cloche
/klɔʃ/feminine
The English word 'bell' translates to cloche in French.
cloche refers to a percussive instrument. In culinary or scientific contexts, it can also refer to a bell jar or a food cover used to protect or serve dishes.
Meaning: percussive instrument (noun)
Which one should you use?
While cloche refers to a large, heavy bell (such as a church bell), the word sonnette is used for smaller bells or doorbells.
How do you pronounce it?
/klɔʃ/
Did you know?
- If you call someone une cloche in French, you are calling them a 'dummy' or a 'goofball'. It is a slang term for a person who is clumsy or foolish.
- French church bells are often 'baptized' with a formal ceremony. They are given a name and a godparent, treating the cloche almost as a member of the community.
- The French word cloche is a distant relative of the English word 'clock'. Both descend from the same ancient root referring to the sound of a bell.
Examples in context
- La cloche a sonné.The bell has rung.Tatoeba #11964062 by Amastan, translation #10031025 by Amastan
- Tom sonna la cloche.Tom rang the bell.Tatoeba #5724329 by Aiji, translation #2548970 by CK
- La cloche sonne à midi.The bell rings at noon.Tatoeba #4086493 by sak_sm, translation #33870 by CK
- La cloche sonne chaque matinThe bell rings every morning
- 53 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are in a church tower.
- ManonRegarde cette grande cloche !Look at this big bell!
- GabrielElle est vraiment impressionnante, Manon.It is really impressive, Manon.
- ManonOn peut faire sonner la cloche ?Can we ring the bell?
- GabrielNon, c'est interdit, Gabriel dit.No, it's forbidden, Gabriel says.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bell” translations and entries cloche, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cloche, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
