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A2 noun #4,500 mais comum 12 min de leitura

cravate

Top 4,500

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas cravate em 30 segundos

Explicação cravate in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'cravate' is introduced as a basic vocabulary item related to clothing. Students learn that 'une cravate' is a feminine noun meaning 'a tie'. At this stage, the focus is on simple identification and usage in basic sentences. For example, 'Je porte une cravate' (I am wearing a tie) or 'La cravate est rouge' (The tie is red). Learners are taught to associate the word with formal occasions or work. The emphasis is on correct gender (la/une) and simple adjective agreement. It is one of the essential nouns learned when describing what someone is wearing, alongside 'une chemise' (a shirt) and 'un pantalon' (pants). Vocabulary exercises often involve matching the word to a picture of a necktie. Cultural context is kept minimal, focusing on the fact that ties are worn for 'le travail' (work) or 'une fête' (a party). Learners should be able to recognize the word in a list of clothing items and use it to complete simple sentences about their daily routine or descriptions of others.

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At the A2 level, learners expand their use of 'cravate' to include more descriptive adjectives and common verbs. They learn to say 'mettre une cravate' (to put on a tie) and 'enlever une cravate' (to take off a tie). The word is used in the context of shopping and making choices, such as 'Je cherche une cravate bleue pour mon costume' (I am looking for a blue tie for my suit). Discussions about preferences and style begin, like 'Je préfère les cravates à rayures' (I prefer striped ties). Learners also encounter the word in slightly more complex social scenarios, such as preparing for an 'entretien d'embauche' (job interview). Grammar focus includes the plural form 'des cravates' and possessive adjectives like 'ma cravate' or 'sa cravate'. Students should be able to describe the color, pattern, and material (like 'en soie' - in silk) of a tie. They also begin to understand the difference between a 'cravate' and a 'nœud papillon' (bowtie) in the context of formal events.

At the B1 level, 'cravate' is integrated into broader discussions about workplace culture, fashion trends, and social expectations. Learners can talk about the 'code vestimentaire' (dress code) and express opinions on whether ties are still necessary in modern offices. They learn more specific vocabulary like 'le nœud de cravate' (the tie knot) and verbs like 'nouer' (to tie) or 'ajuster' (to adjust). Phrases like 'être en cravate' (to be wearing a tie) become part of their active vocabulary. Learners can describe situations where wearing a tie is a sign of respect or tradition. They might read short articles or listen to dialogues about professional appearance where the word 'cravate' appears frequently. At this stage, they are expected to handle more complex sentence structures, such as 'Bien qu'il n'aime pas ça, il doit porter une cravate pour le mariage' (Although he doesn't like it, he must wear a tie for the wedding). They also start to recognize the historical origin of the word from the 'Croates'.

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At the B2 level, students explore the social and political nuances of the 'cravate'. They can engage in debates about the symbolic value of the tie—for instance, how it can represent authority, conformity, or even elitism. They might analyze a text discussing the decline of the tie in the 'start-up nation' era or its role in the French National Assembly. Idiomatic expressions or more literary uses of the word might be introduced. The focus shifts toward nuances in style and fabric, such as 'une cravate en maille' (a knit tie) or 'une cravate club'. Learners can discuss the concept of 'élégance à la française' and the role of accessories like the cravate in achieving it. They are expected to use the word fluently in varied contexts, including formal presentations or written essays about fashion and society. Advanced grammar, such as using the word in passive constructions or with complex relative clauses, is practiced: 'La cravate, dont le nœud avait été fait avec soin, complétait parfaitement sa tenue' (The tie, whose knot had been carefully made, perfectly completed his outfit).

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At the C1 level, the 'cravate' is viewed through a historical, sociological, and stylistic lens. Learners study the evolution of the necktie from the 17th-century Croatian mercenaries to modern haute couture. They can appreciate the subtle differences between a 'cravate', a 'lavallière', and an 'ascot', and the specific social connotations of each. Discussions might involve the semiotics of fashion—what a specific color or pattern of tie communicates in a diplomatic or business setting. Literary references to the tie (e.g., in Balzac or Proust) might be analyzed to understand how clothing reflects character and class in French literature. Learners are expected to use precise and varied vocabulary, such as 'une cravate de soie sauvage' or 'une cravate à motifs cachemire'. They can write sophisticated critiques of fashion shows or articles on the history of French menswear. Their command of the word includes understanding its use in metaphorical or archaic expressions, even if those are not common in daily speech.

