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B1 noun 11분 분량

mallette

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 mallette 30초 만에
설명 mallette in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should learn 'mallette' as a simple vocabulary word for a small bag or case. Focus on its feminine gender ('la mallette') and its basic function: carrying things. You might see it in a list of classroom objects or travel items. It is less common than 'sac' or 'valise', but useful for describing a 'mallette de dessin' (art kit) or a small case for toys. At this stage, just remember that it has a handle and is used for specific sets of items. You don't need to worry about the professional nuances yet; just think of it as a 'small box with a handle'.
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At the A2 level, you can start using 'mallette' in descriptions of people's professions or daily routines. For example, you can say 'Le médecin a une mallette' or 'Je mets mon ordinateur dans une mallette'. You should begin to distinguish it from 'valise' (for travel) and 'sac' (general). You might also encounter the word in shopping contexts, such as 'Je cherche une mallette pour mes outils'. Focus on using it with basic prepositions like 'dans' and 'avec'. You should also be able to describe its color and material simply, such as 'une mallette noire en plastique'.
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At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the professional and specialized connotations of 'mallette'. You should recognize terms like 'mallette de secours' (first aid kit) or 'mallette pédagogique'. You can use the word to describe more complex scenarios, such as a business meeting or a technical job. You should also be aware of the difference between a 'mallette' and a 'sacoche' or 'serviette'. At this level, you can use the word in the context of news stories (e.g., about a 'mallette diplomatique') and understand its role as a symbol of professional readiness. You should be comfortable using it in both written and spoken French.
At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'mallette' with more sophisticated adjectives and in idiomatic or metaphorical contexts. You might discuss the sociological implications of a 'mallette' in a professional environment or use it in a creative writing piece to denote a character's status. You should be familiar with the word's appearance in formal documents or technical manuals. You can also explore the history of the word (as a diminutive of 'malle') and how that affects its current meaning. Your use of the word should be precise, distinguishing it clearly from 'attaché-case' or 'coffret' based on the specific situation.
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At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'mallette' across various registers. You can appreciate its use in literature or high-level journalism, where it might be used to evoke a specific atmosphere of secrecy or professional rigor. You should be able to discuss the evolution of the 'mallette' in the digital age—how physical briefcases are being replaced by digital tools, yet the term 'mallette' persists in administrative jargon. You can use the word in complex debates about professional equipment or industrial design, and you should be aware of rare or dated uses of the word in different French-speaking regions.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'mallette' should be absolute. You can use it with effortless precision in any context, including specialized legal, medical, or diplomatic discussions. You understand the subtle cultural weight the word carries in France, from the 'mallette' of a high-ranking politician to the 'mallette' of a street artisan. You can use the word to make puns, use it in sophisticated metaphors, and understand all its technical permutations in various industries. Your understanding includes the etymological roots and the word's place within the broader family of French nouns related to storage and transport.
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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

mallette 30초 만에

  • A 'mallette' is a small, rigid briefcase or case used for professional or specialized purposes.
  • It is a feminine noun, so always use 'la' or 'une' before it.
  • Commonly used for medical kits, toolboxes, and professional document carriers.
  • It differs from a 'valise' (large suitcase) and a 'sac' (soft bag).

The French word mallette is a feminine noun that primarily translates to 'briefcase' or 'small suitcase' in English. However, its usage in French is significantly more nuanced and versatile than the English 'briefcase' might suggest. At its core, a mallette is a small, portable container, often with a rigid or semi-rigid structure and a handle, designed to carry specific items securely. Unlike a 'sac' (bag), which is usually soft and flexible, or a 'valise' (suitcase), which is typically large and intended for clothing during travel, the mallette sits in a specialized middle ground of professional and personal organization.

Professional Context
In the business world, a mallette is the quintessential accessory for a professional. It is used to transport documents, laptops, and stationery. When you see a French executive walking through La Défense in Paris, they are likely carrying a mallette en cuir (leather briefcase) that signifies their status and preparedness.
Specialized Equipment
The term is frequently used for specialized kits. A doctor carries a 'mallette de médecin' containing a stethoscope and medical supplies. A makeup artist uses a 'mallette de maquillage' to organize brushes and palettes. Even in schools, teachers often refer to a 'mallette pédagogique', which is a curated set of educational materials and tools for a specific subject.

