At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'délacer' means to untie or unlace shoes. It is a very practical word for your daily life. Imagine you are at a friend's house in France. In many French homes, it is polite to take off your shoes at the entrance. You might say, 'Je délace mes chaussures.' This shows you are being careful and polite. You should also recognize the word when a parent says it to a child: 'Délace tes baskets !' (Unlace your sneakers!). At this stage, focus on the present tense: 'Je délace', 'Tu délaces'. Don't worry too much about the spelling change with 'ç' yet, but try to remember that it sounds like an 's'. Use it whenever you are talking about shoes with strings. It is much better than just saying 'enlever' (to take off) because it describes exactly what you are doing with your fingers. You can also use it for boots or skates if you go ice skating. It is a simple, regular verb that ends in -er, so it is easy to conjugate. Just remember: 'Je délace mes chaussures.'
As an A2 learner, you should begin to use 'délacer' in more complete sentences and understand its reflexive form. When a lace comes undone by itself, we say 'Mon lacet se délace.' This is very useful when you are walking or running. You can also use the passé composé to describe something you have already done: 'J'ai délacé mes bottes.' Notice that we use the verb 'avoir' here. You might also encounter the word in a shoe store. If a shoe is too tight, the salesperson might suggest: 'Essayez de délacer un peu le haut.' (Try to unlace the top a bit). At this level, you should also be aware of the spelling rule: 'Nous délaçons' needs the cedilla (ç) to keep the 's' sound. If you forget it, the word would sound like 'delakons', which is wrong. You can also start comparing 'délacer' with 'défaire'. 'Défaire ses lacets' is very common and a bit more casual. Using 'délacer' makes your French sound more precise and slightly more formal. Practice using it with different types of footwear like 'baskets', 'bottines', or 'souliers'.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'délacer' in various tenses, including the imparfait and the future. You can describe past habits: 'Chaque soir, je délaçais mes chaussures avec soin.' (Every evening, I used to unlace my shoes with care). You should also understand the nuance between 'délacer' and 'dénouer'. While 'dénouer' is to untie the knot, 'délacer' is the action of loosening the whole string through the eyelets. This distinction is important for descriptive writing. You might use 'délacer' in a narrative to slow down the pace: 'Il s'assit lourdement sur le lit et commença à délacer ses chaussures, une à une.' This creates a clear mental image of a tired character. You should also be able to use the word in the imperative to give advice or instructions: 'N'oublie pas de bien délacer tes chaussures avant de les ranger, sinon elles vont se déformer.' (Don't forget to unlace your shoes properly before putting them away, otherwise they will lose their shape). This level also involves understanding the word in the context of specialized sports or hobbies, such as dance (délacer ses pointes) or hiking.
At the B2 level, you can appreciate the historical and literary uses of 'délacer'. You might encounter it in 19th-century novels where characters wear corsets or complex garments. 'Elle demanda à sa suivante de la délacer.' (She asked her maid to unlace her). Here, the word carries a sense of intimacy or social class. You should also be able to use the past participle 'délacé' as an adjective to describe someone's appearance: 'Il avait l'air négligé avec sa chemise ouverte et ses chaussures délacées.' (He looked disheveled with his shirt open and his shoes unlaced). At this level, you should also handle the reflexive 'se délacer' in more complex structures, like the subjunctive: 'Il faut que tu fasses un double nœud pour ne pas que tes lacets se délacent pendant la course.' (You need to make a double knot so that your laces don't come undone during the race). You can also use the word metaphorically, though it is rare, to describe loosening a tight situation or a restriction, although 'desserrer' is more common for that. Your command of the 'ç' spelling change should be perfect at this stage.
At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word's placement within the French lexicon. You can distinguish 'délacer' from synonyms like 'détacher', 'défaire', or 'dénouer' with great precision. You might use it in a technical or artistic context, such as describing the movements of a hand in a painting or the steps of a specific ritual. For instance, in an essay about Japanese culture in France, you might write: 'Le rituel de se déchausser implique souvent de délacer patiemment des attaches complexes.' You are also aware of the phonetic identity with 'délasser' (to relax) and can use this for wordplay or simply to avoid orthographic confusion in high-level writing. You can use the word in the passive voice to create a specific stylistic effect: 'Une fois les bottes délacées, le soulagement fut immédiat.' This places the focus on the state of the object rather than the person doing the action. Your use of 'délacer' should feel natural in both formal and informal registers, knowing when to opt for the more common 'défaire ses lacets' and when the precision of 'délacer' is required for clarity or tone.
At the C2 level, you master the verb 'délacer' in all its nuances, including its rare and archaic uses. You can recognize it in classical poetry or high literature where it might be used to describe the loosening of a bodice or a decorative ribbon in a way that suggests sensuality or vulnerability. You understand the etymological roots (from the Latin 'laqueus') and how the word has evolved from describing snares and traps to the mundane act of untying shoes. You can use the word in highly formal speeches or academic papers concerning the history of fashion or social customs. For example: 'L'acte de délacer le corset représentait, au-delà de la simple libération physique, une rupture avec les conventions sociales rigides de l'époque.' You are also capable of identifying regional variations or archaic spellings in older texts. Your mastery includes the ability to teach the word to others, explaining the subtle differences between 'délacer' and its counterparts with ease. You can use it in creative writing to evoke specific textures and rhythms, perhaps focusing on the sound of the lace sliding through the eyelet. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for precise and evocative expression.

