bain
/bɛ̃/masculine
The English word 'bath' is translated into French as bain.
bain is a masculine noun referring to the act of bathing. To express the common phrase 'to take a bath', use the collocation prendre un bain.
Meaning: act of bathing (noun)
Which one should you use?
While bain refers to the act of bathing, it can also be used to refer to the bathtub itself in certain contexts, though the specific word for the bathtub object is baignoire.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
bain is a masculine noun. The related verb for the action of washing in a bath is baigner.
How do you pronounce it?
/bɛ̃/
Did you know?
- The expression bain de foule literally means a 'bath of crowds'. It describes the experience of being surrounded by a huge mass of people, such as a politician meeting voters.
- The term bain-marie describes a water bath used in cooking to heat ingredients gently. It is named after the alchemist Mary the Jewess, who is credited with inventing the method.
- The word bain is actually a linguistic cousin to the word bagne, which refers to a penal colony or prison. This connection comes from their shared Latin root, though their meanings have diverged wildly over centuries.
Examples in context
- Je pris un bain.I took a bath.This sentence shows how to use bain.Tatoeba #4596049 by sacredceltic, translation #2549723 by CK
- Prends un bain !Take a bath.This sentence uses bain in the imperative.Tatoeba #7694567 by sacredceltic, translation #2250033 by CK
- Ton bain est prêt.Your bath is ready.This sentence uses bain to state that a bath is ready.Tatoeba #4548530 by sacredceltic, translation #64041 by CK
- Vous pouvez prendre un bain dans la baignoire.You can take a bath in the bathtub.
- Prenez un bain chaud pour vous détendre.Take a warm bath to relax.
- Je prends un bainI take a bath
- Tu prends un bainYou take a bath
- Je vais prendre un bain relaxant ce soir.I'm going to take a relaxing bath tonight.
- Prends un bain moussant pour te détendre.Take a bubble bath to relax.
- Ma mère aime prendre un bain chaud tous les soirs.My mother likes to take a hot bath every evening.
- J'ai besoin d'un bon bain après une longue journée de travail.I need a good bath after a long day at work.
- 169 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are discussing their evening routine.
- HugoJe vais prendre un bain chaud.I am going to take a hot bath.
- EmmaC'est une bonne idée, Hugo.That is a good idea, Hugo.
- HugoLe bain m'aide à me détendre.The bath helps me relax.
- EmmaD'accord, je t'attends dans le salon.Okay, I will wait for you in the living room.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bath” translations and entries bain, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bain, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
