Learning how to say common words in different languages can be fun and helpful. In this article, we will focus on how to say “car” in French. Whether you’re traveling to a French-speaking country, practicing your French skills, or simply curious, knowing the word for “car” will help you understand more of the language.
In French, the word for “car” is voiture, but there are also other ways to refer to a car. Each word may be used in different situations, depending on the type of car or the context. By the end of this article, you will be familiar with several ways to say “car” in French and how to use them in everyday conversation. Let’s dive in!
Ways to Say “Car” in French
In French, there are several ways to say “car,” depending on the context and type of vehicle. Some words may be used more commonly in certain regions or situations. Here are the most common ways to say “car” in French, along with their pronunciations, meanings, and example sentences.
1. Voiture
Pronunciation: /vwah-tyoor/
Meaning: This is the most common and general term for “car” in French. It refers to a regular personal vehicle used for transportation.
In a Sentence:
- “J’ai une voiture rouge.” (I have a red car.)
- “Ma voiture est garée devant la maison.” (My car is parked in front of the house.)
2. Auto
Pronunciation: /oh-toh/
Meaning: A more informal and sometimes old-fashioned term for “car.” It is similar to the word “auto” in English but is less commonly used today in formal contexts.
In a Sentence:
- “L’auto est devant la porte.” (The car is in front of the door.)
- “Elle a acheté une nouvelle auto.” (She bought a new car.)
3. Véhicule
Pronunciation: /veh-ee-kool/
Meaning: This word means “vehicle” and can refer to any kind of transportation, including a car. It’s more general and formal compared to voiture.
In a Sentence:
- “Le véhicule est en panne.” (The vehicle is broken down.)
- “Ils ont loué un véhicule pour leur voyage.” (They rented a vehicle for their trip.)
4. Caisse
Pronunciation: /kes/
Meaning: A slang term for “car.” It literally means “box” and is sometimes used to refer to an old or cheap car, but it can also be used in a casual context.
In a Sentence:
- “Ma caisse est toute rouillée.” (My car is all rusty.)
- “Il a vendu sa vieille caisse.” (He sold his old car.)
5. Bagnole
Pronunciation: /bah-nyol/
Meaning: A slang term for “car,” commonly used in France. It is informal and often used in a playful or casual manner.
In a Sentence:
- “Je vais chercher ma bagnole.” (I’m going to get my car.)
- “Sa bagnole est super rapide.” (His car is super fast.)
6. Char
Pronunciation: /shahr/
Meaning: An informal, often regional word for “car,” particularly used in Canada. It can also refer to a military vehicle, but in everyday language, it simply means “car.”
In a Sentence:
- “Il a un char neuf.” (He has a new car.)
- “Mon char est au garage.” (My car is at the garage.)
7. Trotinette (Véhicule à moteur)
Pronunciation: /tro-tee-net/
Meaning: While this typically refers to a scooter or small motorbike, in some contexts, it could be used to refer to a small, compact car, especially in urban settings.
In a Sentence:
- “Il roule sur sa trotinette.” (He’s riding his scooter.)
- “Elle préfère la trotinette à la voiture.” (She prefers the scooter to the car.)
8. Cabriolet
Pronunciation: /kah-bree-oh-lay/
Meaning: A specific type of car that has a convertible top. Used when referring to cars that can have the roof folded back.
In a Sentence:
- “Ils conduisent un cabriolet rouge.” (They drive a red convertible.)
- “La cabriolet est parfaite pour l’été.” (The convertible is perfect for the summer.)
9. Fourgonnette
Pronunciation: /foor-gon-net/
Meaning: Refers to a van or small delivery truck, used for transporting goods or sometimes families.
In a Sentence:
- “J’ai une fourgonnette pour le travail.” (I have a van for work.)
- “La fourgonnette est pleine de boîtes.” (The van is full of boxes.)
Additional Ways to Say “Car” in French
Here are 17 more ways to say “car” in French, each with its own meaning and context. These terms might be less common but are still useful in different regions and situations.
10. Automobile
Pronunciation: /ah-toh-moh-beel/
Meaning: This word is a formal term for “car” and is often used in technical or official contexts.
In a Sentence:
- “L’automobile a besoin de réparations.” (The car needs repairs.)