délacer 30초 만에

  • Délacer is a French verb meaning to unlace or untie laces, specifically on shoes, boots, or historical garments like corsets.
  • It is a regular -er verb but requires a cedilla (ç) in the 'nous' form (nous délaçons) to keep the soft sound.
  • The reflexive form 'se délacer' is used when laces come undone on their own while you are walking or running.
  • It is a more precise and sophisticated alternative to the general verb 'défaire' (to undo) when talking about laced items.

The French verb délacer is a precise and specific action verb that primarily describes the act of unfastening or untying laces. While English speakers might often use the generic term 'untie' for everything from knots to ribbons to shoes, French offers the specific term délacer when the object in question involves a lacet (lace). This word is most frequently encountered in the context of footwear, particularly boots, sneakers, or dress shoes that require manual lacing. It is a derivative of the verb lacer (to lace), with the prefix dé- serving to indicate the reversal of the action. Understanding this word is essential for daily life interactions, especially in contexts involving clothing, sports, or child care.

Daily Routine
In a domestic setting, you use this verb when coming home after a long day. It signifies the transition from the public sphere to the comfort of the home. For example, 'Je commence par délacer mes chaussures de randonnée' (I start by unlacing my hiking boots).

Après une longue marche dans la forêt, il est si agréable de délacer ses bottes et de reposer ses pieds.

Beyond simple footwear, délacer carries a historical and literary weight. In the era of corsetry, the act of unlacing a corset was a significant part of a woman's evening routine, often requiring assistance. In period dramas or classical French literature, you might see characters délacer un corset or délacer un corsage. This adds a layer of elegance or intimacy to the word that 'untie' lacks. Today, you might still use it for specialized sports equipment like ice skates or boxing gloves, where the lacing is complex and structural.

The Reflexive Form
The verb can also be used reflexively, 'se délacer', to describe laces that have come undone on their own. 'Fais attention, tes chaussures se délacent !' (Be careful, your shoes are coming unlaced!). This is a common warning given to children or runners.

L'enfant ne savait pas encore faire ses nœuds, alors ses souliers ne cessaient de se délacer pendant la récréation.

In a broader sense, the word evokes a sense of loosening and release. When you délacer something, you are removing the tension that was holding it together. This makes the word useful in descriptive writing to show a character relaxing or preparing for rest. It is a slow, methodical action, unlike 'arracher' (to tear off) or 'enlever' (to take off), which can be quick. Délacer requires fingers working through eyelets, one by one, making it a tactile and rhythmic verb.

Sporting Contexts
Athletes use this word constantly. Whether it is a figure skater removing skates or a football player taking off cleats, the ritual of unlacing is a sign that the performance is over and the recovery has begun.

Le patineur s'assit sur le banc pour délacer ses patins après sa performance épuisante.

Elle a dû s'arrêter en plein milieu du trottoir pour délacer le nœud trop serré de sa basket.

Veuillez délacer vos chaussures avant d'entrer dans la salle de karaté.

Using délacer correctly involves understanding its conjugation as a regular -er verb, but with a slight spelling modification common to verbs ending in -cer. To maintain the soft 's' sound of the 'c' before the vowels 'a' or 'o', the 'c' changes to a 'ç' (cedilla). This is most notable in the nous form of the present tense: nous délaçons. Failing to include the cedilla would result in a hard 'k' sound, which is incorrect in French phonetics.

Present Tense
In the present tense, it follows the standard pattern: Je délace, tu délaces, il délace, nous délaçons, vous délacez, ils délacent. Example: 'Je délace mes baskets avant de prendre ma douche.'

Nous délaçons nos chaussures à l'entrée de la maison pour garder le sol propre.

When using the passé composé, délacer uses the auxiliary verb avoir. The past participle is délacé. This is used to describe a completed action in the past. For instance, 'J'ai délacé mes souliers' (I unlaced my shoes). If you are using it in a reflexive sense (e.g., the laces unlaced themselves), you use être: 'Mes lacets se sont délacés' (My laces came unlaced).

Imperative Mood
The imperative is used for commands or requests. 'Délace tes chaussures !' (Unlace your shoes!). This is a common phrase parents say to children who are trying to pull their shoes off without untying them first, which can damage the heel.

S'il vous plaît, délacez ces bottes délicatement pour ne pas abîmer le cuir.

In more complex sentences, you might use the infinitive form following another verb. This is very common with modal verbs like devoir (must), pouvoir (can), or vouloir (want). 'Tu dois délacer tes patins' (You must unlace your skates). It can also follow verbs of perception: 'Je le regarde délacer ses chaussures' (I watch him unlace his shoes).

