charbon actif
The English phrase activated charcoal is translated into French as charbon actif.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a literal translation of 'active charcoal', where charbon means charcoal and actif means active.
Did you know?
- In French, the word charbon is used for both the fossil fuel 'coal' and the manufactured 'charcoal', whereas English uses two different words.
- The English word 'char' as in 'charred wood' is a distant relative of the French charbon, as both trace back to the same ancient root meaning 'to burn'.
- French pharmacists may use charbon végétal activé to distinguish medical-grade charcoal from the charcoal used for grilling food.
Examples in context
- Le charbon actif est utilisé pour…The activated charcoal is used for…
- J'ai utilisé le charbon actif pour…I used the activated charcoal for…
- Le charbon actif aide à éliminer les impuretés.Activated charcoal helps eliminate impurities.
- Je cherche du charbon actif en pharmacie.I am looking for activated charcoal at the pharmacy.
- Le charbon actif peut aider pour la digestion.Activated charcoal can help with digestion.
- Il y a du charbon actif dans ce dentifrice.There is activated charcoal in this toothpaste.
Example conversation
Manon is asking Gabriel for advice at a health food store.
- GabrielEst-ce que tu prends du charbon actif ?Do you take activated charcoal?
- ManonOui, ça m'aide quand j'ai mal au ventre.Yes, it helps me when I have a stomach ache.
- GabrielOù est-ce que tu l'achètes ?Where do you buy it?
- ManonJe l'achète toujours dans cette boutique bio.I always buy it in this organic shop.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries actif, charbon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