- “Il a acheté une automobile de luxe.” (He bought a luxury car.)
11. Vehicule de luxe
Pronunciation: /veh-ee-kool duh lux/
Meaning: This phrase refers to a “luxury vehicle” and is used for high-end, expensive cars.
In a Sentence:
- “Il roule dans un véhicule de luxe.” (He drives a luxury vehicle.)
- “Elle veut acheter un véhicule de luxe.” (She wants to buy a luxury car.)
12. Coche
Pronunciation: /koh-sh/
Meaning: An old-fashioned term used mostly in historical contexts to refer to a carriage or large car. Sometimes used in very formal language.
In a Sentence:
- “Le coche était tiré par des chevaux.” (The carriage was pulled by horses.)
- “Les voitures anciennes sont souvent appelées coches.” (Old cars are often called coaches.)
13. Voiture de sport
Pronunciation: /vwah-tyoor duh sport/
Meaning: A “sports car,” typically a fast and stylish car.
In a Sentence:
- “Il conduit une voiture de sport.” (He drives a sports car.)
- “Elle a toujours rêvé de posséder une voiture de sport.” (She has always dreamed of owning a sports car.)
14. Monospace
Pronunciation: /moh-noh-spahss/
Meaning: A term for “minivan” or “people carrier,” referring to larger cars designed to carry more passengers.
In a Sentence:
- “Nous avons un monospace pour la famille.” (We have a minivan for the family.)
- “Le monospace est très pratique pour les voyages.” (The minivan is very practical for trips.)
15. Berline
Pronunciation: /ber-leen/
Meaning: A “sedan,” which is a car with a separate trunk and a comfortable interior.
In a Sentence:
- “Ils ont acheté une berline neuve.” (They bought a new sedan.)
- “Ma berline est très spacieuse.” (My sedan is very spacious.)
16. Pickup
Pronunciation: /pee-kup/
Meaning: A “pickup truck,” often used for transporting goods or heavy items.
In a Sentence:
- “Il a un pickup pour son travail.” (He has a pickup truck for his job.)
- “Le pickup est rempli de matériaux de construction.” (The pickup is filled with building materials.)
17. 4×4
Pronunciation: /kwat-reh-kwat-reh/
Meaning: A “four-wheel drive” vehicle, often used for off-road driving.
In a Sentence:
- “Elle a un 4×4 pour les randonnées.” (She has a 4×4 for hiking trips.)
- “Les 4×4 sont parfaits pour les terrains accidentés.” (Four-wheel drives are perfect for rough terrains.)
18. Routière
Pronunciation: /roo-tee-air/
Meaning: A “roadster” or a type of car meant for long-distance travel, often sporty and light.
In a Sentence:
- “Il possède une routière.” (He owns a roadster.)
- “La routière est rapide et confortable.” (The roadster is fast and comfortable.)
19. Voiture hybride
Pronunciation: /vwah-tyoor ee-breed/
Meaning: An “hybrid car,” which uses both gasoline and electricity.
In a Sentence:
- “Nous avons acheté une voiture hybride.” (We bought a hybrid car.)
- “Les voitures hybrides sont plus écologiques.” (Hybrid cars are more eco-friendly.)
20. Voiture électrique
Pronunciation: /vwah-tyoor eh-lek-treek/
Meaning: “Electric car,” referring to a car powered by electricity rather than fuel.
In a Sentence:
- “Elle conduit une voiture électrique.” (She drives an electric car.)
- “Les voitures électriques sont de plus en plus populaires.” (Electric cars are becoming more and more popular.)
21. Minibus
Pronunciation: /mee-nee-boos/
Meaning: A “minibus,” a small bus used for carrying groups of people.
In a Sentence:
- “Le minibus part dans cinq minutes.” (The minibus leaves in five minutes.)
- “Ils ont réservé un minibus pour le voyage.” (They rented a minibus for the trip.)
22. Camionnette
Pronunciation: /kah-myoh-net/
Meaning: A “small truck” or “delivery van.” This term is often used to refer to work vehicles.
In a Sentence:
- “J’ai vu une camionnette de livraison.” (I saw a delivery truck.)
- “La camionnette est garée derrière le magasin.” (The truck is parked behind the store.)
23. Limousine
Pronunciation: /lee-moo-zeen/
Meaning: A “limousine,” a luxury car used for special events like weddings or proms.