Future Tense
To talk about something that will happen, use the simple future: 'Je délacerai mes chaussures plus tard.' Or the near future: 'Je vais délacer mes chaussures.' Both are perfectly natural, though the near future is more common in spoken French.

Dès que j'arriverai à la maison, je délacerai mes bottes de randonnée boueuses.

Il est difficile de délacer des nœuds mouillés après avoir marché dans la pluie.

Elle aidait sa grand-mère à délacer ses bottines à boutons car ses mains tremblaient.

Finally, consider the passive voice or the use of the past participle as an adjective. 'Une chaussure délacée' (an unlaced shoe). This is a great way to describe a messy or casual appearance. 'Il marchait avec une chaussure délacée, risquant de tomber à chaque pas' (He was walking with an unlaced shoe, risking a fall at every step). This descriptive use is very common in literature and journalism.

You will hear délacer in several specific real-world environments. The most common is likely within a family setting. Parents frequently use this verb with young children who are learning to manage their own clothing. In a French household, you might hear a mother say, 'Ne tire pas sur tes chaussures, délace-les d'abord !' (Don't pull on your shoes, unlace them first!). This emphasizes the proper way to care for objects, a value often taught early in French culture.

Sports and Recreation
In locker rooms (les vestiaires), gyms, or at the side of a swimming pool, délacer is the standard term. Coaches might tell athletes to 'délacer vos pointes' (unlace your track spikes) or 'délacer vos patins'. It is part of the technical vocabulary of any sport that requires specialized footwear. You might even hear it at a bowling alley or a ski resort when returning rented equipment.

Dans le vestiaire de la patinoire, on entend le bruit des joueurs qui délacent leurs patins.

Another place you will encounter this word is in shoe stores (les magasins de chaussures). A salesperson might say, 'Je vais vous aider à les délacer' (I will help you unlace them) when you are trying on a pair of high-top boots. It's a polite, professional context where the specific verb is preferred over the more casual 'enlever' (to take off).

Literature and Period Pieces
If you enjoy French cinema or literature, especially 'films de cape et d'épée' or period dramas like 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses', délacer appears in scenes involving the complex dressing rituals of the past. It carries a certain romantic or historical atmosphere. A maid might be seen délacer le corset of a noblewoman, or a soldier might délacer ses guêtres (unlace his gaiters).

La servante s'empressa de délacer la robe de la marquise pour le bal.

In medical or physiotherapy contexts, a practitioner might ask a patient to délacer their shoes to examine their feet. 'Pouvez-vous délacer votre chaussure gauche, s'il vous plaît ?' (Can you unlace your left shoe, please?). Here, it is a neutral, clinical instruction. It is also used in the military when referring to uniforms that have laces, such as combat boots (rangers).

Art and Photography
In the world of art, specifically in figure drawing or photography, the act of unlacing can be a subject of study. The way fingers interact with laces is a classic 'moment' of transition. You might see a caption like 'Jeune femme délaçant ses sandales' (Young woman unlacing her sandals).

Le photographe a capturé l'instant précis où elle commençait à délacer ses souliers de danse.

Il est impoli de ne pas délacer ses chaussures quand on vous le demande à l'entrée d'un temple.

Regarde, le petit garçon essaie de délacer ses chaussures tout seul pour la première fois !

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using délacer is forgetting the spelling rule regarding the 'ç' (cedilla). In French, verbs ending in -cer must maintain a soft 's' sound. When the 'c' is followed by 'a' or 'o', it would normally sound like 'k' (as in 'cabane' or 'coton'). To keep the soft sound found in the infinitive délacer, you must use the cedilla: nous délaçons. Writing 'nous delacons' is a common orthographic error that also changes the pronunciation.

Confusing with 'Dénouer'
Another common error is using délacer for things that don't actually have laces. Délacer is specifically for the system of eyelets and strings. If you are untying a simple knot in a piece of string, a ribbon on a gift, or a necktie, you should use dénouer. Using délacer for a necktie would sound very strange to a native speaker.

On ne dit pas 'délacer une cravate', on dit 'dénouer une cravate'.

Learners also often over-rely on the generic verb enlever (to take off). While 'enlever ses chaussures' is perfectly correct and common, it describes the whole process of removing the shoes. If the specific problem is the laces being stuck or too tight, enlever doesn't convey that detail. Using délacer shows a higher level of vocabulary and precision. Conversely, don't use délacer if the shoes have Velcro or buckles; for those, use défaire or ouvrir.

The 'Dé-' Prefix Confusion
Some learners confuse délacer with délasser. While they sound identical in many regions, délasser means 'to relax' or 'to refresh' (from 'las', meaning weary). If you write 'Je me délasse les chaussures', you are saying you are 'relaxing' your shoes, which makes no sense!

Attention à l'orthographe : délacer (chaussures) vs délasser (se reposer).

Finally, be careful with the object of the verb. You can délacer the shoes themselves ('délacer ses chaussures') or the laces themselves ('délacer ses lacets'). Both are acceptable. However, avoid saying 'délacer ses pieds', which would imply you are unlacing your actual feet! This might seem obvious, but in the heat of a conversation, learners sometimes swap the container (shoes) for the content (feet).