The physical characteristics of a mallette are crucial to its definition. It is almost always hand-carried via a handle, though modern versions may include a shoulder strap. The closure is usually a latch, zipper, or clasp, providing a degree of security that a simple tote bag lacks. In French culture, the mallette is often associated with the idea of 'rangement' (order) and 'précision' (precision). It is the object you reach for when you need to transport something delicate or important that must not be crushed or disorganized.

L'avocat a ouvert sa mallette pour en sortir les preuves cruciales du procès.

Translation: The lawyer opened his briefcase to take out the crucial evidence for the trial.

Historically, the word is a diminutive of 'malle', which refers to a large trunk used for long voyages. By adding the suffix '-ette', the French language created a 'little trunk'. This evolution reflects the transition from heavy, stationary storage to the mobile, fast-paced needs of the modern era. In contemporary French, you will also encounter the term 'mallette diplomatique', which refers to the 'diplomatic pouch' used by embassies to send official correspondence, highlighting the word's association with confidentiality and importance.

Whether it is made of sleek black leather, durable aluminum for technical tools, or colorful plastic for a child's art kit, the mallette remains a staple of French daily life. It implies that the contents are curated and that the person carrying it has a specific purpose or destination. Understanding the word 'mallette' requires recognizing this blend of utility, protection, and professional identity that differentiates it from other types of luggage or bags.

Elle a acheté une mallette de dessin pour son fils qui adore peindre des paysages.

Technical Nuance
In technical fields, a mallette might refer to a hard-shell case used for transporting sensitive measuring instruments or electronic components, often featuring custom-cut foam interiors.

Using the word mallette correctly involves understanding its grammatical gender (feminine) and the specific verbs that naturally pair with it. Since it is a physical object, you will often use verbs of movement, possession, and organization. Because it is a feminine noun, you must always use feminine articles: la mallette, une mallette, or ma mallette.

N'oublie pas ta mallette avant de partir au bureau ce matin.

Don't forget your briefcase before leaving for the office this morning.

When describing the action of putting things inside, the preposition dans is standard. You might say, 'J'ai rangé mes dossiers dans la mallette.' If you are carrying it, the verb porter or transporter is used. For example, 'Il transporte sa mallette de secours partout avec lui.' If the briefcase is particularly heavy, you might use the verb traîner (to drag), though this is less common for a mallette than for a large suitcase.

Common Verb Pairings
  • Ouvrir / Fermer: To open or close the briefcase.
  • Remplir: To fill the briefcase with items.
  • Poser: To set the briefcase down on a surface.
  • Verrouiller: To lock the briefcase (common for high-security models).

Adjectives used with 'mallette' often describe its material, color, or specific function. You will frequently hear 'mallette en cuir' (leather), 'mallette en plastique' (plastic), or 'mallette métallique' (metal). To describe its size, 'petite' is common, though by definition a mallette is already smaller than a suitcase. If you want to emphasize its professional nature, you might call it a 'mallette professionnelle'.

Cette mallette rigide protège parfaitement mon ordinateur portable des chocs.

In more abstract or administrative contexts, the word can be used in the plural to describe a collection of resources. 'Les mallettes pédagogiques sont distribuées aux écoles chaque année.' Here, the focus is less on the physical container and more on the curated content inside. However, even in these cases, the imagery of a organized, portable kit remains central to the meaning.

Finally, consider the register. While 'mallette' is a standard, neutral word, it carries a slightly more formal or technical weight than 'sac'. If you are talking about a casual bag for gym clothes, you would never use 'mallette'. Use 'mallette' when the object has a defined shape and a specific, often professional, purpose. This distinction is key to sounding like a native speaker who understands the 'esprit' of French categorization.

You will encounter the word mallette in a variety of real-world French environments, ranging from high-stakes professional settings to everyday domestic life. One of the most common places is the workplace, specifically in corporate, legal, or medical offices. In a French hospital, a nurse might say, 'Apportez-moi la mallette de soins d'urgence,' referring to a specific kit containing medical supplies. In a law firm, a clerk might be asked to 'préparer la mallette pour l'audience' (prepare the briefcase for the hearing).

Le technicien est arrivé avec sa mallette d'outils pour réparer la machine.

The technician arrived with his tool kit to repair the machine.

Travel hubs like airports and train stations (Gares) are also prime locations for this word. While 'valise' is the king of the airport, the 'mallette' is what you see in the hands of business travelers in the first-class lounges or TGV 'Business Première' cars. Announcements regarding lost property might distinguish between a 'valise abandonnée' and a 'mallette égarée', as the latter might contain sensitive professional documents.