In a Sentence:
- “Ils sont arrivés en limousine.” (They arrived in a limousine.)
- “La limousine était décorée pour l’occasion.” (The limousine was decorated for the occasion.)
24. Voiture tout-terrain
Pronunciation: /vwah-tyoor too-teh-rahn/
Meaning: A “SUV” or “off-road vehicle,” designed for rough terrain.
In a Sentence:
- “Nous avons une voiture tout-terrain pour le camping.” (We have an SUV for camping.)
- “La voiture tout-terrain peut traverser n’importe quel terrain.” (The SUV can drive on any terrain.)
25. Voiture de collection
Pronunciation: /vwah-tyoor duh koh-lek-syon/
Meaning: A “classic car” or “collector’s car,” typically an older, valuable vehicle.
In a Sentence:
- “Il a restauré une voiture de collection.” (He restored a classic car.)
- “Les voitures de collection peuvent coûter très cher.” (Classic cars can be very expensive.)
26. Camion
Pronunciation: /kah-myohn/
Meaning: A “truck,” typically used for transporting goods. It can also refer to a larger vehicle like a lorry.
In a Sentence:
- “Le camion de déménagement est arrivé.” (The moving truck has arrived.)
- “Ils ont chargé le camion de meubles.” (They loaded the truck with furniture.)
Other Ways to Say “Car” in French
Here is a table with more ways to say “car” in French. These words can be used in different situations depending on the type of vehicle or the context.
| Other ways to say | Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentences |
| Voiture | /vwah-tyoor/ | General term for “car” | “J’ai garé ma voiture ici.” (I parked my car here.) |
| Auto | /oh-toh/ | Informal word for “car” | “Mon auto est rouge.” (My car is red.) |
| Véhicule | /veh-ee-kool/ | General term for any vehicle, including cars | “Ce véhicule est en panne.” (This vehicle is broken.) |
| Caisse | /kes/ | Slang for “car,” often used for older or cheap cars | “Il a réparé sa vieille caisse.” (He fixed his old car.) |
| Bagnole | /bah-nyol/ | Slang for “car,” informal and casual | “J’ai vendu ma bagnole.” (I sold my car.) |
| Char | /shahr/ | Informal term for “car,” used in Canada and regions | “Il conduit un char rapide.” (He drives a fast car.) |
| Monospace | /moh-noh-spahss/ | “Minivan,” a car for multiple passengers | “Nous avons un monospace pour les enfants.” (We have a minivan for the kids.) |
| Cabriolet | /kah-bree-oh-lay/ | “Convertible,” a car with a roof that can be removed | “Elle a une voiture cabriolet.” (She has a convertible.) |
| Fourgonnette | /foor-gon-net/ | “Van,” usually a small truck or delivery vehicle | “La fourgonnette est pleine de colis.” (The van is full of packages.) |
| Automobile | /ah-toh-moh-beel/ | Formal word for “car,” used for any vehicle | “Il a acheté une automobile.” (He bought a car.) |
| Véhicule de luxe | /veh-ee-kool duh lux/ | “Luxury vehicle,” expensive and high-end cars | “Elle conduit un véhicule de luxe.” (She drives a luxury car.) |
| Routière | /roo-tee-air/ | A “roadster,” a car built for long-distance travel | “Ils ont une voiture routière.” (They have a roadster.) |
| Voiture hybride | /vwah-tyoor ee-breed/ | “Hybrid car,” a car that uses both electricity and fuel | “Nous avons une voiture hybride.” (We have a hybrid car.) |
| Voiture électrique | /vwah-tyoor eh-lek-treek/ | “Electric car,” powered by electricity | “J’adore conduire ma voiture électrique.” (I love driving my electric car.) |
| Minibus | /mee-nee-boos/ | “Minibus,” a smaller bus for groups of people | “Nous avons pris un minibus pour le groupe.” (We took a minibus for the group.) |
| Camionnette | /kah-myoh-net/ | “Small truck” or “delivery van” | “La camionnette est stationnée dehors.” (The delivery van is parked outside.) |
| Limousine | /lee-moo-zeen/ | “Limousine,” a luxury vehicle used for special events | “Ils sont arrivés en limousine.” (They arrived in a limousine.) |
These alternatives to saying “car” in French give you a wide range of vocabulary, from formal to informal and from specific to general. Understanding these different words will help you express yourself more clearly in various situations.
