Skip to content

châssis

frame, chassis

noun shah-SEE Rare

Origin: Old French chassis, from Latin capsa (box, case)

Also means

window frame

Usage Note

Châssis is invariable in spelling (the final -s is always present, even in the singular). In automotive contexts it refers to the vehicle's structural frame; in building it means a window or door frame (châssis de fenêtre). In French slang avoir un beau châssis (to have a nice chassis) is a somewhat dated compliment about someone's figure.

Examples

"Le châssis de la voiture était rouillé."

Natural Translation

The car's chassis was rusty.

Explore French by topic