In the Media
In French news or political thrillers, you will often hear about the 'mallette nucléaire' (the nuclear football) or 'des mallettes de billets' (briefcases full of cash), the latter often appearing in reports about financial scandals or 'affaires de corruption'.
In Education
Teachers and students frequently use the word when referring to specialized kits for science experiments or art projects. A 'mallette de chimie' is a common chemistry set for home or school use.

Retail environments are another place where 'mallette' is used frequently. If you visit a 'maroquinerie' (leather goods shop) in France, the salesperson will use this word to describe high-end business cases. Similarly, in a 'magasin de bricolage' (hardware store), you will find 'mallettes à outils' (toolboxes/cases) of various sizes. The word consistently signals that the item is designed for organization and portability.

À la douane, ils ont demandé d'ouvrir la mallette pour une inspection de routine.

Lastly, in the world of hobbies, 'mallette' is the standard term for kits. Whether it's a 'mallette de poker', a 'mallette de jeux de société' (board game kit), or a 'mallette de peinture', the word implies a complete, self-contained set of items ready for use. This broad range of contexts makes 'mallette' an essential B1-level word for anyone looking to describe professional or organized activity in French.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using the word mallette is confusing it with other French words for bags or luggage. The most common confusion is with valise. While both are used for carrying things, a 'valise' is specifically for travel and is generally much larger. You would not take a 'mallette' for a week-long vacation in Nice; you would take a 'valise'. Conversely, you wouldn't usually take a 'valise' to a business meeting to hold three folders; you would take a 'mallette'.

Mallette vs. Sacoche
This is a subtle but important distinction. A 'sacoche' is typically soft-sided, often made of canvas or soft leather, and frequently has a shoulder strap. A 'mallette' is usually more rigid. If it has a hard shell, it is definitely a 'mallette'. Using 'sacoche' for a hard-sided attaché case sounds slightly off to a native ear.
Mallette vs. Cartable
A 'cartable' is specifically a schoolbag, often worn on the back or carried by young students. While a 'cartable' can look like a 'mallette', calling a professional businessman's briefcase a 'cartable' might sound like you are implying he is a schoolboy.

Incorrect: J'ai mis mes vêtements pour les vacances dans ma mallette.
Correct: J'ai mis mes vêtements pour les vacances dans ma valise.

Another mistake involves gender. Because 'mallette' ends in '-ette', it is feminine. English speakers sometimes default to masculine because 'briefcase' feels like a 'masculine' professional object in their native cultural context. Always remember: LA mallette, UNE mallette. Using 'le mallette' is a giveaway that you are still mastering French gender rules.

Pronunciation can also be a stumbling block. The double 'l' in 'mallette' is pronounced like a single 'l' (ma-let), not like the 'y' sound found in words like 'fille' or 'travail'. Some learners over-correct and try to say 'ma-yet', which is incorrect. It should rhyme with the English word 'let'.

Finally, avoid using 'mallette' for a woman's handbag. That is a 'sac à main'. Even if a woman's handbag is structured and used for work, 'sac à main' or 'sac de travail' is more appropriate unless it is specifically a briefcase designed for documents. Precision in these categories is a hallmark of upper-intermediate French proficiency.

While mallette is a very precise word, there are several synonyms and related terms that you might use depending on the context, the material of the object, or the degree of formality you wish to convey. Understanding these alternatives will help you sound more natural and precise in your French descriptions.

Serviette
In a professional context, a 'serviette' (specifically 'serviette en cuir') is a very common synonym for a briefcase. While 'serviette' also means 'towel' or 'napkin', in a business setting, it refers to the leather folder or bag used for documents. It is often softer and flatter than a 'mallette'.
Attaché-case
This is a loanword from English used in French to describe a very specific type of 'mallette': a slim, hard-sided briefcase used by business people or diplomats. It carries a slightly more old-fashioned or high-status connotation than the general 'mallette'.
Sacoche
As mentioned before, a 'sacoche' is a soft bag. It's often used for 'sacoche d'ordinateur' (laptop bag). If your 'mallette' is made of fabric and has many pockets, 'sacoche' might be a more accurate term.
Baisers-en-ville
This is a charming, somewhat dated term for a very small 'mallette' or vanity case, literally translated as 'town-kisses'. It refers to a small bag used for carrying just the essentials for a short trip or a day in the city.