Response to “Car” in French
When someone refers to a “car” in French, the response can vary depending on the situation and the type of vehicle mentioned. In general, a response could be related to the car’s condition, location, or type. Below are some typical ways to respond when someone mentions a “car” in French.
1. Oui, j’ai une voiture.
Pronunciation: /wee, zhay oon vwah-tyoor/
Meaning: “Yes, I have a car.”
Context: This is a simple and straightforward response when asked if you own a car.
In a Sentence:
- “Tu as une voiture?” (Do you have a car?)
- “Oui, j’ai une voiture.” (Yes, I have a car.)
2. Ma voiture est en panne.
Pronunciation: /mah vwah-tyoor eh ahn pah-n/
Meaning: “My car is broken down.”
Context: This response is used when someone asks about the condition of your car.
In a Sentence:
- “Comment va ta voiture?” (How is your car?)
- “Ma voiture est en panne.” (My car is broken down.)
3. Où est ta voiture?
Pronunciation: /oo eh tah vwah-tyoor/
Meaning: “Where is your car?”
Context: A response when you are looking for someone’s car or asking where it is parked.
In a Sentence:
- “Où est ta voiture?” (Where is your car?)
- “Elle est garée devant le garage.” (It is parked in front of the garage.)
4. J’ai une voiture électrique.
Pronunciation: /zhay oon vwah-tyoor eh-lek-treek/
Meaning: “I have an electric car.”
Context: This is a specific response when talking about the type of car you own, particularly an environmentally friendly electric car.
In a Sentence:
- “Tu as une voiture?” (Do you have a car?)
- “J’ai une voiture électrique.” (I have an electric car.)
5. C’est une vieille voiture.
Pronunciation: /say oon vyay vwah-tyoor/
Meaning: “It’s an old car.”
Context: You can use this when describing an old car, either yours or someone else’s.
In a Sentence:
- “Comment est ta voiture?” (What’s your car like?)
- “C’est une vieille voiture.” (It’s an old car.)
6. Tu veux conduire ma voiture?
Pronunciation: /too vuh kohn-dweer mah vwah-tyoor/
Meaning: “Do you want to drive my car?”
Context: A friendly or casual invitation to drive someone’s car.
In a Sentence:
- “Je n’ai pas de voiture.” (I don’t have a car.)
- “Tu veux conduire ma voiture?” (Do you want to drive my car?)
7. Il est dans le garage.
Pronunciation: /eel eh dahn luh gah-rahzh/
Meaning: “It’s in the garage.”
Context: This is a response when someone asks where the car is.
In a Sentence:
- “Où est ta voiture?” (Where is your car?)
- “Il est dans le garage.” (It’s in the garage.)
8. Ma voiture est neuve.
Pronunciation: /mah vwah-tyoor eh nuhv/
Meaning: “My car is new.”
Context: This is used when talking about a new car.
In a Sentence:
- “Comment est ta voiture?” (What’s your car like?)
- “Ma voiture est neuve.” (My car is new.)
9. Ma voiture est une voiture de sport.
Pronunciation: /mah vwah-tyoor eh toon vwah-tyoor duh sport/
Meaning: “My car is a sports car.”
Context: Used when describing the type of car you have, specifically if it’s a high-performance vehicle.
In a Sentence:
- “Quel type de voiture as-tu?” (What type of car do you have?)
- “Ma voiture est une voiture de sport.” (My car is a sports car.)
10. C’est une voiture de luxe.
Pronunciation: /say oon vwah-tyoor duh luks/
Meaning: “It’s a luxury car.”
Context: This response is used to describe a high-end, expensive car.
In a Sentence:
- “Ta voiture est belle.” (Your car is beautiful.)
- “C’est une voiture de luxe.” (It’s a luxury car.)
11. C’est un véhicule très pratique.
Pronunciation: /say uhn veh-ee-kool tray prah-teek/
Meaning: “It’s a very practical vehicle.”
Context: You can use this response when talking about a vehicle that’s very useful and functional, like a minivan or SUV.
In a Sentence:
- “Comment trouves-tu ta voiture?” (How do you find your car?)
