French translation of
navvy
is
terrassier
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Meaning of "navvy" in English
The term "navvy" refers to a manual laborer, particularly one who is involved in ground excavation or the construction of major works like railways, roads, and canals. The word originates from the late 18th century and is derived from "navigator," which was used to describe laborers who built navigation canals in England. It typically evokes images of hard physical work and is often associated with the industrial era when large infrastructure projects required extensive manual labor to move earth and construct passages.
Meaning of "terrassier" in French
"Terrassier" in French describes a worker who specializes in earthworks or excavation tasks. Typically seen on construction sites, this individual operates machinery or uses manual tools to move soil, create trenches, and prepare the ground for further construction. The role is essential in the early phases of building infrastructure, such as roads, pipelines, or foundations. The word "terrassier" highlights the skilled nature of the work, emphasizing precision and familiarity with soil management techniques.
Pronunciation of "navvy" in English
Phonetic Transcription: [ˈnæv.i]
Pronunciation Variations: In British English, "navvy" is pronounced as [ˈnæv.i], with a clear "a" sound, similar to "cat." In some regional accents, the "v" may be pronounced more softly, but the overall pronunciation remains consistent across English dialects.
Pronunciation of "terrassier" in French
Phonetic Transcription: [tɛ.ʁa.sje]
Pronunciation Variations: Generally pronounced as [tɛ.ʁa.sje] across France, it consistently uses the guttural "r," characteristic of French, and the "e" at the end is often silent, though slightly audible in certain regional variations like those in southern France.
Sentence examples in English and translation to French
- The navvy worked tirelessly on the new railway line. (Le terrassier travaillait sans relâche sur la nouvelle ligne de chemin de fer.)
- Navvies were essential to the infrastructure development in the 19th century. (Les terrassiers ont été essentiels au développement des infrastructures au XIXe siècle.)
- The project hired several navvies to complete the excavation. (Le projet a engagé plusieurs terrassiers pour terminer l'excavation.)
- A group of navvies set up camp near the construction site. (Un groupe de terrassiers a installé un campement près du chantier.)
- The navvy used a shovel to move the earth. (Le terrassier utilisait une pelle pour déplacer la terre.)
- They appreciated the hard work of the navvies on such a large project. (Ils ont apprécié le dur travail des terrassiers sur un projet si vaste.)
- As a navvy, his day often started before sunrise. (En tant que terrassier, sa journée commençait souvent avant le lever du soleil.)
- The navvy's role is crucial in the early stages of construction. (Le rôle du terrassier est crucial dans les premières étapes de la construction.)
- The old photographs showed navvies building the first canals. (Les vieilles photos montraient des terrassiers construisant les premiers canaux.)
- Navvies learned through experience how to better manage their tasks. (Les terrassiers ont appris par expérience à mieux gérer leurs tâches.)
Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "navvy" in English
Synonyms: laborer, worker, digger, builder, constructor, excavation worker, groundworker, ditcher, spademan, toiler.
Antonyms: supervisor, manager, director, overseer, engineer, planner.
Similar Words: construction worker, road worker, handyman, manual laborer, field worker, trench digger.
Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "terrassier" in French
Synonyms: ouvrier, excavateur, pelleteur, bâtisseur, creuseur, manoeuvre, manipulateur de sol, fossoyeur, paysagiste, terracier.
Antonyms: superviseur, directeur, ingénieur, contremaître, planificateur.
Similar Words: ouvrier du bâtiment, travailleur de chantier, manœuvre, machiniste, opérateur de travaux publics.
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