Il a remplacé sa vieille mallette par une sacoche plus moderne et légère.

When talking about kits, 'coffret' is a strong alternative. A 'coffret de maquillage' sounds a bit more like a gift set or a beautiful box, whereas a 'mallette de maquillage' sounds like the professional tool a makeup artist would use on a film set. Similarly, 'trousse' is used for smaller, soft kits, like a 'trousse de toilette' (toiletry bag) or 'trousse d'école' (pencil case).

In summary, while 'mallette' is your go-to word for a briefcase or a rigid kit, being aware of 'serviette', 'sacoche', and 'coffret' allows you to navigate the subtle social and functional hierarchies of French objects. A 'mallette' is a tool; a 'serviette' is a professional accessory; a 'sacoche' is a practical carrier. Mastering these distinctions will significantly improve your descriptive French.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The 'mallette diplomatique' is legally protected under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, meaning it cannot be opened or detained by foreign officials.

발음 가이드

UK /ma.lɛt/
US /mæ.lɛt/
The stress in French is generally on the last syllable: ma-LETTE.
라임이 맞는 단어
assiette bicyclette chaussette galette lunette poupette recette trompette
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing the double 'l' as a 'y' (ma-yette).
  • Stressing the first syllable (MA-lette).
  • Making the 'e' at the end audible (ma-let-teh).

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts due to its similarity to 'malle' and its frequent use in context.

쓰기 3/5

Requires remembering the double 'l' and feminine gender.

말하기 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but requires avoiding the 'y' sound for the double 'l'.

듣기 2/5

Clear sound, usually easy to distinguish in conversation.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

sac valise malle cuir outil

다음에 배울 것

serviette sacoche attaché-case cartable fourre-tout

고급

maroquinerie trousse de secours dossier audiencier

알아야 할 문법

Feminine Noun Endings (-ette)

La mallette, la chaussette, la fillette (all feminine).

Possessive Adjectives

Ma mallette (my), ta mallette (your), sa mallette (his/her).

Prepositions of Place

Dans la mallette (inside), sur la mallette (on top of).

Material Preposition 'en'

Une mallette en cuir, une mallette en métal.

Adjective Agreement

Une mallette noire (feminine singular).

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수준별 예문

1

C'est une petite mallette rouge.

It is a small red briefcase.

Note the feminine agreement of 'petite' and 'rouge'.

2

Où est ma mallette ?

Where is my briefcase?

Uses the possessive adjective 'ma' for feminine nouns.

3

Il y a des crayons dans la mallette.

There are pencils in the case.

Preposition 'dans' indicates location inside.

4

Elle porte une mallette noire.

She is carrying a black briefcase.

The verb 'porter' means to carry or to wear.

5

La mallette est sur la table.

The briefcase is on the table.

Preposition 'sur' indicates location on top of.

6

J'ai une mallette de jeux.

I have a game kit.

The 'de' indicates the purpose or content.

7

Regarde cette belle mallette !

Look at this beautiful briefcase!

The demonstrative 'cette' is used for feminine nouns.

8

La mallette n'est pas lourde.

The briefcase is not heavy.

Negation 'ne...pas' around the verb 'est'.

1

Le docteur arrive avec sa mallette de médecin.

The doctor arrives with his medical bag.

Specific use of 'mallette de' for professional kits.

2

Je cherche une mallette pour ranger mes outils.

I am looking for a case to store my tools.

The infinitive 'ranger' follows the preposition 'pour'.

3

Vous pouvez mettre votre ordinateur dans cette mallette.

You can put your computer in this briefcase.

The modal verb 'pouvez' followed by the infinitive 'mettre'.

4

Ma mallette est plus petite que ta valise.

My briefcase is smaller than your suitcase.

Comparison 'plus petite que'.

5

Elle a acheté une mallette en cuir pour son nouveau travail.

She bought a leather briefcase for her new job.

The material is introduced by 'en'.

6

Nous avons besoin d'une mallette de secours dans la voiture.

We need a first aid kit in the car.

The expression 'avoir besoin de' requires the article 'une' here.

7

Il a oublié sa mallette dans le train.

He forgot his briefcase on the train.

Passé composé with 'avoir' and the past participle 'oublié'.

8

Cette mallette est très pratique pour voyager.

