Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bonnet | /bɔ.nɛ/ | masculine |
| tuque | /tyk/ | Canada, feminine |
The term refers to a cap that fits the head closely. The most common and widely used term for a beanie is Un bonnet. In casual conversations, you might also hear the phrase Un chapeau de laine used to describe a beanie.
Which one should you use?
While bonnet is the standard term for a knit cap in France, it is important to note that in other contexts, it can also refer to a baby's bonnet or a specific type of hat. In Canada, the term tuque is commonly used for a knit cap or beanie.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Canadian French, tuque is the predominant term used for a beanie. This word is specifically associated with Canada.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word bonnet is a masculine noun, while tuque is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/bɔ.nɛ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers might mistakenly use the word bonnet to mean a decorative hat for adults, but in French, bonnet primarily refers to a warm, knitted cap.
Did you know?
- The English word 'bonnet', referring to a car hood, shares the same root as the French bonnet for a beanie.
- The term bonnet is used in French to describe the distinctive cap worn by the 'bonnet phrygien', the red cap symbolizing liberty during the French Revolution.
- The Canadian term tuque is actually a phonetic variation of the word 'toque', which traditionally refers to a tall, chef's hat.
Examples in context
- Je porte un bonnet noir tous les jours en hiverI wear a black beanie every day in winter
- J'ai perdu mon bonnet en laine préféré, je suis déçuI lost my favorite woolen beanie, I'm disappointed
- Mets ton chapeau de laine avant de sortir, il fait froid aujourd'huiPut on your beanie before going out, it's cold today
- Il porte un bonnet bleu.He is wearing a blue beanie.
- J'ai perdu mon bonnet noir.I lost my black beanie.
- Ce bonnet est très chaud.This beanie is very warm.
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are getting ready to go outside in the snow.
- LucasEmma, tu as ton bonnet ?Emma, do you have your beanie?
- EmmaOui, je l'ai dans mon sac.Yes, I have it in my bag.
- LucasParfait, il fait très froid dehors.Perfect, it is very cold outside.
- EmmaN'oublie pas ton bonnet aussi !Don't forget your beanie too!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beanie” translations and entries bonnet, tuque, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bonnet, tuque, CC BY-SA 4.0.