Preposition Errors
Unlike some English verbs that require 'up' or 'off' (e.g., 'lace up', 'take off'), délacer is a transitive verb that takes a direct object with no preposition. Do not say 'délacer de ses chaussures'. Simply say 'délacer ses chaussures'.

Elle a passé dix minutes à essayer de délacer le nœud marin de son fils.

Il ne faut pas délacer ses chaussures avec les dents, c'est sale !

Nous délaissons parfois le verbe précis au profit du verbe facile, mais 'délacer' est irremplaçable.

While délacer is very specific, there are several related verbs that you might use depending on the context or the type of fastening involved. Understanding these nuances will make your French sound more natural and sophisticated. The most direct alternative for general use is défaire, which means 'to undo'. You can 'défaire ses lacets' (undo one's laces), and this is extremely common in everyday speech.

Délacer vs. Dénouer
Délacer refers to the entire lacing system (pulling the string through all the holes), while dénouer specifically means to untie a knot (un nœud). You dénouez the bow at the top, then you délacez the shoe to open it up. If a knot is very tight, you might say 'Je n'arrive pas à dénouer ce lacet'.

Après avoir dénoué le double nœud, il a commencé à délacer ses bottes de ski.

Another related verb is desserrer, which means 'to loosen'. If your shoes are too tight and you just want to make them more comfortable without taking them off, you would desserrer vos lacets. This is a great word to know for sports or long walks. On the opposite side, if you want to tighten them, you use serrer or resserrer.

Other Fastenings
If the item has buttons, use déboutonner. If it has a zipper (une fermeture Éclair), use dézipper (informal) or ouvrir la fermeture. If it has buckles, use déboucler. Each fastening has its own specific 'un-' verb in French, which is more precise than the English 'undo'.

Il est plus rapide de déboucler une sandale que de délacer une basket montante.

In a more formal or literary context, you might see détacher. While this usually means 'to detach' or 'to unfasten' (like a seatbelt or a leash), it can be used for clothing. However, délacer remains the most evocative choice for anything with laces. For the act of actually removing the clothing from the body, the verbs enlever or ôter are used. You délacez the shoes so that you can enlever them.

Summary of Alternatives
- Défaire: General 'undo'.
- Dénouer: Specifically for knots.
- Desserrer: To loosen.
- Enlever: To take off the whole item.
- Déboucler: To unbuckle.

Elle a dû desserrer ses lacets car ses pieds avaient gonflé avec la chaleur.

Il est temps de délacer les patins et de rentrer au chaud.

On ne peut pas délacer des mocassins, puisqu'ils n'ont pas de lacets !

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The root 'laqueus' in Latin also gave us the English word 'lasso'. So, when you are unlacing your shoes, you are technically 'un-lassoing' them!

발음 가이드

UK /de.la.se/
US /deɪ.lɑ.seɪ/
In French, stress is generally even across syllables, with a slight emphasis on the final syllable 'cer'.
라임이 맞는 단어
placer effacer glacer passer masser tracer lacer embrasser
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing the 'c' as 'k' in 'nous délaçons' (forgetting the cedilla).
  • Confusing the pronunciation with 'délaisser' (which sounds the same in some accents).
  • Making the 'e' in 'dé' too open (like 'deh').
  • Failing to pronounce the final 'é' sound in the past participle 'délacé'.
  • Adding an 'r' sound at the end of the infinitive (the 'r' is silent).

난이도

독해 1/5

Very easy to recognize because of the English word 'lace'.

쓰기 3/5

Requires remembering the cedilla (ç) in the 'nous' form.

말하기 2/5

Straightforward pronunciation, but don't confuse it with 'délasser'.

듣기 2/5

Easy to hear, though it sounds like 'délasser' (to relax).

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

lacet chaussure noeud pied faire

다음에 배울 것

enlever dénouer desserrer déboucler déboutonner

고급

entrelacer corseter oeillet guêtre bottine

알아야 할 문법

Verbs ending in -cer

Change 'c' to 'ç' before 'a' or 'o' (e.g., nous délaçons).

Reflexive verbs in passé composé

Use 'être' as the auxiliary (e.g., mes lacets se sont délacés).

Transitive verbs

Délacer takes a direct object (e.g., délacer ses chaussures).

Imperative of -er verbs

The 's' is dropped in the 'tu' form (e.g., Délace tes chaussures !).

Past participle agreement

In reflexive forms, the participle agrees with the subject if it's the direct object (e.g., Elles se sont délacées).

수준별 예문

1

Je délace mes chaussures.

I am unlacing my shoes.

Present tense, first person singular.

2

Tu délaces tes baskets.

You are unlacing your sneakers.

Present tense, second person singular.

3

Il délace ses bottes.

He is unlacing his boots.

Present tense, third person singular.

4

Délace tes chaussures, s'il te plaît.

Unlace your shoes, please.

Imperative mood, informal.

5

Nous délaçons nos souliers.

We are unlacing our shoes.

Note the 'ç' to keep the soft 's' sound.

6

Vous délacez vos patins.

You are unlacing your skates.

