French translation of keels is 
quilles

Meaning of "keels" in English

The word "keels" has multiple uses in English. Primarily, a keel refers to the central structural basis of a ship or boat, running along the bottom. It provides stability and ensures the vessel moves smoothly through water. In a metaphorical sense, "keels" can also be used to describe something tilting, overturning, or capsizing. Another context is the botanical one, where "keels" describe a ridge resembling the keel of a boat. As a verb, it suggests the act of capsizing. The context determines its specific undertone and application.

Meaning of "quilles" in French

In French, "quilles" typically refers to skittles or bowling pins, which are part of the equipment used in bowling games. It can also represent the quills or the spines of certain animals in different contexts. The term is also used in nautical language to refer to the keel of a ship, similar to its English counterpart. The word "quilles" can evoke different images based on the setting—in sports, it's associated with games, while in a maritime context, it connects to stability and structure.

Pronunciation of "keels" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /kiːlz/
Pronunciation Variations: In various English-speaking regions, the pronunciation remains fairly consistent, though slight variations might occur in the stress or intonation pattern, especially between British and American accents.

Pronunciation of "quilles" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /kil/
Pronunciation Variations: Across different regions of France or Francophone countries, the pronunciation of "quilles" may slightly vary with local accents influencing the vowel sounds, but generally, it retains similar phonetic characteristics.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. The ship's keels were in need of repair. (Les quilles du navire avaient besoin de réparations.)
2. After the storm, the boat nearly keels over. (Après la tempête, le bateau a failli se renverser.)
3. The yacht's deep keels helped stabilize it in rough waters. (Les quilles profondes du yacht ont aidé à le stabiliser dans des eaux agitées.)
4. The circus performer balanced a ball on several keels. (Le performeur de cirque a équilibré une balle sur plusieurs quilles.)
5. The old canoe had a wooden keel that was handcrafted. (Le vieux canoë avait une quille en bois faite à la main.)
6. The sailors checked the keels before setting sail. (Les marins ont vérifié les quilles avant de larguer les amarres.)
7. Over time, the keels of the ship wore down. (Au fil du temps, les quilles du navire se sont usées.)
8. The design included two additional keels for extra safety. (La conception comprenait deux quilles supplémentaires pour plus de sécurité.)
9. They pushed the skiff with care, ensuring the keels remained intact. (Ils ont poussé le canot avec précaution, s'assurant que les quilles restaient intactes.)
10. Her boat keels slightly to the left in strong winds. (Son bateau penche légèrement à gauche par vent fort.)

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

Synonyms: hulls, bases, bottoms, foundations, supports
Antonyms: peaks, tops, summits, heights, crests
Similar Words: planks, beams, ribs, structures, frameworks

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

Synonyms: boulins, épines
Antonyms: -
Similar Words: empennages, arêtes

Disclaimer: These examples may contain sensitive content that does not reflect the opinions or policies of Translate.com, or its company Translate LLC. We welcome feedback: report an example sentence to our team.