This briefcase is very practical for traveling.

The adjective 'pratique' describes the noun 'mallette'.

1

L'avocat a sorti les documents de sa mallette avant l'audience.

The lawyer took the documents out of his briefcase before the hearing.

The verb 'sortir' used with the preposition 'de'.

2

Chaque enseignant reçoit une mallette pédagogique en début d'année.

Each teacher receives an educational kit at the beginning of the year.

The adjective 'pédagogique' modifies 'mallette'.

3

La mallette est équipée d'une serrure à code pour plus de sécurité.

The briefcase is equipped with a combination lock for more security.

The passive construction 'est équipée de'.

4

Il transporte une mallette métallique contenant des instruments fragiles.

He is carrying a metal case containing fragile instruments.

The present participle 'contenant' describes the mallette.

5

Bien que la mallette soit ancienne, elle est encore en bon état.

Although the briefcase is old, it is still in good condition.

The conjunction 'bien que' triggers the subjunctive 'soit'.

6

Elle a organisé son matériel de maquillage dans une mallette à compartiments.

She organized her makeup equipment in a compartmentalized case.

The noun phrase 'à compartiments' describes the structure.

7

Il est interdit de laisser sa mallette sans surveillance dans l'aéroport.

It is forbidden to leave your briefcase unattended in the airport.

The impersonal construction 'il est interdit de'.

8

Cette mallette diplomatique ne peut pas être ouverte par la douane.

This diplomatic pouch cannot be opened by customs.

The passive voice 'être ouverte' with the modal 'peut'.

1

La mallette de billets retrouvée dans le coffre a déclenché une enquête.

The briefcase of cash found in the trunk triggered an investigation.

The past participle 'retrouvée' agrees with the feminine 'mallette'.

2

Il a troqué son sac à dos contre une mallette plus professionnelle.

He swapped his backpack for a more professional briefcase.

The verb 'troquer' used with 'contre'.

3

L'entreprise a distribué des mallettes de bienvenue aux nouveaux employés.

The company distributed welcome kits to new employees.

The plural 'mallettes' with the partitive 'des'.

4

Sa mallette est le prolongement de son bureau mobile.

His briefcase is the extension of his mobile office.

Metaphorical use of 'prolongement'.

5

Elle a soigneusement choisi une mallette qui allie élégance et robustesse.

She carefully chose a briefcase that combines elegance and sturdiness.

Relative clause 'qui allie...'.

6

Malgré sa taille réduite, cette mallette peut contenir de nombreux dossiers.

Despite its small size, this briefcase can hold many files.

The preposition 'malgré' followed by a noun phrase.

7

Le design de cette mallette rappelle les modèles des années soixante.

The design of this briefcase recalls models from the sixties.

The verb 'rappeler' meaning to remind or recall.

8

Il ne se sépare jamais de sa mallette, comme s'il y cachait un trésor.

He never separates from his briefcase, as if he were hiding a treasure in it.

The use of the pronoun 'y' to refer back to the mallette.

1

La symbolique de la mallette dans le cinéma noir souligne souvent le mystère.

The symbolism of the briefcase in noir cinema often emphasizes mystery.

Abstract noun 'symbolique' used with 'mallette'.

2

L'expert a déployé sa mallette de mesures avec une précision chirurgicale.

The expert deployed his measurement kit with surgical precision.

The verb 'déployer' used for opening or setting up.

3

On assiste à une dématérialisation de la mallette traditionnelle au profit du numérique.

We are witnessing a dematerialization of the traditional briefcase in favor of digital tools.

Advanced vocabulary like 'dématérialisation' and 'au profit de'.

4

La mallette présidentielle, contenant les codes nucléaires, suit le chef de l'État en permanence.

The presidential briefcase, containing the nuclear codes, follows the head of state at all times.

Appositive phrase describing 'la mallette présidentielle'.

5

Ce projet constitue une véritable mallette à outils pour les entrepreneurs débutants.

This project constitutes a real toolkit for beginning entrepreneurs.

Metaphorical use of 'mallette à outils'.

6

L'artisan a restauré la mallette en cuir avec un savoir-faire ancestral.

The craftsman restored the leather briefcase with ancestral expertise.

The noun 'savoir-faire' used as a compound noun.

7

Il y a une certaine noblesse dans cette vieille mallette usée par les années de labeur.