Present tense, second person plural.

7

Elles délacent leurs chaussures de sport.

They (f) are unlacing their sports shoes.

Present tense, third person plural.

8

Je vais délacer mes chaussures.

I am going to unlace my shoes.

Near future (aller + infinitive).

1

J'ai délacé mes chaussures hier soir.

I unlaced my shoes last night.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

2

Est-ce que tu peux délacer ce nœud ?

Can you unlace (untie) this knot?

Infinitive after 'pouvoir'.

3

Mes lacets se délacent tout le temps.

My laces come undone all the time.

Reflexive form 'se délacer'.

4

Il a délacé ses bottes avant d'entrer.

He unlaced his boots before entering.

Passé composé.

5

Nous avons délacé nos patins après le cours.

We unlaced our skates after the class.

Passé composé.

6

Elle délaçait ses chaussures quand le téléphone a sonné.

She was unlacing her shoes when the phone rang.

Imparfait for an ongoing action in the past.

7

Pourquoi ne délaçais-tu pas tes souliers ?

Why weren't you unlacing your shoes?

Imparfait, negative question.

8

Ils vont se délacer les chaussures bientôt.

They are going to unlace their shoes soon.

Reflexive in the near future.

1

Si tu ne fais pas de double nœud, tes lacets vont se délacer.

If you don't make a double knot, your laces will come undone.

Reflexive future.

2

Elle délaça ses chaussures avec une lenteur extrême.

She unlaced her shoes with extreme slowness.

Passé simple (literary past tense).

3

Il est important de délacer complètement la chaussure pour ne pas l'abîmer.

It is important to unlace the shoe completely so as not to damage it.

Infinitive as a subject/instruction.

4

En délaçant ses bottes, il s'est rendu compte qu'il avait une ampoule.

While unlacing his boots, he realized he had a blister.

Gérondif (en + participle) indicating simultaneous action.

5

Je voudrais que tu délaces tes chaussures avant de monter à l'étage.

I would like you to unlace your shoes before going upstairs.

Subjunctive mood after 'vouloir que'.

6

Ses chaussures se sont délacées en plein milieu de la course.

His shoes came unlaced in the middle of the race.

Passé composé of a reflexive verb with 'être'.

7

Il délaissait ses devoirs pour délacer ses pensées.

He was neglecting his homework to unlace (unravel) his thoughts.

Metaphorical use, playing with the word 'délaisser'.

8

Avez-vous fini de délacer vos patins à glace ?

Have you finished unlacing your ice skates?

Infinitive after 'finir de'.

1

Le corset était si serré qu'elle avait hâte de le délacer.

The corset was so tight that she was eager to unlace it.

Historical context.

2

Bien que ses chaussures fussent délacées, il continuait à courir.

Although his shoes were unlaced, he continued to run.

Subjunctive imparfait (very formal).

3

On peut voir sur ce tableau une femme délaçant son corsage.

One can see in this painting a woman unlacing her bodice.

Present participle as an adjective/description.

4

Il s'assit pour délacer ses rangers après une journée de marche militaire.

He sat down to unlace his combat boots after a day of military marching.

Specific vocabulary 'rangers'.

5

Ne laisse pas tes chaussures se délacer ainsi, tu vas trébucher.

Don't let your shoes come unlaced like that, you're going to trip.

Causative structure 'laisser + infinitive'.

6

Elle a passé la soirée à délacer les nœuds compliqués de son costume.

She spent the evening unlacing the complicated knots of her costume.

Passé composé with a duration.

7

Les patineurs délaçaient leurs chaussures dans un silence respectueux.

The skaters were unlacing their shoes in a respectful silence.

Imparfait for atmosphere.

8

Il est rare de voir quelqu'un délacer ses chaussures avec une telle précision.

It is rare to see someone unlace their shoes with such precision.

Infinitive after 'voir quelqu'un'.

1

L'acte de délacer ses chaussures symbolise souvent le retour à l'intimité du foyer.

The act of unlacing one's shoes often symbolizes the return to the intimacy of the home.

Abstract/Symbolic usage.

2

Elle sentit une libération soudaine en délaçant son corset après le bal.

She felt a sudden liberation upon unlacing her corset after the ball.

Gérondif expressing cause/moment.

3

Les cordages du navire semblaient se délacer sous la force de la tempête.

The ship's ropes seemed to unlace (unravel) under the force of the storm.

Metaphorical extension to ropes.

4

Il fallut délacer chaque œillet avec précaution pour ne pas déchirer le vieux cuir.

Every eyelet had to be unlaced with care so as not to tear the old leather.

Impersonal 'il fallut'.

5

Sa patience s'épuisait à mesure qu'il tentait de délacer les fils emmêlés.

His patience was wearing thin as he tried to unlace the tangled threads.

Progressive action 'à mesure que'.

6

Le poète compare l'aube à une main délaçant les ombres de la nuit.

The poet compares the dawn to a hand unlacing the shadows of the night.

Literary metaphor.

7

Nul ne songeait à délacer les secrets de cette mystérieuse affaire.

No one thought to unlace (unravel) the secrets of this mysterious affair.

