French translation of handkerchief is 
mouchoir

Meaning of "handkerchief" in English

A handkerchief is a small, square piece of cloth typically used for personal hygiene. It is often made of cotton, linen, or silk. Traditionally, handkerchiefs are used for blowing one's nose, wiping sweat from the face or hands, or as a fashion accessory tucked into a suit pocket. They are reusable and washable, making them an eco-friendly alternative to disposable tissues. Handkerchiefs have cultural and historical significance, having been used throughout history for various symbolic and practical purposes.

Meaning of "mouchoir" in French

The French word "mouchoir" refers to a similar object as the English "handkerchief." It is a small piece of fabric, usually square, used for hygiene purposes such as wiping the face or hands and blowing the nose. Typically made from materials like cotton or linen, mouchoirs are often carried in pockets or purses for easy access. Like handkerchiefs, they can also serve a decorative purpose when folded neatly in a jacket pocket. Historically, mouchoirs have held cultural significance across different societies.

Pronunciation of "handkerchief" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈhæŋ.kə.tʃiːf/

The pronunciation of "handkerchief" can vary slightly, depending on regional accents. Some might pronounce it as /ˈhæŋ.kɚ.tʃɪf/, often reducing the middle syllable’s vowel sound. The stress usually falls on the first syllable, with the "d" often remaining silent.

Pronunciation of "mouchoir" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /mu.ʃwaʁ/

The word "mouchoir" in French is pronounced with a nasal "mou" followed by "choir," resembling the English "shwar." It is consistent across French-speaking regions, but slight nuances might appear depending on the local accent or dialect.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. She always carries a handkerchief in her purse. (Elle porte toujours un mouchoir dans son sac.)
2. He offered her his handkerchief when she started crying. (Il lui a offert son mouchoir quand elle a commencé à pleurer.)
3. The magician pulled a colorful handkerchief from his hat. (Le magicien a sorti un mouchoir coloré de son chapeau.)
4. I used a handkerchief to wipe my glasses. (J'ai utilisé un mouchoir pour essuyer mes lunettes.)
5. The vintage handkerchief had beautiful embroidery. (Le mouchoir vintage avait une belle broderie.)
6. She waved her handkerchief as the train departed. (Elle agita son mouchoir alors que le train partait.)
7. His handkerchief was neatly folded in his breast pocket. (Son mouchoir était soigneusement plié dans sa poche poitrine.)
8. Handkerchiefs are more sustainable than tissues. (Les mouchoirs sont plus durables que les mouchoirs en papier.)
9. He used a handkerchief to blot his sweaty forehead. (Il a utilisé un mouchoir pour éponger son front en sueur.)
10. She embroidered her initials on the corner of the handkerchief. (Elle a brodé ses initiales dans le coin du mouchoir.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "handkerchief" in English

Synonyms: hanky, bandana, kerchief, cloth, tissue

Antonyms: -

Similar Words: napkin, towel, rag, square, swatch

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "mouchoir" in French

Synonyms: foulard, serviette, chiffon, torchon, tissu

Antonyms: -

Similar Words: écharpe, linge, carré, schmattes, étoffe

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