In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe the physical act of shutting a window.
- Essential for managing temperature, noise, and the dreaded French drafts.
- Works for physical windows, car windows, and computer windows.
Meaning
It literally means pulling a window shut to keep the cold, noise, or rain out. It is a basic but essential phrase for daily life in France.
Key Examples
3 of 7Feeling cold at home
Il fait froid, je ferme la fenêtre.
It's cold, I'm closing the window.
Asking a roommate for a favor
Tu peux fermer la fenêtre, s'il te plaît ?
Can you close the window, please?
In a formal office meeting
Monsieur, pourriez-vous fermer la fenêtre de votre bureau ?
Sir, could you close your office window?
Cultural Background
Drafts are considered a health risk.
Gender
Fenêtre is always feminine.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe the physical act of shutting a window.
- Essential for managing temperature, noise, and the dreaded French drafts.
- Works for physical windows, car windows, and computer windows.
What It Means
This is your bread-and-butter phrase for comfort. It means exactly what you think. You are moving a window to its closed position. It works for cars, houses, and even computer windows. It is a literal, everyday action. You will use it constantly in French-speaking countries.
How To Use It
You need the verb fermer. It is a regular -er verb. This makes it very easy to conjugate. For a quick command, say Ferme la fenêtre !. If you are asking politely, use a question. Try Est-ce que tu peux fermer la fenêtre ?. Don't forget the article la. Window is a feminine noun in French.
When To Use It
Use it when the winter wind bites. Use it when the city noise is too much. It is perfect for a stuffy office. You can use it in a car too. If you are at a friend's house, ask first. It is a polite way to control your environment. Use it when you leave your house for safety.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it for "closing" a business deal. That would be conclure une affaire. Don't use it for "closing" a book. Use fermer le livre for that. Never use it for "closing" your mouth rudely. That would be Tais-toi. It is strictly for physical or digital windows. Do not use it for closing your eyes either.
Cultural Background
In France, the courant d'air is a legendary enemy. Many French people fear a draft will cause a cold. You will see people closing windows even in summer. Shutters, or les volets, are also a big deal. You close the window, then the shutters for total privacy. It is a ritual of the French evening. It signals that the day is officially over.
Common Variations
You might hear fermer la fenêtre à clé. This means locking it with a key. Another one is fermer la fenêtre en grand. This is actually a mistake; you ouvrir en grand. For closing, you might say fermer bien la fenêtre. This means closing it tightly. You can also say fermer l'onglet for a browser tab.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral, everyday collocation. It is safe to use in any environment, from a casual chat with friends to a formal office setting.
Gender
Fenêtre is always feminine.
Examples
7Il fait froid, je ferme la fenêtre.
It's cold, I'm closing the window.
A simple statement of action in a casual setting.
Tu peux fermer la fenêtre, s'il te plaît ?
Can you close the window, please?
A polite request using 'tu' for someone you know.
Monsieur, pourriez-vous fermer la fenêtre de votre bureau ?
Sir, could you close your office window?
Uses the conditional 'pourriez-vous' for high politeness.
N'oublie pas de fermer la fenêtre avant de partir ! 🏠
Don't forget to close the window before leaving!
A reminder sent via text message.
Ferme la fenêtre, on n'est pas nés dans une étable !
Close the window, we weren't born in a stable!
A humorous, common French idiom used when someone leaves a door or window open.
Elle ferme la fenêtre pour ne plus entendre son départ.
She closes the window to no longer hear him leaving.
Used here to create a sense of finality and sadness.
Veuillez fermer la fenêtre avant de lancer la climatisation.
Please close the window before starting the air conditioning.
A standard professional instruction.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank.
Il faut ____ la fenêtre.
Infinitive after 'il faut'.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesIl faut ____ la fenêtre.
Infinitive after 'il faut'.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, it is neutral.
Related Phrases
Ouvrir la fenêtre
contrastOpen the window