Abstract metaphorical use.

8

Les chaussures délacées traînaient sur le tapis, témoins d'une soirée agitée.

The unlaced shoes lay on the carpet, witnesses to a hectic evening.

Past participle as an appositive adjective.

1

Dans son traité sur l'élégance, il consacre un chapitre à l'art de délacer sans froisser.

In his treatise on elegance, he devotes a chapter to the art of unlacing without wrinkling.

Highly formal/Academic context.

2

La structure sociale commençait à se délacer, révélant des tensions enfouies.

The social structure was beginning to unlace (unravel), revealing buried tensions.

Sociological metaphor.

3

Il convient de délacer les préjugés avec autant de soin que des lacets fragiles.

One should unlace (undo) prejudices with as much care as fragile laces.

Philosophical metaphor.

4

L'archéologue dut délacer les fibres végétales qui entouraient la momie.

The archaeologist had to unlace the plant fibers surrounding the mummy.

Technical/Scientific context.

5

Une mélancolie diffuse semblait délacer les liens qui l'unissaient au monde.

A diffuse melancholy seemed to unlace the bonds that united him to the world.

Existential/Literary metaphor.

6

Il délaça son âme devant le confesseur, ne cachant rien de ses fautes.

He unlaced (poured out) his soul before the confessor, hiding none of his faults.

Spiritual metaphor.

7

Les intrigues de cour se délaçaient au fur et à mesure que le roi perdait son pouvoir.

The court intrigues were unravelling as the king lost his power.

Historical/Political metaphor.

8

Délacer le vrai du faux s'avérait être une tâche herculéenne dans ce chaos.

Unlacing (distinguishing) the true from the false proved to be a Herculean task in this chaos.

Epistemological metaphor.

자주 쓰는 조합

délacer ses chaussures
délacer ses baskets
délacer ses bottes
délacer ses patins
se délacer
délacer un corset
délacer un nœud
délacer avec soin
délacer complètement
délacer rapidement

자주 쓰는 구문

Laisse-moi te délacer.

— Let me unlace you (usually referring to shoes or a tight garment).

L'enfant est fatigué, sa mère dit : 'Laisse-moi te délacer.'

Tes lacets se délacent.

— Your laces are coming undone.

Attention, tes lacets se délacent, tu vas tomber !

Prendre le temps de délacer.

— To take the time to unlace properly.

Il est important de prendre le temps de délacer ses bottes de randonnée.

Délacer ses souliers.

— To unlace one's dress shoes.

Après le mariage, il était heureux de délacer ses souliers vernis.

Délacer un corsage.

— To unlace a bodice (historical).

Elle commença à délacer son corsage devant le miroir.

Avoir les chaussures délacées.

— To have unlaced shoes.

Il marche toujours avec les chaussures délacées.

Délacer les patins à glace.

— To unlace ice skates.

C'est difficile de délacer les patins quand on a les mains froides.

Délacer les rangers.

— To unlace combat boots.

Le soldat délace ses rangers après la marche.

Aider à délacer.

— To help unlace.

Le petit garçon aide son grand-père à délacer ses bottines.

Délacer sans forcer.

— To unlace without forcing.

Il faut délacer sans forcer pour ne pas casser le lacet.

자주 혼동되는 단어

délacer vs délasser

Sounds identical but means 'to relax' or 'to refresh'.

délacer vs délaisser

Means 'to neglect' or 'to abandon'.

délacer vs déplacer

Means 'to move' or 'to displace'.

관용어 및 표현

"Délacer la langue"

— To make someone talk or to loosen someone's tongue (very rare, 'délier' is common).

Le vin a fini par lui délacer la langue.

literary
"Se délacer le cœur"

— To unburden one's heart (poetic).

Il avait besoin de se délacer le cœur auprès d'un ami.

poetic
"Délacer les liens"

— To loosen bonds or connections.

Le temps finit par délacer les liens les plus solides.

formal
"Délacer l'intrigue"

— To unravel a plot or mystery.

L'inspecteur commença à délacer l'intrigue complexe.

literary
"Délacer les secrets"

— To uncover or untie secrets.

Elle cherchait à délacer les secrets de sa famille.

literary
"Délacer la vérité"

— To extract the truth from a complex situation.

Il est difficile de délacer la vérité au milieu de ces mensonges.

formal
"Délacer les contraintes"

— To free oneself from constraints.

Il a enfin réussi à délacer les contraintes de son travail.

formal
"Délacer les tensions"

— To ease tensions.

Une bonne discussion peut délacer les tensions dans un groupe.

neutral
"Délacer les voiles"

— To unloose sails (nautical/poetic).

Le marin délaça les voiles pour prendre le vent.

literary
"Se délacer de ses soucis"

— To let go of one's worries.

En vacances, il se délace enfin de ses soucis quotidiens.

poetic

혼동하기 쉬운

délacer vs dénouer

Both involve untying.

Dénouer is specifically for the knot; délacer is for the whole lacing system.

Je dénoue le nœud, puis je délace la chaussure.

délacer vs défaire

General vs. specific.