There is a certain nobility in this old briefcase worn by years of labor.

The past participle 'usée' acting as an adjective.

8

La mallette fut retrouvée vide, jetée négligemment dans un fossé.

The briefcase was found empty, tossed carelessly into a ditch.

Passé simple 'fut' and past participle 'retrouvée'.

1

L'hermétisme de la mallette protégeait le manuscrit des affres du temps.

The airtightness of the briefcase protected the manuscript from the ravages of time.

Sophisticated noun 'hermétisme' and literary phrase 'affres du temps'.

2

L'intrigue gravite autour d'une mallette dont le contenu demeure une énigme insondable.

The plot revolves around a briefcase whose contents remain an unfathomable enigma.

Relative pronoun 'dont' and elevated adjectives.

3

Sous l'apparente banalité de sa mallette se dissimulait un arsenal technologique.

Under the apparent banality of his briefcase was hidden a technological arsenal.

Inversion of subject and verb for stylistic effect.

4

Le diplomate maniait sa mallette avec une désinvolture qui masquait son anxiété.

The diplomat handled his briefcase with a casualness that masked his anxiety.

The verb 'manier' and the noun 'désinvolture'.

5

Cette mallette n'est pas qu'un simple réceptacle ; c'est le dépositaire de secrets d'État.

This briefcase is not just a simple container; it is the repository of state secrets.

The use of 'réceptacle' and 'dépositaire'.

6

L'usure de la poignée de la mallette témoignait de la diligence du vieux commis.

The wear on the briefcase handle testified to the diligence of the old clerk.

The verb 'témoigner de' and the noun 'diligence'.

7

Il déverrouilla la mallette, libérant une odeur de vieux papier et de cuir tanné.

He unlocked the briefcase, releasing a scent of old paper and tanned leather.

Present participle 'libérant' for simultaneous action.

8

La mallette constituait l'unique vestige de sa vie passée dans la haute finance.

The briefcase constituted the sole vestige of his past life in high finance.

The noun 'vestige' and the phrase 'haute finance'.

자주 쓰는 조합

mallette en cuir
mallette de secours
mallette pédagogique
mallette de maquillage
mallette à outils
mallette diplomatique
ouvrir sa mallette
mallette rigide
mallette de jeux
mallette professionnelle

자주 쓰는 구문

préparer sa mallette

— To get one's things ready for work or a specific task.

Je dois préparer ma mallette pour la réunion de demain.

une mallette bien remplie

— A briefcase full of things, often implying a busy person.

Il est arrivé avec une mallette bien remplie de dossiers.

la mallette nucléaire

— The nuclear football (presidential briefcase).

Le président est toujours accompagné de la mallette nucléaire.

une mallette de billets

— A briefcase full of cash, often associated with shady deals.

Le film commence par la découverte d'une mallette de billets.

transporter sa mallette

— To carry one's briefcase around.

Il transporte sa mallette de ville en ville.

une mallette à compartiments

— A case with sections for organization.

Cette mallette à compartiments est idéale pour les bijoux.

perdre sa mallette

— To lose one's briefcase.

Il a paniqué en pensant avoir perdu sa mallette.

une mallette de dessin

— An art kit.

Elle a reçu une superbe mallette de dessin pour Noël.

une mallette de docteur

— A doctor's bag.

L'enfant joue avec une petite mallette de docteur en plastique.

fermer la mallette à clé

— To lock the briefcase.

N'oublie pas de fermer la mallette à clé.

자주 혼동되는 단어

mallette vs valise

A valise is for travel and clothes; a mallette is for work and tools.

mallette vs sacoche

A sacoche is soft-sided; a mallette is typically rigid.

mallette vs malle

A malle is a large trunk; a mallette is small and portable.

관용어 및 표현

"avoir plus d'un tour dans sa mallette"

— To have more than one trick up one's sleeve (variation of 'dans son sac').

Ne t'inquiète pas pour lui, il a plus d'un tour dans sa mallette.

informal
"voyager avec sa mallette"

— To travel for work with all necessary tools.

Il passe sa vie à voyager avec sa mallette.

neutral
"déballer sa mallette"

— To reveal one's tools or arguments.

L'expert a déballé sa mallette devant le comité.

figurative
"une mallette de Pandore"

— A variation of Pandora's box, implying a case full of trouble.

Ouvrir cette enquête, c'est comme ouvrir une mallette de Pandore.

literary
"être cloué à sa mallette"

— To be very attached to one's professional tools or work.

