The word "ferries" in French can refer to the plural noun for a type of boat, or it can be the third-person singular present tense of the verb "to ferry." Understanding the context is key to providing the exact translation.
As a Noun (Plural of Ferry)
When "ferries" refers to multiple boats that transport people or goods across a body of water, the most common French equivalents are:
- Ferries (m. pl.): This is a widely used loanword in French, directly adopted from English. It is typically masculine.
- Bacs (m. pl.): This is a traditional French term for a ferry, often used for vessels that cross rivers or short stretches of water.
- Transbordeurs (m. pl.): This term also means ferry, and can refer to larger vessels, especially those designed for vehicle transport.
Here's a table summarizing the noun forms:
| English Term | French Translation(s) | Gender (French) | Usage Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry (singular) | un ferry, un bac, un transbordeur | Masculine | Single vessel |
| Ferries (plural) | des ferries, des bacs, des transbordeurs | Masculine | Multiple vessels |
Example:
- "Many ferries operate between the islands."
- "Beaucoup de bacs (or ferries) opèrent entre les îles."
As a Verb (Third-Person Singular of 'To Ferry')
When "ferries" is used as the third-person singular present tense of the verb "to ferry" (e.g., "The boatman ferries passengers"), it describes the action of transporting by boat. French equivalents for this action include:
- Faire passer par bateau: This phrase emphasizes the act of making someone or something cross by means of a boat. It conveys the general idea of transport by water.
- Faire traverser: This translation specifically highlights the act of causing someone or something to cross over. For instance, to ferry someone or something across to an island would be faire traverser quelqu'un/quelque chose sur une île.
Examples:
- "The small vessel ferries supplies to the remote village."
- "Le petit navire fait passer les provisions par bateau au village isolé."
- "He regularly ferries tourists to the ancient ruins."
- "Il fait traverser régulièrement les touristes jusqu'aux ruines antiques."
