balai

broom

noun bah-LEH Less Common

Usage Note

Balai is the classic household broom; the compound balai-brosse refers to a stiff-bristled scrubbing broom for floors. In the expression du balai! ('get out!', literally 'with the broom!'), the word takes on a dismissive colloquial tone.

Examples

"Elle passe le balai dans la cuisine."

Natural Translation

She sweeps the kitchen with a broom.

Literal Translation

She passes the broom in the kitchen.

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