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At the C2 level, the learner has a native-like grasp of 'cravate' and its place in the French language. They can discuss the word's etymology in detail, explaining the transition from 'Croate' to 'cravate' and its linguistic journey. They are capable of high-level academic or professional discourse regarding fashion history, textile industry economics, or the sociology of professional attire. They can identify and use rare or technical terms associated with tie-making, such as 'la triplure' (the lining) or 'la pointe'. They can interpret the use of the tie in complex cinematic or theatrical works as a tool for characterization or thematic development. At this level, the learner can also play with the language, using puns or creative metaphors involving the word. They possess an intuitive sense of the 'registre' (register) and can use the word appropriately in everything from a casual conversation to a formal academic paper on 17th-century French court life. They understand the tie not just as an object, but as a multi-layered cultural signifier.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

cravate em 30 segundos

The word 'cravate' means 'necktie' in English. It is a feminine noun in French, so you use 'la' or 'une' with it.
Historically, the word comes from 'Croate' (Croatian), referring to the neck cloths worn by Croatian soldiers in the 17th century.
It is primarily used in formal or professional contexts, such as office work, weddings, galas, and diplomatic meetings.
Commonly associated verbs include 'nouer' (to tie), 'porter' (to wear), and 'ajuster' (to adjust), highlighting its role as a key accessory.

The French word cravate refers to a necktie, a fundamental accessory in formal menswear and certain professional uniforms. Historically, the term has a fascinating origin, evolving from the word Croate (Croatian). In the 17th century, Croatian mercenaries serving in France wore distinctive neck cloths that caught the eye of King Louis XIV and the French nobility. This fashion statement eventually became a staple of Western formal wear. Today, a cravate is more than just a piece of fabric; it is a symbol of professionalism, authority, and elegance. You will encounter this word in contexts ranging from high-end fashion boutiques to everyday office settings.

Formal Context: In business and diplomatic circles, wearing a cravate is often mandatory. It signifies respect for the institution and the gravity of the occasion.
Social Context: At weddings or galas, the choice of cravate (silk, wool, or knit) reflects the individual's personal style and the event's dress code.

Pour son premier entretien d'embauche, il a choisi une cravate en soie bleue.

When discussing the cravate, it is essential to understand the verbs associated with it. One doesn't just 'put on' a tie; one noue (knots) or met (puts on) a tie. The act of tying a tie, known as faire son nœud de cravate, is often seen as a rite of passage for young men. There are various knots, such as the Windsor, the half-Windsor, and the four-in-hand, though in French, these are usually referred to by their English names or simply as le nœud.

Il a desserré sa cravate après une longue journée de travail.

Material Types: Cravate en soie (silk), cravate en tricot (knit), cravate en lin (linen).

In modern French culture, the 'no-tie' look is becoming more common in tech and creative industries, but the cravate remains the standard for law, finance, and high-level politics. If you are invited to a 'soirée cravate noire' (black tie event), it actually refers to a tuxedo, though the literal translation involves the tie itself. Understanding the nuance of when to wear a cravate can help you navigate French social hierarchies more effectively.

La cravate est un accessoire indispensable pour ce costume.

Elle lui a offert une magnifique cravate italienne pour son anniversaire.

Associated Verbs: Nouer (to tie), dénouer (to untie), ajuster (to adjust), porter (to wear).

Ultimately, the cravate serves as a bridge between historical tradition and modern professionalism. Whether you are shopping in Paris or attending a business meeting in Lyon, knowing how to describe and use this word correctly will enhance your fluency and cultural competence.

Using cravate correctly requires attention to its gender (feminine) and its placement in various sentence structures. As a noun, it follows standard French grammar rules for agreement. For example, if you want to describe a colorful tie, the adjective must also be feminine: une cravate colorée. If you are referring to multiple ties, it becomes des cravates. The word is frequently used with the definite article la or the indefinite article une, and possessive adjectives like ma, ta, sa.

Subject of the Sentence: La cravate qu'il porte est très élégante. (The tie he is wearing is very elegant.)
Object of the Sentence: Il a oublié sa cravate à la maison. (He forgot his tie at home.)

Est-ce que tu sais comment faire un nœud de cravate ?

In more complex sentences, cravate often appears in prepositional phrases describing appearance or requirements. For instance, en cravate means 'wearing a tie' or 'in a tie'. You might say, Il est toujours en cravate pour le travail (He is always in a tie for work). This construction is very common and idiomatic. Another common structure involves the verb porter (to wear) or mettre (to put on). Note that mettre implies the action of putting it on, while porter implies the state of wearing it.

Le règlement de l'école impose le port de la cravate pour tous les garçons.

Descriptive Phrases: Une cravate à pois (polka dot tie), une cravate à rayures (striped tie), une cravate unie (solid-colored tie).

When using cravate in the plural, ensure that the preceding articles and adjectives match. Toutes ses cravates sont bien rangées dans le tiroir (All his ties are neatly arranged in the drawer). In professional writing, you might see le port de la cravate, which is a formal way to say 'the wearing of a tie'. This is common in company policies or invitations. If you are describing someone's outfit in detail, you can use cravate to add a touch of precision to your French descriptions.

