abracadabra
/a.bʁa.ka.da.bʁa/
The English phrase "abracadabra" is translated into French as abracadabra.
In French, abracadabra is an interjection used to indicate that a magic trick or another type of illusion has been performed.
Meaning: used to indicate that a magic trick or other illusion has been performed (intj)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 5 syllables and is pronounced /a.bʁa.ka.da.bʁa/.
Did you know?
- In historical French medicine, the word was often written in a tapering form to 'shrink' a fever away, a ritual known as the 'abracadabra pyramid'.
- While abracadabra is common, French magicians often use hop là to mark the exact moment a trick happens.
- Using abracadabra in a serious or professional French context is typically interpreted as a sign of heavy irony or sarcasm.
Examples in context
- Abracadabra!Abracadabra!Tatoeba #7291082 by tras, translation #7290638 by shekitten
- « Abracadabra ! » Et trois colombes s'envolèrent de son chapeau."Abracadabra!" And three doves flew out of her hat.Tatoeba #1015818 by U2FS, translation #8717461 by sundown
- Le magicien a prononcé 'abracadabra' et a fait disparaître le lapin.The magician said 'abracadabra' and made the rabbit disappear.
- C'est abracadabrant!It's amazing!
- Abracadabra, et la pièce a disparu !Abracadabra, and the coin has disappeared!
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma is performing a magic trick for Hugo at home.
- EmmaRegarde bien ma main, Hugo.Watch my hand closely, Hugo.
- HugoJe suis prêt, montre-moi ton tour.I am ready, show me your trick.
- EmmaAbracadabra ! Elle est dans ma poche.Abracadabra! It is in my pocket.
- HugoC'est incroyable, Emma !That is incredible, Emma!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “abracadabra” translations and entries abracadabra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
