French Phrase
La peinture s'écaille.
Meaning
This phrase describes the physical process of paint flaking off a surface in small chips or scales. It typically implies that the paint is old, has been exposed to moisture, or was applied to a poorly prepared surface.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing home maintenance, describing the condition of a building, or noticing damage to a painted object like a fence or a piece of furniture.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lapeintures'écaille
La peinture
A feminine noun meaning 'paint' or 'painting'. It requires the feminine definite article 'la'.
S'écailler
A pronominal verb derived from 'écaille' (scale), used to describe something flaking off like fish scales.
🗨In Conversation
Regarde le mur derrière le canapé.
Look at the wall behind the sofa.
Mince, la peinture s'écaille déjà !
Darn, the paint is peeling already!
✕Common Mistakes
La peinture pèle.
While 'peler' means to peel, it is almost exclusively used for skin, fruit, or vegetables, not construction materials.
La peinture est tombant.
Avoid using the present participle as an adjective here; the reflexive verb 's'écailler' is the natural way to express this state.
↔Alternatives
La peinture se détache.
The paint is coming off.
La peinture s'effrite.
The paint is crumbling.
Cultural Tip
In France, urban aesthetics are often regulated by local 'plan d'urbanisme'. If 'la peinture s'écaille' on a building facade in a historic district, the owner may be legally required to perform a 'ravalement de façade' to maintain the neighborhood's appearance.