Il a choisi une cravate qui s'accorde parfaitement avec sa chemise.

Je ne trouve plus ma cravate préférée, l'as-tu vue ?

Negative Sentences: Il ne porte jamais de cravate, même pour les grandes occasions.

By practicing these different structures, you will become more comfortable using cravate in everyday conversation and formal writing alike. The key is to remember its feminine gender and its role as a key element of formal attire.

The word cravate is ubiquitous in French life, appearing in various domains from fashion to workplace regulations. One of the most common places you will hear it is in clothing stores, specifically in the men's section or le rayon homme. Shop assistants might ask, 'Cherchez-vous une cravate pour accompagner ce costume ?' (Are you looking for a tie to go with this suit?). In this setting, you'll also hear discussions about fabrics like soie (silk) or coton (cotton).

In the Workplace: In traditional sectors like banking or law, you'll hear managers mention the code vestimentaire (dress code), which often includes the cravate.
In Fashion and Media: On TV shows or in magazines, fashion experts might critique a celebrity's nœud de cravate or the color coordination of their outfit.

Le présentateur du journal télévisé porte toujours une cravate sobre.

In the context of French politics, the cravate has sometimes been a point of contention. For example, some political groups have famously refused to wear ties in the National Assembly as a symbol of their connection to the working class, leading to debates about le port de la cravate in the chamber. Hearing the word in this context often involves discussions of tradition versus modernity. You might also hear it in cinematic or literary descriptions to establish a character's social status or personality.

Il a dû acheter une cravate en urgence pour le mariage de son frère.

Everyday Conversations: Friends might comment on each other's appearance: 'J'aime beaucoup ta cravate, elle te va très bien !'

Another interesting place to hear the word is in historical documentaries. Since the cravate originated in France (via Croatia), its evolution is a common topic in the history of fashion. You'll hear about la cravate à la Steinkerque or other historical styles. Even in modern idioms, though rarer, the word pops up. For instance, someone might say 'C'est une affaire de cravate' to jokingly refer to a minor or superficial matter of appearance. Understanding these diverse contexts will help you recognize the word whenever it appears.

À l'entrée du club sélect, le videur a rappelé que la cravate était de rigueur.

Il a choisi une cravate jaune pour apporter une touche de couleur à sa tenue grise.

In Schools: In some private French schools (lycées), the uniform includes a cravate with the school's colors.

Whether in a professional, social, or historical context, the word cravate is a key part of the French vocabulary that reflects both style and social standards.

For English speakers learning French, the most common mistake with the word cravate is misgendering it. In English, objects are neutral, but in French, every noun has a gender. Many learners instinctively want to say 'le cravate' because it feels like a masculine accessory, but it is strictly la cravate (feminine). This affects the articles and adjectives used with it. For example, you must say 'une belle cravate' and not 'un beau cravate'.

Gender Agreement: Mistake: 'Il porte un cravate bleu.' Correct: 'Il porte une cravate bleue.'
Confusing with Other Accessories: Mistake: Using 'cravate' for a bowtie. Correct: Use 'nœud papillon' for a bowtie.

Attention, ne confondez pas la cravate avec le foulard ou l'écharpe.

Another frequent error is the confusion between cravate and other neckwear. A foulard is a lightweight scarf or kerchief often worn by women or as a fashion accessory by men, while an écharpe is a warm winter scarf. A nœud papillon is a bowtie. Using cravate as a generic term for anything around the neck is incorrect. Additionally, learners often struggle with the verb nouer (to tie). While attacher (to attach/tie) might seem like a good substitute, nouer is the specific term used for making a knot in a tie.

Sa cravate est trop longue, elle dépasse sa ceinture.

Preposition Pitfalls: Mistake: 'Il est avec une cravate.' Correct: 'Il est en cravate' or 'Il porte une cravate.'

Pronunciation can also be a hurdle. The 'v' followed by 'a' and then 'te' needs to be crisp. Some learners might accidentally pronounce it like 'crevasse' or 'cravat' (the English pronunciation), but in French, the final 'e' is mostly silent, making it sound like /kʁa.vat/. Avoid adding an extra vowel sound at the end. Finally, remember that in French, you 'make' the knot (faire le nœud), you don't 'tie' the tie in the same way you might 'tie' shoes (lacer).

Il ne faut pas serrer la cravate trop fort, sinon on ne peut plus respirer !

Ma cravate est tachée, je dois la porter au pressing.

Spelling Errors: Mistake: 'cravat' (English spelling). Correct: 'cravate' (always with an 'e').

Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your French sound much more natural and precise. Pay close attention to gender and the specific verbs used when talking about this iconic accessory.

