boules
/bul/feminine
The English phrase boules is a French noun referring to a game played with metal balls.
boules is used to refer to the game played with metal balls. In a casual setting, people might refer to the game as les boules. When you want to talk about playing the game, you use the phrase jouer aux boules.
Meaning: game played with metal balls (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word boules is the plural form of boule, which means balls.
Which one should you use?
While boules is a generic term for several different ball-throwing games, pétanque refers specifically to the most popular version played with metal balls and a specific stance.
How do you pronounce it?
/bul/
When do people say it?
Pétanque is the most commonly used term for the game of boules in France.
Did you know?
- When playing pétanque, the goal is often to get your ball closer to a small wooden ball called a 'cochonnet', which literally translates to 'little pig'.
- In casual French slang, the word boule is often used to refer to a person's backside. Using the word in the wrong context could lead to a humorous or embarrassing misunderstanding.
- The name pétanque comes from the Provençal expression pieds tanqués, meaning 'feet planted'. This describes the specific rule where players must keep both feet inside a small circle while throwing.
Examples in context
- Voulez-vous jouer à une partie de pétanque ce soir?Would you like to play a game of pétanque tonight?
- Le jeu de boules est très populaire dans le sud de la France.The game of boules is very popular in the south of France.
- On va jouer aux boules cet après-midi?Shall we play boules this afternoon?
- Les boules lyonnaises sont un sport traditionnel en Rhône-Alpes.Boules lyonnaises is a traditional sport in the Rhône-Alpes region.
- On joue aux boules ici.We play boules here.
- Les boules sont dans le sac.The boules are in the bag.
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are at a park in southern France.
- LucasTu veux jouer aux boules, Chloé ?Do you want to play boules, Chloé?
- ChloéOui, avec plaisir !Yes, with pleasure!
- LucasJe prends les boules.I'll take the boules.
- ChloéSuper, je vais chercher l'eau.Great, I'll go get some water.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “boules” translations and entries boules, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
