boulon
/bu.lɔ̃/masculine
The English word 'bolt' is translated into French as boulon. Wiktionary also lists vis.
Meaning: metal fastener (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| boulon | /bu.lɔ̃/ | masculine |
| vis | /vis/ |
In French, 'bolt' can be translated using either boulon or vis. If you are talking about the action of connecting pieces using a bolt, you can use the verb boulonner. For a different meaning related to a plant growing quickly, the terms monter en graine or monter are used.
Which one should you use?
A boulon specifically refers to a bolt that is used in conjunction with a nut (écrou). In contrast, while vis is often translated as 'bolt' in English, it technically refers to a screw that grips into a material directly.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word vis is the same in both singular and plural forms. The noun boulon is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /bu.lɔ̃/ and has two syllables.
Did you know?
- The word vis for 'screw' comes from the Latin word vītis meaning 'vine'. This is because the twisting motion of a screw resembles the way a vine climbs a trellis.
- While an English 'bolt' can also mean a sudden run, the French verb boulonner is strictly limited to the mechanical act of fastening.
- French has a specific noun, écrou, for the 'nut' that goes on a boulon. In English, 'nut' can refer to many things, but écrou is exclusively used for this hardware.
Examples in context
- Cette vis s'adapte à cet écrou.This bolt fits this nut.This sentence is useful for showing how vis fits with a nut.Tatoeba #8950746 by lbdx, translation #2419395 by MethodGT
- Utilise cette clé pour serrer ce boulon.Use this wrench to tighten that bolt.This sentence is useful for describing how to use a wrench to tighten a boulon.Tatoeba #12593962 by lbdx, translation #11591705 by CK
- Nous avons besoin d'un écrou qui s'adapte à cette vis.We need a nut that will fit that bolt.This sentence is useful for expressing the need for a nut that fits a specific vis.Tatoeba #8950754 by lbdx, translation #328855 by fcbond
- Je dois acheter des boulons pour fixer les planches ensemble.I need to buy some bolts to attach the planks together.
- Assurez-vous de bien fixer le goujon pour éviter tout désalignement.Make sure to secure the bolt properly to avoid any misalignment.
- Donne-moi la vis que j'ai laissée sur la table.Give me the bolt I left on the table.
Example conversation
Gabriel is helping Léa fix a piece of metal furniture.
- LéaOù est le boulon pour la chaise ?Where is the bolt for the chair?
- GabrielJe cherche un boulon de la même taille.I am looking for a bolt of the same size.
- LéaIl est dans la boîte à outils.It is in the toolbox.
- GabrielMerci, je l'ai trouvé.Thanks, I found it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bolt” translations and entries boulon, vis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries boulon, vis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