Défaire is general (undo); délacer is specific to laces.

Il défait sa ceinture et délace ses bottes.

délacer vs enlever

The end result is the same (shoes off).

Enlever is the act of removing; délacer is the act of untying.

Délace tes chaussures avant de les enlever.

délacer vs desserrer

Both involve loosening.

Desserrer means to loosen (can stay on); délacer means to unfasten (usually to take off).

Je desserre mes lacets pour être plus à l'aise.

délacer vs déboutonner

Both are unfastening clothing.

Déboutonner is for buttons; délacer is for laces.

Il déboutonne sa veste et délace ses chaussures.

문장 패턴

A1

Je délace mes [item].

Je délace mes baskets.

A2

Est-ce que tu peux délacer [item] ?

Est-ce que tu peux délacer mes bottes ?

B1

Mes lacets se sont délacés.

Mes lacets se sont délacés pendant le match.

B2

Il est temps de délacer [item].

Il est temps de délacer tes patins.

C1

En délaçant [item], j'ai remarqué que...

En délaçant mes souliers, j'ai remarqué un trou.

C2

On ne saurait délacer [abstract concept] sans...

On ne saurait délacer les nœuds du destin sans courage.

A1

Délace tes [item] !

Délace tes chaussures !

B1

Il faut délacer [item] avant de...

Il faut délacer ses bottes avant d'entrer.

어휘 가족

명사

lacet (lace)
laçage (lacing)
délacement (the act of unlacing - rare)

동사

lacer (to lace)
relacer (to re-lace)
entrelacer (to interlace)

형용사

délacé (unlaced)
lacé (laced)
entrelacé (intertwined)

관련

noeud (knot)
oeillet (eyelet)
chaussure (shoe)
botte (boot)
corset (corset)

사용법

frequency

Common in daily domestic and sporting contexts.

자주 하는 실수
  • Nous delacons mes chaussures. Nous délaçons nos chaussures.

    Missing the cedilla (ç) and using the wrong possessive adjective.

  • Je délace ma cravate. Je dénoue ma cravate.

    A tie has a knot, not laces. Use 'dénouer'.

  • Mes lacets ont délacé. Mes lacets se sont délacés.

    Laces don't 'unlace' something else; they come unlaced themselves (reflexive).

  • Je délace mes chaussures de velcro. Je défais mes chaussures à scratch.

    Velcro is not a lace. Use 'défaire' or 'ouvrir'.

  • Il délasse ses bottes. Il délace ses bottes.

    Confusing 'délacer' (unlace) with 'délasser' (relax).

The Cedilla Rule

Always remember the cedilla (ç) in 'nous délaçons'. It's a classic French spelling rule for verbs in -cer.

Precision Matters

Using 'délacer' instead of 'enlever' makes you sound much more like a native speaker who pays attention to detail.

Silent R

The 'r' at the end of 'délacer' is never pronounced. It sounds exactly like 'délacé'.

Reflexive Warning

If your laces come undone while running, use 'se délacer'. 'Mes lacets se sont délacés pendant mon jogging.'

Lasso Connection

Remember the word 'lasso' to help you remember 'lacer' and 'délacer'.

French Homes

If you visit a French home, be ready to 'délacer' your shoes at the door if you see others doing it.

Descriptive Power

Use 'délacer' to slow down a scene in a story and show a character's fatigue or transition to rest.

Technical Gear

This is the perfect word for ice skates, hiking boots, and boxing gloves.

De-Lace

It's literally 'de-lace'. It's one of the easiest French-English cognates to remember!

Don't confuse with 'délaisser'

Make sure you don't add an extra 's' or 'i'. 'Délacer' is about laces; 'délaisser' is about neglect.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'DE-LACING'. The 'dé-' is 'undo' and 'lacer' sounds like 'lace'. It's exactly what it sounds like in English if you break it down.

시각적 연상

Imagine a pair of ice skates. The laces are long and criss-cross many times. Visualize your fingers pulling the laces out of the metal hooks one by one—that is 'délacer'.

Word Web

lacets chaussures nœud défaire bottes patins œillets pieds

챌린지

Try to describe your evening routine in French. Include the moment you 'délaçez' your shoes. 'Quand je rentre, je délace mes chaussures et je mets mes pantoufles.'

어원

Derived from the French verb 'lacer' with the prefix 'dé-'. 'Lacer' comes from the Old French 'lacier', which in turn comes from the Latin 'laqueare' (to ensnare or catch in a noose).

원래 의미: The original meaning was related to the use of cords or strings to fasten something tightly, specifically in the context of hunting or securing objects.

Romance (Latin-based).

문화적 맥락

The word is entirely neutral and safe to use in all contexts.

English speakers often just say 'untie', but French speakers prefer the precision of 'délacer' for shoes with laces.

In various French period dramas like 'Portrait de la jeune fille en feu', the act of unlacing clothing is depicted with great detail. The song 'Les Lacets' by various artists mentions the struggle of laces. French literature often uses 'délacer' in romantic scenes involving corsets.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

At home

  • Je délace mes chaussures.
  • Aide-moi à délacer mes bottes.
  • Où puis-je délacer mes souliers ?
  • Il faut délacer tes chaussures ici.