Il est tellement consciencieux qu'il est cloué à sa mallette.

informal
"faire sa mallette"

— To pack one's professional bag (similar to 'faire sa valise').

Il fait sa mallette tous les dimanches soir.

neutral
"la mallette aux trésors"

— A case containing valuable or interesting things.

La grand-mère a sorti sa mallette aux trésors pour les enfants.

informal
"une mallette de secrets"

— A case full of secrets.

Chaque espion a sa mallette de secrets.

figurative
"vider sa mallette"

— To empty one's case, or figuratively, to tell everything.

Il a enfin vidé sa mallette devant le juge.

figurative
"porter la mallette"

— To be the subordinate who carries the boss's bag.

Il en a marre de porter la mallette du directeur.

informal

혼동하기 쉬운

mallette vs malette

Misspelling

The correct spelling has two 'l's.

Correct: mallette.

mallette vs mallette vs. coffret

Both are boxes.

A mallette always has a handle for carrying; a coffret is often just a box.

Un coffret à bijoux vs. une mallette à outils.

mallette vs mallette vs. trousse

Both are kits.

A trousse is usually soft (like a pencil case); a mallette is rigid.

Une trousse d'école vs. une mallette de dessin.

mallette vs mallette vs. serviette

Both are briefcases.

A serviette is usually leather and flatter; a mallette can be bulky and made of various materials.

La serviette du professeur vs. la mallette du technicien.

mallette vs mallette vs. cartable

Both carry school items.

A cartable is specifically for children; a mallette is for adults or specialized kits.

L'écolier a un cartable; l'expert a une mallette.

문장 패턴

A1

C'est une [adjective] mallette.

C'est une petite mallette.

A2

J'ai besoin d'une mallette pour [verb].

J'ai besoin d'une mallette pour ranger mes outils.

B1

Il a mis [noun] dans sa mallette.

Il a mis ses dossiers dans sa mallette.

B1

La mallette est faite en [material].

La mallette est faite en cuir.

B2

C'est une mallette qui [verb].

C'est une mallette qui contient des secrets.

B2

Bien que la mallette soit [adjective]...

Bien que la mallette soit lourde, il la porte.

C1

Sous la [noun] de la mallette...

Sous la poignée de la mallette se cache un bouton.

C2

La mallette, véritable [metaphor]...

La mallette, véritable boîte de Pandore, fut ouverte.

어휘 가족

명사

malle (trunk)
mallier (trunk maker)
valisette (small suitcase)

동사

emballer (to pack)
remballer (to pack up again)

형용사

malléable (malleable - etymologically related but different meaning)

관련

bagage
coffre
sacoche
serviette
étui
무료 가입하고 모든 예문 보기

사용법

frequency

High in professional and technical contexts.

자주 하는 실수
  • Le mallette → La mallette

    The word is feminine.

  • Ma mallette de voyage (for clothes) → Ma valise de voyage

    'Mallette' is too small for travel clothes.

  • Pronouncing it 'ma-yette' → Pronouncing it 'ma-let'

    Double 'l' here is a hard 'l' sound.

  • Using 'mallette' for a soft laptop sleeve → Housse d'ordinateur

    A 'mallette' is rigid or has a handle.

  • Using 'cartable' for a professional briefcase → Mallette or Serviette

    'Cartable' is for school children.

팁

Diminutives

The suffix '-ette' often makes things smaller. Malle (trunk) becomes mallette (small case).

Gender Clue

Almost all words ending in '-ette' are feminine. This is a great rule of thumb for learners.

Professionalism

Carrying a 'mallette' in France often signals a certain professional status or specialized trade.

Double L

Remember the double 'l'. It comes from the root 'malle'.

Tools vs. Clothes

Use 'mallette' for tools and 'valise' for clothes to avoid confusion.

Rhyme Time

It rhymes with 'assiette' (plate) and 'chaussette' (sock).

Toolkit

Use 'mallette à outils' metaphorically to describe a set of skills or resources.

Locks

Many mallettes have locks. The verb for locking is 'verrouiller'.

Leather Goods

Look for 'maroquinerie' if you want to buy a high-quality leather mallette.

Emergencies

Always look for the 'mallette de secours' sign in public buildings in France.

암기하기

기억법

Think of a 'MALLET' (the tool). You might keep a mallet inside your 'MALLETTE' (tool kit).

