sac
/sak/masculine
The English word "bag" is translated into French as sac. Wiktionary also lists poche and cornet.
Meaning: flexible container (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sac | /sak/ | masculine |
| poche | /pɔʃ/ | feminine, regional |
| cornet | /kɔʁ.nɛ/ | masculine |
A sac is a general term for a flexible container. If you need to specify what the bag is made of, such as a paper bag, you append the material after the noun, for example, sac en papier.
Which one should you use?
While sac is the standard general term for a bag, poche refers more specifically to a pocket or a small pouch. Additionally, cornet is used for a specific type of small, cone-shaped bag, such as a paper cone used for snacks or an ice cream cone.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain French-speaking regions, particularly in parts of Switzerland or within specific dialects, poche can be used to mean a bag or a pocket.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of sac is sacs, created by adding an s to the end.
How do you pronounce it?
/sak/
Did you know?
- The English verb 'ransack' is actually a linguistic relative of the French word sac, both stemming from Old Norse roots.
- The French word cornet is a diminutive of corne, meaning 'horn', because the bag is shaped like one.
- In French, the word poche can also refer to a 'pocket' in a technical or scientific sense, not just in a garment.
Examples in context
- Il a son sac.He has her bag.The first sentence shows the use of sac to indicate possession.Tatoeba #12480583 by always, translation #8614121 by Amastan
- Ton sac est là.There is your bag.The second sentence shows the use of sac to indicate location.Tatoeba #831629 by sacredceltic, translation #33145 by CK
- Voici ton sac !Here is your bag.The third sentence shows the use of sac to point something out.Tatoeba #1991332 by sacredceltic, translation #17400 by CK
- Je voudrais acheter un sac en cuir.I would like to buy a leather bag.
- Elle a acheté une pochette pour la soirée.She bought a clutch for the evening.
- J'ai oublié ma mallette au bureau.I forgot my briefcase at the office.
- J'ai acheté un nouveau sac aujourd'hui.I bought a new bag today.
- Je vais mettre mes livres dans mon fourre-tout.I'm going to put my books in my tote bag.
- J'ai pris un panier pour faire mes courses.I took a shopping bag to do my groceries.
- Peux-tu m'aider à porter les paniers à provisions ?Can you help me carry the shopping bags?
- 303 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are preparing to leave the house.
- LéaGabriel, as-tu vu mon sac ?Gabriel, have you seen my bag?
- GabrielOui, ton sac est sur la table.Yes, your bag is on the table.
- LéaMerci, il est un peu lourd.Thank you, it is a little heavy.
- GabrielJe peux t'aider avec ton sac.I can help you with your bag.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bag” translations and entries sac, poche, cornet, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cornet, poche, sac, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
