splitting hairs re: roue vs. pneu

Carol L.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

splitting hairs re: roue vs. pneu

In your correction, you said that "nous avons aussi appris a changer une roue" rather than un pneu.  Une roue translates, as per my dictionary, to be "a wheel," while  "un pneu" is a tire.  I'm probably splitting hairs, but it is different to change a wheel than a tire; the wheel is the base on which the tire sits and would therefore be a much bigger job than changing the tire alone.  As I said, I'm splitting hairs, but want to know if in common parlance, the roue is changed when the pneu is flat.  Also, others have asked the other questions I had - about the use of plus-que-parfait (suggested but not actually used in the "correct" translation) and about the use of encore rather than toujours.  Thanks for your help.  It is greatly appreciated!

Asked 4 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Carol,

Both 'pneu' and 'roue' are given as options.

I suppose it is because if you have a flat tyre, the wheel will be changed and the tyre will be mended afterward.

I have answered separately on the use of the pluperfect.

Bonne continuation!

Carol L.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Dear Cecile,  I expect that you've never had a flat tire/tyre or you'd be aware that whoever changes it changes only the tire unless the wheel is bent or damaged.  One does not usually carry a spare "wheel" or roue in the trunk/boot, but a spare tire is usually hidden somewhere in there.  

CécileNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq

Sorry Carol, it has happened to me but not in a long while.

One sure thing is that I am no mechanic, maybe someone else would like to comment on this...

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

I have a spare wheel in my trunk, and so had all my previous cars. No car that I know only has a spare tire. Changing a tire on a car is much more difficult to do by the roadside than just swapping a wheel (rim and tire).

CécileNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq

I am sure I have a mini spare wheel in my car ( a VW Polo)  but I must admit that  I don't know where it is kept. 

I will have to investigate...LOL

Anita P.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

I just love the little differences between British English and American English. Eg, Chris, i would say boot instead of trunk. As for task being questioned, i would say that eg. that i had a flat tyre and that i had to change the wheel - which is what was reported in the French dialogue. At least Kwiziq factored in “pneu” or “roue” as an answer.

splitting hairs re: roue vs. pneu

In your correction, you said that "nous avons aussi appris a changer une roue" rather than un pneu.  Une roue translates, as per my dictionary, to be "a wheel," while  "un pneu" is a tire.  I'm probably splitting hairs, but it is different to change a wheel than a tire; the wheel is the base on which the tire sits and would therefore be a much bigger job than changing the tire alone.  As I said, I'm splitting hairs, but want to know if in common parlance, the roue is changed when the pneu is flat.  Also, others have asked the other questions I had - about the use of plus-que-parfait (suggested but not actually used in the "correct" translation) and about the use of encore rather than toujours.  Thanks for your help.  It is greatly appreciated!

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