While cravate is the standard term for a necktie, there are several related words and alternatives that can enrich your vocabulary. Depending on the style, occasion, or historical era, you might use a different term. Understanding these distinctions will help you describe men's fashion more accurately and appreciate the nuances of French style.

Nœud papillon: This is a 'bowtie'. It is more formal than a regular tie and is typically worn with a tuxedo (smokey) at galas or weddings.
Foulard: A scarf or kerchief. While a cravate is structured, a foulard is loose and made of lighter fabric like silk. It's often worn casually around the neck.
Lavallière: A large, floppy bow-tie often associated with artists or historical figures. It's much more dramatic than a standard cravate.

Il a remplacé sa cravate par un nœud papillon pour la soirée de gala.

In historical contexts, you might come across le jabot, which is a decorative ruffle on the front of a shirt, or le plastron, a stiff shirt front often worn with formal attire. These are not ties but serve a similar decorative purpose in formal dress. Another alternative is the ascot (or cravate Ascot), which is a wide neckband that is folded over and fastened with a pin. It is considered very traditional and somewhat old-fashioned in modern France, usually reserved for horse racing events or very formal daytime weddings.

Le marié portait une cravate Ascot, ce qui lui donnait un air très distingué.

Bolo: A 'cravate bolo' is a string tie, common in Western American fashion but very rare in France except as a novelty.

If you are talking about the physical act of wearing something around the neck for warmth, use écharpe. If it's for fashion and made of silk, use foulard. If it's the formal long strip of fabric tied in a knot, stick with cravate. In slang or very informal French, you might hear ficelle (literally 'string') used jokingly to describe a very thin or cheap tie, but this is quite rare. By knowing these alternatives, you can tailor your descriptions to the exact type of neckwear you are referring to.

Elle préfère quand il porte un foulard plutôt qu'une cravate, c'est plus décontracté.

Il a soigneusement rangé ses cravates et ses foulards par couleur.

Comparison Table: Cravate: Long, formal. Nœud papillon: Bow-shaped, very formal. Foulard: Loose, fashion. Écharpe: Thick, for cold.

Mastering these synonyms and related terms will give you a much deeper understanding of French fashion vocabulary and help you communicate more effectively in a variety of social situations.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

King Louis XIV was so impressed by the Croatian neck cloths that he started wearing them himself, sparking a fashion trend that spread across Europe and eventually evolved into the modern necktie.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /kʁa.vat/

US /kʁa.vat/

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

Rima com

patte chatte rate hâte mate savate agate ate

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the final 'e' as a full vowel.
Using the English 'r' instead of the French guttural 'r'.
Confusing the 'v' sound with a 'b' sound.
Making the 'a' sounds too long like in 'father'.
Pronouncing it like the English word 'cravat'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 1/5

The word is very similar to English 'cravat' and easy to recognize in text.

Escrita 2/5

The spelling is simple, but remembering the feminine gender and the final 'e' is key.

Expressão oral 2/5

The pronunciation of the French 'r' and the crisp 't' at the end requires some practice.

Audição 1/5

It is a clear, short word that is usually easy to distinguish in conversation.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

vêtement chemise porter couleur nœud

Aprenda a seguir

costume pochette bouton de manchette veste soie

Avançado

sartorial élégance protocole vestimentaire apparat

Gramática essencial

Feminine Noun Gender

La cravate est longue. (Agreement of article and adjective).

Adjective Placement

Une cravate rouge. (Adjectives of color usually follow the noun).

Preposition 'En' for Materials

Une cravate en soie. (Using 'en' to indicate what something is made of).

Preposition 'À' for Patterns

Une cravate à pois. (Using 'à' to describe patterns or features).

Negation with Indefinite Articles

Il ne porte pas de cravate. (The article 'une' changes to 'de' in a negative sentence).

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Exemplos por nível

Je porte une cravate bleue.

I am wearing a blue tie.

Focus on the feminine article 'une' and adjective agreement 'bleue'.

C'est la cravate de mon père.

It is my father's tie.

Use of the possessive 'de' to show ownership.

La cravate est sur la table.

The tie is on the table.

Simple preposition 'sur'.

Tu as une jolie cravate.

You have a pretty tie.

Adjective 'jolie' before the noun.

Elle achète une cravate noire.

She is buying a black tie.

Present tense of 'acheter'.

Il n'aime pas sa cravate.

He doesn't like his tie.

Negation 'ne... pas'.

Où est ma cravate ?

Where is my tie?

Interrogative 'où' and possessive 'ma'.

Regarde cette cravate rouge !

Look at this red tie!

Demonstrative adjective 'cette'.

Il doit mettre une cravate pour le travail.

He must put on a tie for work.

Modal verb 'devoir' followed by infinitive 'mettre'.

Nous avons choisi des cravates pour le mariage.

We chose ties for the wedding.

Passé composé of 'choisir' and plural 'des cravates'.