시각적 연상

Imagine a professional French lawyer in a suit, holding a sleek black case. The handle is firm, and the clicks of the latches are sharp.

Word Web

Cuir Poignée Documents Outils Professionnel Rigide Secours Pédagogique

챌린지

Try to name five professional items you would put in a mallette using only French words.

어원

Derived from the Old French word 'malle' (meaning trunk or bag), which comes from the Frankish '*malha'. The suffix '-ette' was added to create a diminutive form.

원래 의미: A small trunk or small traveling bag.

Indo-European > Germanic (Frankish) > Romance (French).

문화적 맥락

No specific sensitivities; 'mallette' is a neutral, everyday object.

In English, we often use 'briefcase' for business and 'kit' or 'case' for tools. 'Mallette' covers all these meanings.

The glowing briefcase in 'Pulp Fiction' (often called 'la mallette' in French discussions). The 'mallette nucléaire' used by the French President. The 'mallettes de billets' in the movie 'Le Convoyeur'.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Business Meeting

  • ouvrir sa mallette
  • sortir un dossier
  • mallette en cuir
  • poser sa mallette

Medical Visit

  • mallette de médecin
  • stéthoscope
  • matériel médical
  • préparer la mallette

Hobby / Art

  • mallette de peinture
  • pinceaux
  • mallette de jeux
  • compartiments

Emergency

  • mallette de secours
  • premiers soins
  • trouver la mallette
  • pansements

Repair / DIY

  • mallette à outils
  • tournevis
  • marteau
  • transporter ses outils

대화 시작하기

"Quelle sorte de mallette utilisez-vous pour votre travail ?"

"Avez-vous une mallette de secours dans votre voiture ?"

"Préférez-vous une mallette en cuir ou une sacoche plus moderne ?"

"Qu'est-ce qu'il y a généralement dans la mallette d'un avocat ?"

"Avez-vous déjà reçu une mallette de jeux quand vous étiez enfant ?"

일기 주제

Décrivez le contenu idéal de votre mallette professionnelle.

Racontez une histoire sur une mallette mystérieuse trouvée dans un parc.

Pourquoi la mallette est-elle un symbole de professionnalisme selon vous ?

Imaginez que vous devez préparer une mallette de survie. Que mettriez-vous dedans ?

Décrivez une vieille mallette que vous avez vue dans un magasin d'antiquités.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

A 'valise' is a suitcase used for traveling with clothes, whereas a 'mallette' is a smaller, often rigid briefcase used for documents or tools. Think of a 'valise' for vacation and a 'mallette' for work.

It is feminine: 'la mallette' or 'une mallette'. Most French words ending in '-ette' are feminine.

Yes, if the bag is structured and rigid, 'mallette' works. If it is soft, 'sacoche' or 'housse' is better.

It means 'first aid kit'. It is a very common term in France for the emergency supplies kept in cars or offices.

It is pronounced like a single 'l', as in 'let'. Do not pronounce it like a 'y'.

Absolutely. 'Une mallette de maquillage' is the standard term for a professional makeup artist's case.

Yes, it is a borrowed term from English, used specifically for slim, hard-shell briefcases.

It is a collection of teaching materials (books, tools, guides) focused on a specific subject, used by teachers.

Yes, a handle is a defining characteristic of a mallette.

Yes, in movies or news, 'une mallette de billets' is a common phrase for a briefcase full of money.

무료 가입하고 팁과 노트 보기

셀프 테스트 180 질문

writing

Write a sentence using 'mallette' and 'bleue'.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe what is in a doctor's mallette.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Why is a mallette better than a backpack for a lawyer?

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe a suspicious mallette in a thriller movie.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'The briefcase is green.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'I am putting my tools in the briefcase.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The red briefcase' in French.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write the color: 'La mallette est grise.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'I have a black briefcase.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'The doctor opens his briefcase.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I need a first aid kit.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Ouvrez votre mallette.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'The briefcase is on the desk.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'I am looking for my briefcase.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'It is a small briefcase.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'La mallette est en cuir marron.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'The technician has a tool kit.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write about a lost briefcase.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'This leather briefcase is very expensive.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'La mallette contient des documents secrets.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'My briefcase.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'The first aid kit is in the car.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The briefcase'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'C'est ma mallette.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'The small briefcase.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'He forgot his briefcase.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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