- “C’est un véhicule très pratique.” (It’s a very practical vehicle.)
12. Je vais vendre ma voiture.
Pronunciation: /zhuh veh vahn-druh mah vwah-tyoor/
Meaning: “I’m going to sell my car.”
Context: This is used when someone asks about your future plans for your car.
In a Sentence:
- “Tu vas garder ta voiture?” (Will you keep your car?)
- “Je vais vendre ma voiture.” (I’m going to sell my car.)
13. Elle est toute neuve.
Pronunciation: /ell eh toot nuhv/
Meaning: “It’s brand new.”
Context: This is a response when describing a newly purchased car.
In a Sentence:
- “Ta voiture est jolie.” (Your car is nice.)
- “Elle est toute neuve.” (It’s brand new.)
14. Ma voiture est au garage.
Pronunciation: /mah vwah-tyoor eh oh gah-rahzh/
Meaning: “My car is at the garage.”
Context: Used when your car is being repaired or maintained at a garage.
In a Sentence:
- “Tu as ta voiture?” (Do you have your car?)
- “Ma voiture est au garage.” (My car is at the garage.)
15. Je n’ai pas de voiture.
Pronunciation: /zhuh neh pah duh vwah-tyoor/
Meaning: “I don’t have a car.”
Context: This response is used when you don’t own a car.
In a Sentence:
- “Tu as une voiture?” (Do you have a car?)
- “Je n’ai pas de voiture.” (I don’t have a car.)
16. C’est une voiture électrique.
Pronunciation: /say oon vwah-tyoor eh-lek-treek/
Meaning: “It’s an electric car.”
Context: This is a response when describing a car that is powered by electricity rather than gasoline.
In a Sentence:
- “Tu veux acheter une voiture?” (Do you want to buy a car?)
- “C’est une voiture électrique.” (It’s an electric car.)
17. Mon char est dans le parking.
Pronunciation: /mohn shahr eh dahn luh par-king/
Meaning: “My car is in the parking lot.”
Context: This response is used when you’re telling someone where your car is located.
In a Sentence:
- “Où est ta voiture?” (Where is your car?)
- “Mon char est dans le parking.” (My car is in the parking lot.)
Exercise to Practice Saying “Car” in French
Below is an exercise with fill-in-the-blank sentences in French. Use the words from the previous sections to complete the sentences. Each sentence is practical and relatable, helping you get familiar with different ways of talking about cars in French.
Fill-in-the-Blanks Sentences:
- J’ai une ________ rouge. (I have a ________ red car.)
- Où est ta ________? (Where is your ________?)
- Il a une ________ très rapide. (He has a ________ very fast car.)
- ________ est en panne. (My ________ is broken down.)
- Ma ________ est toute neuve. (My ________ is brand new.)
- Elle conduit une ________ électrique. (She drives an ________ electric car.)
- Je vais acheter une ________ de luxe. (I’m going to buy a ________ luxury car.)
- Mon ________ est dans le garage. (My ________ is in the garage.)
- Ils ont vendu leur ________. (They sold their ________.)
- Tu veux conduire ________? (Do you want to drive ________?)
- ________ est garée devant le garage. (The ________ is parked in front of the garage.)
- Il roule dans ________ voiture de sport. (He drives a ________ sports car.)
Answers:
- voiture
(I have a car.) - voiture
(Where is your car?) - voiture
(He has a very fast car.) - voiture
(My car is broken down.) - voiture
(My car is brand new.) - voiture
(She drives an electric car.) - voiture
(I’m going to buy a luxury car.) - voiture
(My car is in the garage.) - voiture
(They sold their car.) - voiture
(Do you want to drive the car?) - voiture
(The car is parked in front of the garage.) - voiture
(He drives a sports car.)
Conclusion
Learning different ways to say “car” in French is a great way to expand your vocabulary and become more comfortable with the language. Whether you’re referring to a luxury car (voiture de luxe), a minivan (monospace), or a classic car (voiture de collection), knowing these terms helps you speak more naturally and understand French conversations better.
By practicing these terms and understanding how to respond in different situations, you can confidently talk about cars in French, whether you’re discussing the condition of your car, talking about cars in general, or asking where someone’s car is. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will feel using French in real-life situations.
Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be able to navigate conversations about cars in French with ease!