Sports

  • Délace tes patins.
  • Mes lacets se délacent pendant que je cours.
  • Je dois délacer mes crampons.
  • Vite, délace tes chaussures de sport !

Shoe Store

  • Puis-je vous aider à les délacer ?
  • C'est difficile à délacer.
  • Il faut bien délacer pour essayer la chaussure.
  • Voulez-vous que je délace l'autre ?

Historical/Literature

  • Délacer le corset.
  • Elle délaça son corsage.
  • Le chevalier délaça ses jambières.
  • Délacer les rubans.

Parenting

  • Délace tes chaussures avant de les enlever !
  • Ne tire pas, délace !
  • Tu sais délacer tout seul ?
  • Laisse-moi délacer ce nœud.

대화 시작하기

"Est-ce que tu délaces toujours tes chaussures avant de les enlever ?"

"Mes lacets n'arrêtent pas de se délacer, tu as un conseil ?"

"Est-ce que c'est difficile de délacer des patins à glace ?"

"Tu préfères les chaussures à lacets ou les chaussures à scratch ?"

"Comment dit-on 'unlace' en français quand on parle d'un corset ?"

일기 주제

Décris le sentiment de soulagement quand tu délaces tes chaussures après une longue journée de travail.

Raconte une fois où tes chaussures se sont délacées au pire moment possible.

Imagine que tu vis au 18ème siècle. Décris le processus pour délacer tes vêtements le soir.

Pourquoi est-il important de bien délacer ses chaussures de sport ?

Écris une courte histoire sur un enfant qui apprend à délacer ses propres chaussures.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, for a necktie, you should use 'dénouer' because it is a knot, not a lacing system.

Yes, it is very common, although many people might use the simpler 'défaire ses lacets'.

It is spelled 'nous délaçons' with a cedilla under the 'c'.

The opposite is 'lacer' (to lace up).

Only if the hair is braided with laces or ribbons; otherwise, use 'détacher' or 'défaire'.

Both are correct, but 'ses' is more common when referring to one's own shoes.

It uses 'avoir' normally (J'ai délacé), but 'être' in the reflexive form (Mes lacets se sont délacés).

It is neutral. It's more precise than 'défaire' but not overly formal.

No, use 'dézipper' or 'ouvrir la fermeture'.

It means the laces are coming undone on their own.

셀프 테스트 200 질문

writing

Write a sentence in French about unlacing your boots after a hike.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

How would you tell a child to unlace their sneakers?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use the reflexive form 'se délacer' in a sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'délacer' in the future tense.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe a historical scene using 'délacer'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'délacer' metaphorically to describe a mystery.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'nous' and the present tense of 'délacer'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Explain why you should 'délacer' your shoes instead of just pulling them off.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence with 'délacer' and 'patins'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use the past participle 'délacé' as an adjective.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Can you help me unlace my dress?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a command for a group of people to unlace their shoes.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'délacer' in the imparfait.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe the sound or feeling of unlacing.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about a runner whose laces came undone.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'I am going to unlace my skates.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'délacer' in a question with 'pourquoi'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about unlacing a tight knot.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'She unlaced her boots slowly.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'délacer' in a sentence about a shoe store.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I am unlacing my shoes' in French.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Wait, my laces are coming undone' in French.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Ask someone: 'Can you help me unlace my boots?'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Pronounce correctly: 'Nous délaçons'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Tell a child: 'Unlace your sneakers before taking them off.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I unlaced my skates after the match' in French.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'It is important to unlace your shoes' in French.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Ask: 'Why are your shoes unlaced?'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'I am going to unlace my hiking boots.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'He unlaced his corset' (historical).

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Don't trip on your unlaced shoes.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'We are unlacing our shoes at the entrance.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Pronounce the word 'délacer' clearly.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'I like unlacing my shoes after a long day.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'The laces unlaced themselves.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Ask: 'Do you know how to unlace this?'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'She was unlacing her dress.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'I finished unlacing my shoes.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Unlace your shoes, please' (formal).

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'My shoes come unlaced often.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 'Il délace ses baskets.' What item is he unlacing?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Nous délaçons nos bottes.' Is it one person or more?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Tes chaussures se délacent.' What is happening to the shoes?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'J'ai délacé mes patins.' In what context might you hear this?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Délace tes chaussures !' Is this a question or a command?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Elle délaçait son corset.' Is this a modern or historical context?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Pourquoi délaces-tu tes souliers ?' What is the question word?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Les lacets se sont délacés.' What tense is this?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Il faut délacer avant d'enlever.' What must you do first?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Je vais délacer mes chaussures de randonnée.' What kind of shoes are they?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Nous délaçons les nœuds.' What are they unlacing?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Elle a délacé ses sandales.' What kind of footwear is mentioned?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Délacez vos chaussures, s'il vous plaît.' Is this formal or informal?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Le lacet s'est délacé tout seul.' Did someone do it?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'J'aime délacer mes chaussures le soir.' When does this happen?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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