bombe
/bɔ̃b/feminine
The French word for bomb is bombe. Wiktionary also lists explosif and obus.
Meaning: device filled with explosives (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bombe | /bɔ̃b/ | feminine |
| explosif | /ɛk.splo.zif/ | masculine |
| obus | /ɔ.by/ /o.by/ |
masculine |
In French, the terms for a bomb vary depending on whether you are referring to the device itself, the substance or a specific type of military projectile.
Which one should you use?
While bombe refers to a bomb in a general sense, obus is used specifically to mean an artillery shell or projectile used in warfare. Additionally, explosif refers to the explosive substance or material itself, rather than the device.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/bɔ̃b/
Did you know?
- The word bombe also refers to a classic French dessert, which is a frozen dome of ice cream and fruit.
- In French slang, une bombe can describe a person who is incredibly attractive, similar to the English 'bombshell'.
- The French word obus actually comes from the Czech word houfnice meaning 'catapult' via the German Haubitze.
Examples in context
- La bombe a explosé.The bomb exploded.This sentence is useful for describing a bomb that has exploded.Tatoeba #11837673 by Amastan, translation #11754616 by Amastan
- Ce n'est pas une bombe.It isn't a bomb.This sentence is useful for stating that something is not a bomb.Tatoeba #12003299 by calypsow, translation #7198905 by CK
- La bombe n'a pas explosé.The bomb didn't detonate.This sentence is useful for describing a bomb that did not detonate.Tatoeba #12477014 by always, translation #3930947 by Amastan
- Le suspect avait planifié de faire exploser une bombe au centre commercial.The suspect planned to detonate a bomb in the shopping mall.
- Les enfants ont fait exploser un pétard dans le parc.The children set off a small bomb in the park.
- 55 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A police officer is briefing two investigators at a crime scene.
- EmmaUne bombe a été trouvée ici.A bomb was found here.
- HugoEst-ce qu'elle est dangereuse, Emma ?Is it dangerous, Emma?
- EmmaOui, Hugo, elle est très instable.Yes, Hugo, it is very unstable.
- HugoNous devons appeler l'expert immédiatement.We must call the expert immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bomb” translations and entries bombe, explosif, obus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bombe, explosif, obus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
