human used as a toy.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > French.

文化的な背景

Be careful using 'poupée' to describe a woman; it can be seen as sexist or objectifying.

English speakers might be surprised that 'poupée' is always feminine, unlike 'doll' which is gender-neutral.

'Poupée de cire, poupée de son' by France Gall. Cosette's doll in 'Les Misérables' by Victor Hugo. The 'Poupées Russes' film by Cédric Klapisch.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Toy Store

Où sont les poupées ?
Combien coûte cette poupée ?
Avez-vous des poupées russes ?
Je cherche une poupée articulée.

Childhood Memories

Je jouais à la poupée.
C'était ma poupée préférée.
Elle avait une robe bleue.
J'ai perdu ma poupée.

Fashion/Beauty

Elle a un visage de poupée.
On dirait une poupée de porcelaine.
Elle est habillée comme une poupée.
Une poupée de mode.

Literature/Art

Le symbolisme de la poupée.
Une poupée automate.
La métaphore des poupées russes.
L'esthétique de la poupée.

Gifts

Offrir une poupée.
Un beau cadeau pour une fille.
Elle va adorer cette poupée.
C'est une poupée de collection.

会話のきっかけ

"Jouais-tu à la poupée quand tu étais enfant ?"

"Que penses-tu des poupées russes comme souvenirs ?"

"Connais-tu la chanson 'Poupée de cire, poupée de son' ?"

"Est-ce que les garçons devraient aussi jouer à la poupée ?"

"Quelle est la poupée la plus célèbre dans ton pays ?"

日記のテーマ

Décris ta poupée préférée de ton enfance. Pourquoi était-elle spéciale ?

Penses-tu que les poupées influencent la perception de la beauté chez les enfants ?

Imagine une histoire où une poupée prend vie pendant la nuit.

Explique la métaphore des 'poupées russes' appliquée à ta propre vie.

Raconte une visite dans un magasin de jouets ancien.

よくある質問

10 問

Yes, 'poupée' is a feminine noun. Even if the doll represents a male character, you would say 'une poupée'.

It is a Russian nesting doll (Matryoshka). In French, it is also used as a metaphor for layers of complexity.

The most common and idiomatic way is 'jouer à la poupée'.

'Poupée' is the general word for doll, while 'poupon' specifically refers to a baby doll.

It is possible, but be careful as it can be perceived as sexist or patronizing, implying she is just a 'pretty object'.

It means 'wax doll.' It's famous because of a song by France Gall.

It is pronounced /pu.pe/. The 'ou' is like 'food' and the 'é' is like 'gate'.

It is a rag doll, made of fabric and stuffing.

Not exactly. A 'figurine' is usually smaller, made of hard plastic, and often represents action heroes or collectible characters.

It comes from the Latin word 'pupa', which means both a doll and a little girl.

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