Est-ce que tu peux m'aider avec ma cravate ?

Can you help me with my tie?

Interrogative 'est-ce que' and object pronoun 'm''.

Cette cravate en soie est très chère.

This silk tie is very expensive.

Preposition 'en' for material.

Il ne porte jamais de cravate le week-end.

He never wears a tie on weekends.

Negation 'ne... jamais' with 'de' replacing 'une'.

Ma cravate préférée est à rayures.

My favorite tie is striped.

Adjective 'préférée' and phrase 'à rayures'.

Il a plusieurs cravates dans son armoire.

He has several ties in his wardrobe.

Quantifier 'plusieurs'.

Elle lui offre une cravate pour son anniversaire.

She is giving him a tie for his birthday.

Indirect object pronoun 'lui'.

Le nœud de sa cravate est un peu de travers.

The knot of his tie is a bit crooked.

Noun phrase 'le nœud de sa cravate'.

Dans cette entreprise, le port de la cravate est obligatoire.

In this company, wearing a tie is mandatory.

Formal expression 'le port de la cravate'.

Il a desserré sa cravate car il avait trop chaud.

He loosened his tie because he was too hot.

Verb 'desserrer' and conjunction 'car'.

Je ne sais pas quel nœud de cravate choisir.

I don't know which tie knot to choose.

Interrogative adjective 'quel'.

Il a taché sa cravate pendant le déjeuner.

He stained his tie during lunch.

Passé composé of 'tacher'.

Cette cravate s'accorde bien avec ta chemise.

This tie goes well with your shirt.

Pronominal verb 's'accorder'.

Il cherche une cravate qui ne soit pas trop voyante.

He is looking for a tie that isn't too flashy.

Subjunctive 'soit' after a relative clause with 'cherche'.

Autrefois, tous les hommes sortaient en cravate.

In the past, all men went out wearing a tie.

Imperfect tense 'sortaient' and phrase 'en cravate'.

Le choix de la cravate en dit long sur la personnalité d'un homme.

The choice of tie says a lot about a man's personality.

Idiomatic expression 'en dire long'.

Il a ajusté sa cravate nerveusement avant d'entrer sur scène.

He adjusted his tie nervously before going on stage.

Adverb 'nerveusement' and preposition 'avant de'.

Bien que la cravate soit moins courante aujourd'hui, elle reste un symbole d'élégance.

Although the tie is less common today, it remains a symbol of elegance.

Conjunction 'bien que' followed by subjunctive 'soit'.

Il portait une cravate club aux couleurs de son ancien lycée.

He was wearing a club tie in the colors of his former high school.

Specific term 'cravate club'.

Le ministre a été critiqué pour ne pas avoir porté de cravate à l'Assemblée.

The minister was criticized for not wearing a tie at the Assembly.

Infinitive negation 'ne pas avoir porté'.

Elle a remarqué que sa cravate était légèrement de travers.

She noticed that his tie was slightly crooked.

Reported speech with 'que' and imperfect 'était'.

Il possède une collection impressionnante de cravates de créateurs.

He owns an impressive collection of designer ties.

Noun phrase 'cravates de créateurs'.

Il a dû apprendre à faire son nœud de cravate tout seul.

He had to learn to tie his tie all by himself.

Passé composé of 'devoir' and reflexive 'tout seul'.

L'élégance d'un homme se mesure souvent à la finesse de sa cravate.

A man's elegance is often measured by the fineness of his tie.

Passive pronominal 'se mesure'.

La cravate, accessoire autrefois incontournable, subit les assauts de la mode décontractée.

The tie, once an essential accessory, is undergoing the assaults of casual fashion.

Apposition 'accessoire autrefois incontournable'.

Il maniait l'art de la cravate avec une dextérité surprenante.

He handled the art of the tie with surprising dexterity.

Metaphorical use of 'l'art de la cravate'.

Sa cravate en soie sauvage apportait une touche d'originalité à son costume sombre.

His raw silk tie brought a touch of originality to his dark suit.

Specific material 'soie sauvage'.

Certains voient dans le port de la cravate une forme d'asservissement social.

Some see in the wearing of a tie a form of social enslavement.

Abstract noun 'asservissement'.

Il a opté pour une cravate aux motifs cachemire très sophistiqués.

He opted for a tie with very sophisticated paisley patterns.

Plural contraction 'aux' and specific pattern 'cachemire'.

La cravate doit tomber exactement au niveau de la boucle de ceinture.

The tie must fall exactly at the level of the belt buckle.

Precise adverbial phrase 'exactement au niveau de'.

Il a dénoué sa cravate d'un geste las à la fin de la conférence.

He untied his tie with a weary gesture at the end of the conference.

Adjective 'las' matching the masculine 'geste'.

L'histoire de la cravate remonte aux mercenaires croates sous Louis XIII.

