banc
/bɑ̃/masculine
The French word for "bench" is banc.
banc refers to a long seat. In technical contexts, it is also used in phrases such as banc d'essai, which means a test bench or testing rig.
Meaning: long seat (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word banc is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/bɑ̃/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse banc (a bench) with banque (a bank/financial institution).
Did you know?
- You might hear the phrase banc de poissons to describe a school of fish, using the word for 'bench' to describe a group of swimming creatures.
- While banc means a seat, the word banque for a financial institution is actually a linguistic sibling. Both words originate from the same Germanic root for a 'bench' or 'counter' where money changers once sat.
- The expression être sur le banc de touche means to be 'on the sidelines'. It comes from sports, referring to a substitute player sitting on the banc.
Examples in context
- Le banc est en bois.The bench is wooden.This sentence is useful for describing the material of the banc.Tatoeba #5235158 by sicerabibax, translation #5905550 by tvindy
- Il s'assit sur un banc.He sat down on a bench.This sentence is useful for describing the action of sitting on a banc.Tatoeba #12118591 by Rovo, translation #11608382 by Nuel
- Il est assis sur le banc.He sits on the bench.This sentence is useful for describing someone being seated on the banc.Tatoeba #5234043 by sicerabibax, translation #8935443 by sundown
- Il est assis sur le banc du parcHe is sitting on the park bench.
- J'aime prendre le soleil sur un banc publicI enjoy sunbathing on a public bench.
- J'aime m'asseoir sur un banc et lire un livre.I like to sit on a bench and read a book.
- Le parc est doté de bancs publics pour se reposer.The park is equipped with public benches for resting.
- 68 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are at a park.
- HugoEst-ce qu'on peut s'asseoir sur ce banc ?Can we sit on this bench?
- EmmaOui, ce banc est libre.Yes, this bench is free.
- HugoIl est un peu vieux, ce banc.This bench is a bit old.
- EmmaMais il est très confortable.But it is very comfortable.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bench” translations and entries banc, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries banc, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
