boisson
/bwa.sɔ̃/feminine
The English word beverage translates to French as boisson. Wiktionary also lists breuvage.
Meaning: drink (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| boisson | /bwa.sɔ̃/ | feminine |
| breuvage | /bʁœ.vaʒ/ /bʁø.vaʒ/ |
masculine |
Both boisson and breuvage are used to mean a drink or beverage.
Which one should you use?
boisson is the standard, everyday word for any kind of drink or beverage. In contrast, breuvage is a more formal or literary term, often used to describe a special, magical or medicinal concoction.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec, Canada, the word breuvage is commonly used for beverage.
How does it change in a sentence?
boisson is a feminine noun, so it uses the feminine article une boisson. The plural of boisson is formed by adding an s to get boissons. Because breuvage is a masculine noun, it uses the masculine article un breuvage.
How do you pronounce it?
/bwa.sɔ̃/ (2 syllables)
Did you know?
- The English word 'beverage' is actually a loanword from the Old French bevrage, meaning it was borrowed directly from the ancestor of the modern word breuvage.
- The verb abreuver shares a root with breuvage and is specifically used for giving water to livestock, though it can be used metaphorically to mean 'showering' someone with insults.
- While boisson is the standard term in France, using breuvage in a Parisian café might make the waiter think you are referring to a magical potion or a strange concoction.
Examples in context
- C'est une boisson anisée.This is an anise seed-flavoured beverage.This sentence uses boisson to describe an anise seed-flavoured beverage.Tatoeba #8639926 by Julien_PDC, translation #12362329 by menaud
- L'entrée comprend une boisson.The entrée includes a beverage.This sentence uses boisson to show that an entrée includes a beverage.Tatoeba #4058 by TRANG, translation #2221 by RJH
- Le vin est une boisson alcoolique.Wine is an alcoholic beverage.This sentence uses boisson to state that wine is an alcoholic beverage.Tatoeba #9506186 by Julien_PDC, translation #9937325 by DJ_Saidez
- Je voudrais commander une boisson, s'il vous plaît.I would like to order a beverage, please.
- Ces événements nécessitent souvent des boissons rafraîchissantes.These events often require refreshing beverages.
- Je vous offre un breuvage de qualité.I offer you a quality beverage.
- Les breuvages alcoolisés ne sont pas autorisés ici.Alcoholic beverages are not allowed here.
- Je vais me servir un verre de vin.I'm going to pour myself a glass of wine.
- Un verre de jus d'orange frais, s'il vous plaît.A glass of fresh orange juice, please.
- J'ai besoin d'un breuvage chaud pour me réchauffer.I need a hot beverage to warm me up.
- Tu peux me passer une boisson, s'il te plaît ?Can you pass me a beverage, please?
- Je vais acheter quelques boissons pour la fête.I'm going to buy some beverages for the party.
- Ce restaurant propose une variété de boissons rafraîchissantes.This restaurant offers a variety of refreshing beverages.
- Il fait chaud aujourd'hui. Je vais prendre une boisson fraîche.It's hot today. I'm going to have a refreshing beverage.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are ordering at a cafe.
- LucasQuelle boisson veux-tu commander, Léa ?Which beverage do you want to order, Léa?
- LéaJe vais prendre un jus d'orange.I will have an orange juice.
- LucasC'est une boisson très rafraîchissante.That is a very refreshing beverage.
- LéaOui, c'est parfait pour aujourd'hui.Yes, it's perfect for today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beverage” translations and entries boisson, breuvage, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries boisson, breuvage, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