The history of the tie dates back to Croatian mercenaries under Louis XIII.

Historical present 'remonte' and specific historical reference.

Il arborait une cravate dont la texture rappelait les étoffes orientales.

He sported a tie whose texture recalled oriental fabrics.

Relative pronoun 'dont' and literary verb 'arborer'.

Le protocole exigeait que chaque convive se présentât en cravate blanche.

Protocol required that each guest appear in a white tie.

Imperfect subjunctive 'se présentât' (very formal).

La cravate est le dernier vestige d'une élégance masculine codifiée à l'extrême.

The tie is the last vestige of a masculine elegance codified to the extreme.

Abstract and philosophical sentence structure.

Il s'est emmêlé les pinceaux en essayant d'expliquer l'origine de la cravate.

He got all mixed up trying to explain the origin of the tie.

Idiom 's'emmêler les pinceaux'.

Le port de la cravate, bien que désuet pour certains, demeure un marqueur social indéniable.

Wearing a tie, though outdated for some, remains an undeniable social marker.

Concessive clause 'bien que désuet'.

Il a choisi une cravate dont le motif discret n'attirait pas indûment l'attention.

He chose a tie whose discreet pattern did not unduly attract attention.

Adverb 'indûment' and relative 'dont'.

Sa collection de cravates vintage ferait pâlir d'envie n'importe quel dandy.

His collection of vintage ties would make any dandy turn pale with envy.

Conditional 'ferait' and idiom 'pâlir d'envie'.

Sinônimos

nœud papillon lavallière foulard ascot plastron regatte col accessoire

Antônimos

col ouvert décontracté sans cravate tenue de sport

Colocações comuns

nœud de cravate

porter une cravate

cravate en soie

cravate à rayures

ajuster sa cravate

cravate de notaire

enlever sa cravate

cravate unie

collection de cravates

épingle à cravate

Frases Comuns

En cravate

— Wearing a tie. Used to describe someone's appearance.

Il est toujours en cravate pour ses rendez-vous.

Faire son nœud de cravate

— The act of tying the tie knot.

Apprends-moi à faire mon nœud de cravate.

Cravate noire

— Black tie. Refers to a formal dress code involving a tuxedo.

L'invitation précise 'cravate noire'.

Cravate blanche

— White tie. The most formal dress code, even more so than black tie.

C'est une soirée cravate blanche au palais.

Desserrer sa cravate

— To loosen one's tie, often to relax.

Il a desserré sa cravate à la fin du dîner.

Porter la cravate

— To wear a tie as a general rule or requirement.

Ici, tout le monde doit porter la cravate.

Une cravate de travers

— A crooked tie, often suggesting dishevelment.

Tu as ta cravate de travers, laisse-moi la remettre.

Choisir une cravate

— To select a tie from a collection.

Il passe dix minutes à choisir sa cravate chaque matin.

Une cravate assortie

— A matching tie.

Il porte une cravate assortie à sa pochette.

Mettre une cravate

— To put on a tie.

N'oublie pas de mettre une cravate pour l'entretien.

Frequentemente confundido com

cravate vs foulard

A foulard is a light scarf, while a cravate is a structured necktie.

cravate vs écharpe

An écharpe is for warmth in winter, whereas a cravate is for style and formality.

cravate vs nœud papillon

This is a bowtie, which has a distinct shape from the long cravate.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Porter la cravate de chanvre"

— To be hanged (chanvre is hemp, referring to the rope). This is an old, dark idiom.

Il a fini par porter la cravate de chanvre.

archaic/literary

"Être à la cravate"

— To be neck-and-neck (in a race or competition).

Les deux coureurs sont à la cravate dans la dernière ligne droite.

informal/sport

"Se serrer la cravate"

— To tighten one's tie, often metaphorically meaning to prepare for a difficult situation.

Il est temps de se serrer la cravate et de se mettre au travail.

informal

"Une affaire de cravate"

— A trivial matter or something purely superficial.

Ne t'inquiète pas, c'est juste une affaire de cravate.

informal

"Cravate de notaire"

— A very sober, traditional, and boring tie.

Il porte toujours une cravate de notaire, jamais de couleurs vives.

informal

"Nœud de cravate (slang)"

— Sometimes used to refer to something complicated or tangled.

C'est un vrai nœud de cravate, cette situation !

slang

"Lâcher la cravate"

— To stop bothering someone (rarely used, usually 'lâcher la grappe').

Lâche-moi la cravate, je sais ce que je fais !

slang

"Serrer la cravate à quelqu'un"

— To put pressure on someone.

Le patron lui serre la cravate pour finir le projet.

informal

"Cravate de commandeur"

— Refers to a specific high-ranking medal worn around the neck.

