munitions
/my.ni.sjɔ̃/
The English phrase "ammo" is translated into French as munitions.
The term refers to projectiles and the propellant used to fire them from a weapon.
Which one should you use?
While munitions refers to the ammunition itself, the word munition (singular) is rarely used in modern French to mean 'ammo' and is instead used in specific technical or administrative contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Billes is a colloquial term used in Quebec to refer to ammunition, particularly for airsoft guns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and is pronounced /my.ni.sjɔ̃/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the singular form munition, but in French, the term for ammunition is almost exclusively used in the plural: munitions.
Did you know?
- In a figurative sense, a French speaker might use the word munitions to describe evidence or arguments used to 'attack' someone in a debate.
- In Quebec, using billes for ammo mimics the word for 'marbles', reflecting the small spherical shape of the projectiles.
- The term munitions is often shortened to muni in informal military or gaming slang in France.
Examples in context
- Tu gaspilles des munitions.You're wasting ammo.Tatoeba #2226671 by sacredceltic, translation #2218506 by CK
- On est à court de munitions.We're running out of ammo.Tatoeba #12248385 by lbdx, translation #3431022 by CK
- Je suis à court de munitions.I'm out of ammo.Tatoeba #4169701 by sacredceltic, translation #2549501 by CK
- Je dois acheter des cartouchesI need to buy some ammo.
- La police dispose de munitions spécialiséesThe police have specialized ammunition.
- J'ai besoin de quelques balles pour mon pistoletI need some ammo for my gun.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two players are discussing their inventory in a video game.
- LéaIl nous faut plus de munitions.We need more ammo.
- NathanJe vais en chercher.I will go look for some.
- LéaFais vite, Nathan.Be quick, Nathan.
- NathanJ'arrive tout de suite.I'll be right there.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry munitions, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
