Meaning
To close and open one eye quickly as a signal.
Cultural Background
Winking is a sign of 'complicité'. It is often used between friends to signal that they are sharing a secret or a joke at someone else's expense. In Quebec, the usage is identical to France, but you might also hear 'faire un bye-bye de l'œil' in very informal, humorous contexts. In some West African cultures, winking at an elder can be seen as disrespectful or overly bold. It is best reserved for peers.
Use it for 'Easter Eggs'
When talking about movies or games, use this to describe hidden references.
Singular vs Plural
Always use 'un clin d'œil' (singular) for one wink. 'Des clins d'œil' is rare unless describing a repeated action.
Meaning
To close and open one eye quickly as a signal.
Use it for 'Easter Eggs'
When talking about movies or games, use this to describe hidden references.
Singular vs Plural
Always use 'un clin d'œil' (singular) for one wink. 'Des clins d'œil' is rare unless describing a repeated action.
Test Yourself
Conjugate the verb 'faire' in the present tense.
Je lui ______ un clin d'œil.
The subject is 'Je', so the correct form of 'faire' is 'fais'.
Which preposition is used with 'faire un clin d'œil'?
Il fait un clin d'œil ___ Marie.
In French, you wink 'to' someone: 'faire un clin d'œil à'.
Match the meaning to the context.
A movie director includes a famous painting in the background of a scene.
This is a figurative 'nod' or reference.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesJe lui ______ un clin d'œil.
The subject is 'Je', so the correct form of 'faire' is 'fais'.
Il fait un clin d'œil ___ Marie.
In French, you wink 'to' someone: 'faire un clin d'œil à'.
A movie director includes a famous painting in the background of a scene.
This is a figurative 'nod' or reference.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt can be, but in France, it is more often a sign of friendship or a shared joke.
No, because you only wink with one eye. Use 'œil' (singular).
'Cligner' is the verb for blinking (usually both eyes), while 'faire un clin d'œil' is the specific idiom for winking.
The gesture is informal, but the figurative meaning (a reference) is used in formal writing.
Related Phrases
Cligner des yeux
similarTo blink (both eyes)
Être complice
builds onTo be in on a secret together
Faire signe
specialized formTo wave or signal
