In a noun phrase consisting of two words joined by “à”, the word “à” can mean “avec”, or “with”. Here are some examples:
| noun phrase | translation |
|---|---|
| boîte à neige | box(?) with snow (snow globe) |
| stylo à bille | pen with ball (ballpoint pen) |
| obligation à haut risque | bond with high risk (junk bond) |
| drapeau à damier | flag with checkers (checkered flag) |
| fermeture à glissière | closure with slide (zipper) |
| échelle à cage | ladder with cage (fire escape) |
| mètre à ruban | measure with tape (tape measure) |
| instruments à cordes | instruments with strings |
| gaz à effet de serre | gas with greenhouse effect |
| four à microondes | oven with microwaves |
| cuisinière à gaz | range with gas |
| carte à puce | card with chip (chip card) |
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