Il a reçu la cravate de commandeur de la Légion d'honneur.

formal

"Manger sa cravate"

— To be extremely frustrated or angry (similar to 'eating one's hat' but less common).

Il était tellement énervé qu'il aurait pu manger sa cravate.

informal

Fácil de confundir

cravate vs Crevasse

Similar sound.

A crevasse is a deep crack in ice or rock, while a cravate is a piece of clothing.

Attention à la crevasse sur le glacier !

cravate vs Cravache

Very similar spelling.

A cravache is a riding whip used in equestrian sports.

Le cavalier utilise sa cravache avec parcimonie.

cravate vs Col

Related context (neck).

A col is the collar of a shirt, while a cravate is the accessory worn under it.

Son col de chemise est bien amidonné.

cravate vs Nœud

Part of the object.

Nœud means 'knot' in general, whereas cravate is the whole object.

Fais un nœud bien serré.

cravate vs Ficelle

Metaphorical similarity.

Ficelle means 'string'. Sometimes used to mock a very thin tie.

Attache le paquet avec une ficelle.

Padrões de frases

Je porte une cravate [couleur].

Je porte une cravate verte.

Il doit mettre une cravate pour [événement].

Il doit mettre une cravate pour le dîner.

Il ne sait pas comment faire son nœud de cravate.

Il ne sait pas comment faire son nœud de cravate Windsor.

Le port de la cravate est [adjectif] dans ce milieu.

Le port de la cravate est indispensable dans ce milieu.

Sa cravate en [matière] apporte une touche de [nom].

Sa cravate en soie sauvage apporte une touche de distinction.

La cravate demeure un marqueur social [adjectif].

La cravate demeure un marqueur social incontestable.

Il a choisi une cravate qui s'accorde avec [vêtement].

Il a choisi une cravate qui s'accorde avec sa veste.

C'est une cravate à [motif].

C'est une cravate à rayures.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

cravatier (a person who makes or sells ties - rare)

cravatage (the action of putting on a tie - very rare)

Verbos

cravater (informal: to grab someone by the collar/tie, or to catch someone)

Adjetivos

cravaté (wearing a tie)

Relacionado

chemise

costume

nœud

soie

élégance

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Como usar

frequency

Common in professional and formal social contexts, less common in casual daily life.

Erros comuns

Using 'le cravate' → la cravate
Gender error. 'Cravate' is a feminine noun. This is the most frequent mistake made by beginners.
Spelling it 'cravat' → cravate
English spelling interference. In French, you must include the final 'e'.
Saying 'attacher une cravate' → nouer une cravate
While 'attacher' means to tie/attach, 'nouer' is the specific verb for making a knot in a tie.
Confusing 'cravate' with 'foulard' → cravate (for a tie)
A 'foulard' is a light scarf. A 'cravate' is the formal necktie. They are not interchangeable.
Using 'cravate' for a bowtie → nœud papillon
A bowtie is a specific accessory with its own name. 'Cravate' only refers to the long necktie.

Dicas

Gender Memory

Always remember 'la cravate' is feminine. A good way to remember is that it's an accessory that completes a 'chemise' (shirt), which is also feminine. They go together as a feminine pair!

Business Etiquette

In France, if you're unsure whether to wear a tie to a business meeting, it's safer to wear one. You can always take it off and 'desserrer votre cravate' if the atmosphere is more casual than expected.

Pattern Precision

To sound more like a native, learn the patterns. 'À rayures' (striped) and 'à pois' (polka dot) are the most common. Using these will make your descriptions much more natural and professional.

The Silent E

Don't let the final 'e' in 'cravate' trick you into adding an extra syllable. The word should end abruptly on the 't' sound. Practice saying 'vat' like the English word but with a French 'a'.

Tie Length

A common fashion rule in France is that the tip of the 'cravate' should just reach the belt buckle. Knowing this helps when you're describing how someone looks or adjusting your own tie.

Croatian Roots

Mentioning the Croatian origin of the tie is a great conversation starter in France. It shows you have a deep interest in the history of the language and culture beyond just basic vocabulary.

En Cravate

The phrase 'en cravate' is much more common than saying 'portant une cravate'. Use it when you want to describe a general state, like 'Il est arrivé en cravate' (He arrived in a tie).

Asking for Help

When shopping, ask 'Où se trouvent les cravates ?' (Where are the ties?). This is a polite and direct way to find what you're looking for in a large department store like Galeries Lafayette.

Cleaning Ties

If you stain your tie, you should 'porter la cravate au pressing' (take the tie to the dry cleaners). French people are very particular about maintaining their formal clothes in perfect condition.

Neck-and-Neck

Use 'être à la cravate' if you're watching a sports race with French friends. It's a slightly older but very evocative term that will impress native speakers with your range of vocabulary.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'Cravate' as a 'Cravat' for a 'Croat'. The word is almost the same as the English 'cravat', but remember it has an 'e' at the end and is feminine.

