balai
/ba.lɛ/masculine
The English word 'broom' is translated into French as balai. Wiktionary also lists ramon.
Meaning: domestic utensil (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| balai | /ba.lɛ/ | masculine |
| ramon | /ʁa.mɔ̃/ | masculine |
The term refers to a domestic utensil. The verb balayer is derived from the noun balai and is used for the action of sweeping.
Which one should you use?
ramon is another masculine form for the same object.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both balai and ramon are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ba.lɛ/
Did you know?
- In French folklore, the balai is not just for cleaning but is a central symbol of the 'Sabbat', the legendary midnight gathering of witches.
- The word balai descends from Proto-Celtic roots, meaning it predates the Latin influence that shaped much of the French language.
- While balai is the standard term, ramon specifically refers to a tool used for cleaning chimneys, known as a 'chimney sweep's brush'.
Examples in context
- Sais-tu où est le balai ?Do you know where the broom is?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of the balai.Tatoeba #12899388 by Rovo, translation #12899134 by rul
- Je vais chercher le balai.I'll go get the broom.This sentence is useful for expressing the intent to fetch the balai.Tatoeba #5367299 by Aiji, translation #2878235 by CK
- Nous avons acheté un balai.We bought a broom.This sentence is useful for stating the purchase of a balai.Tatoeba #11714016 by Amastan, translation #12545812 by rul
- Est-ce que vous avez le balai?Do you have the broom?
- Passe-moi le balai, s'il te plaîtPass me the broom, please
- J'ai rangé le balai dans le placardI put the broom in the closet
- Je cherche un balai pour nettoyerI'm looking for a broom to clean
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are cleaning their apartment.
- LéaPeux-tu utiliser ce balai pour le salon ?Can you use this broom for the living room?
- HugoOui, je prends le balai tout de suite.Yes, I'll take the broom right away.
- LéaMerci, Hugo, c'est très gentil.Thank you, Hugo, that's very kind.
- HugoDe rien, je termine de nettoyer.You're welcome, I'm finishing the cleaning.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “broom” translations and entries balai, ramon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
