matière
matter
The French word for 'matter' is 'matière'. It is often used in the same contexts as in English - to refer to a substance or material, or to the subject or topic of something. However, unlike in English, 'matière' does not have an additional meaning related to importance or significance.
Example sentences using: matière
J'ai besoin d'aide en cette matière.
I need help in this subject.
This sentence is using the word 'matière' to refer to a subject or area of study. When talking about needing help in school, you can use 'matière' to specify the subject you are struggling with.
La physique est ma matière préférée.
Physics is my favourite subject.
Here, 'matière' is used to denote school subjects. By saying 'ma matière préférée', the speaker is expressing a preference for a specific subject, in this case, physics.
Je suis professeur de matière linguistique.
I am a linguistic subject teacher.
'Professeur de matière linguistique' uses 'matière' to refer to a specialist subject that someone teaches. In this case linguistics.
Nous devons recycler les matières plastiques.
We must recycle plastic materials.
In this context, 'matières' is referring to materials or substances. The phrase is emphasising on the importance of recycling solid waste like plastic.
Cette matière est très complexe.
This subject matter is very complex.
Here, 'matière' is referring to a specific topic or subject of discussion or study, indicating that it is complex or difficult to understand.
C'est une nouvelle matière que nous étudions cette année.
It's a new subject we're studying this year.
This sentence uses 'matière' to talk about a new area of study being introduced in the current academic year.
Je ne suis pas expert en cette matière.
I am not an expert in this field.
In this example, 'matière' is used to refer to a specific area of knowledge or skill, indicating that the speaker does not claim to be an expert in it.
C'est de la matière à réflexion.
It's food for thought.
In a not so intuitive use of 'matière', this phrase often translates to an English idiom 'food for thought', meaning that it is something worth deep consideration or pondering on.
La matière de cette blouse est très douce.
The material of this blouse is very soft.
'Matière' is used here to denote the cloth material from which the blouse is made, highlighting its softness.
Je ne peux pas m'adapter à la matière de ce cours.
I can't adapt to the material of this course.
In this context, 'matière' refers to the academic content or material of a specific course that the speaker is finding difficult to adjust to.