cartable

satchel

noun kar-TAB Rare

Also means

school bag

Usage Note

Cartable is masculine and specifically refers to the structured school bag children carry for books and supplies, typically with a rigid back and shoulder straps. It is a distinctly French-school-culture object, associated with primary-age pupils. Older students more often use a sac à dos (backpack). The word derives from carte (map, card), reflecting its original use for carrying papers.

Examples

"Elle range ses livres dans son cartable."

Natural Translation

She puts her books in her school bag.

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