Why "ma robe a fleuris"?

Carl C.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Why "ma robe a fleuris"?

One option given here for "my flowery dress" is "ma robe a fleuris."  Why not "ma robe fleuries"?

Asked 3 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Carl, 

What is given for ma flowery dress is only -

ma robe à fleurs 

if it was my striped dress it would be -

ma robe à rayures

if it was my polka dot dress 

ma robe à pois

or even 

une chemise à motifsa  patterned shirt 

une chemise à manches courtes/longues a short/long-sleeved shirt 

In this case, we use the preposition à to describe the garment.

A few examples when you would use the adjective 'fleuri' which means 'in flower' or 'covered/garnished with flowers' -

un panier fleuri = a hanging basket

des parterres fleuris = borders full of flowers

une pièce fleurie = a room full of flowers

Hope this helps!

 

Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

According to definitions of meaning, either < à fleurs > or < fleuri(e)(s) > are fine. Académie française and Robert both note < un tissu fleuri > for example. Wordreference < une veste fleurie >.  In usage < une robe à fleurs > is likely more common.

Carl C. asked:

Why "ma robe a fleuris"?

One option given here for "my flowery dress" is "ma robe a fleuris."  Why not "ma robe fleuries"?

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