échelle
ladder
An échelle is a ladder in French. It is used to reach high places or to climb up and down. It can be made of wood, metal, or other materials. For example, you might use an échelle to climb up to a loft or to reach a high shelf. It is also used in the context of firefighting, where firefighters use ladders to rescue people from burning buildings.
Example sentences using: échelle
Je dois réparer l'échelle.
I have to repair the ladder.
This sentence uses 'échelle' in its most common meaning of a physical ladder. The verb 'réparer' means to repair. This is a straightforward phrase that could be used in a variety of everyday situations, such as during a home repair project.
L'échelle de cette carte est de 1:50000.
The scale of this map is 1:50000.
In this case, 'échelle' is used to denote the scale of a map, which is a ratio that compares the size of the map to the actual size of the area it represents. This example underscores the varied uses of 'échelle' beyond just referring to a physical ladder.
L'échelle sociale est difficile à grimper.
The social ladder is difficult to climb.
This sentence employs 'échelle' in a metaphorical sense to suggest the hierarchy or levels within a society. The action of climbing the 'échelle sociale' refers to improving one's social status, highlighting the varied and context-dependent uses of the word 'échelle' in French.