Associação visual

Imagine a elegant French man in Paris, standing by the Eiffel Tower, carefully tying a bright silk tie. The 'v' in cravate looks like the 'v' shape of a tie knot.

Word Web

Vêtement Mode Soie Nœud Chemise Costume Élégance Travail

Desafio

Try to describe five different ties you see in a store or online using French adjectives (e.g., une cravate verte, une cravate en soie, une cravate à pois).

Origem da palavra

The word 'cravate' entered the French language in the 17th century. It is a corruption of the word 'Croate' (Croatian). This happened because Croatian mercenaries serving in the French army wore distinctive neckerchiefs.

Significado original: A Croatian soldier or the specific neck cloth worn by them.

Indo-European (via Slavic and French)

Contexto cultural

There are no major sensitivities, but be aware that in some modern creative circles, requiring a tie can be seen as overly formal or 'stuffy'.

In English-speaking countries, the tie is also a professional standard, but the term 'cravat' refers specifically to a style that is now considered vintage or very formal, whereas in French, 'cravate' is the everyday word for a necktie.

The 'cravate' is often mentioned in the works of Honoré de Balzac to describe the social standing of his characters. The movie 'Le Grand Blond avec une chaussure noire' features iconic 70s fashion, including wide ties. French singer Serge Gainsbourg was known for his 'sans cravate' look later in life, which was a statement of rebellion.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Professional / Business

Code vestimentaire
Tenue de ville
Entretien d'embauche
Réunion importante

Weddings / Formal Events

Cravate assortie
Nœud papillon
Garçon d'honneur
Cérémonie

Shopping / Fashion

Cravate en soie
Rayon homme
Motifs
Largeur de la cravate

Daily Routine

Mettre sa cravate
Se préparer
Miroir
Faire un nœud

History / Literature

Origine croate
Louis XIV
Accessoire masculin
Évolution de la mode

Iniciadores de conversa

"Quelle couleur de cravate préférez-vous porter pour un mariage ?"

"Pensez-vous que la cravate est encore nécessaire au bureau aujourd'hui ?"

"Savez-vous faire différents types de nœuds de cravate ?"

"Est-ce que vous offrez souvent des cravates comme cadeaux ?"

"Quelle est la cravate la plus originale que vous ayez jamais vue ?"

Temas para diário

Décrivez votre tenue idéale pour une occasion très formelle. N'oubliez pas de parler de la cravate.

Racontez une fois où vous avez dû porter une cravate et comment vous vous êtes senti.

Pensez-vous que les vêtements comme la cravate influencent la façon dont les gens nous perçoivent ?

Si vous deviez créer une nouvelle mode pour remplacer la cravate, à quoi ressemblerait-elle ?

Décrivez la collection de cravates d'un personnage imaginaire très riche et excentrique.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

The word 'cravate' is feminine. You should always use 'la' or 'une' with it. For example, 'une belle cravate' or 'la cravate rouge'. This is a common point of confusion for English speakers, as ties are typically associated with men's fashion.

A 'cravate' is a standard long necktie. A 'nœud papillon' is a bowtie. Bowties are generally considered more formal and are often worn with tuxedos at events like galas or weddings. In everyday business, the 'cravate' is much more common.

The word comes from 'Croate' (Croatian). In the 17th century, Croatian mercenaries serving in France wore distinctive neck cloths. The French court adopted the style and corrupted the name to 'cravate', which eventually became the standard term for the accessory.

You say 'faire un nœud de cravate' or 'nouer une cravate'. The verb 'nouer' specifically means to tie a knot. You can also simply say 'mettre une cravate' which means 'to put on a tie'.

It means 'wearing a tie' or 'in a tie'. It's an idiomatic way to describe someone's appearance. For example, 'Il est venu en cravate' means 'He came wearing a tie'.

Yes, but its usage is changing. It remains mandatory in formal professions like law and finance. However, in modern tech companies and casual offices, it is becoming less common. It is still a staple for weddings and formal celebrations.

High-quality ties are typically made of 'soie' (silk). Other materials include 'laine' (wool), 'tricot' (knit), and 'lin' (linen) for more casual or seasonal looks. Synthetic materials like polyester are also common for cheaper versions.

Yes, though the names are often the same as in English. The most common are 'le nœud Windsor', 'le demi-Windsor', and 'le nœud simple' (four-in-hand). French speakers usually just refer to the act of 'faire le nœud'.

Yes, 'cravater' is an informal verb. It can mean to grab someone by the collar or tie, or more generally, to catch or arrest someone. It's not something you would use in a formal business context.

A 'cravate club' is a striped tie, often featuring the colors of a specific school, university, or private club. It is a classic style that suggests a certain social background or affiliation.

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