Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| capsule | /kap.syl/ | feminine |
| gélule | /ʒe.lyl/ | feminine |
The term capsule is used broadly to refer to any small container or, specifically in the context of space exploration, a spaceship capsule. When referring specifically to a medicinal capsule with a gelatin shell, the word gélule is used.
Which one should you use?
While capsule can refer to any small container or a spacecraft, gélule is the specific medical term for a capsule with a gelatin shell. Additionally, the word pilule is an informal way to refer to a capsule, particularly when discussing dietary supplements, though it primarily means pill.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both capsule and gélule are feminine nouns. Therefore, capsule is preceded by the feminine article une (une capsule) or the feminine adjective petite (une petite capsule).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of capsule is /kap.syl/.
Did you know?
- While pilule generally means 'pill', it is most famously associated with 'the Pill' (la pilule) meaning oral contraception.
- The word gélule is a portmanteau combining gélatine ('gelatin') and capsule ('capsule').
- The word capsule is a diminutive of the Latin 'capsa', which means a box or a chest.
Examples in context
- Il se peut que la capsule Orion transporte un jour des êtres humains vers Mars.The Orion capsule may one day carry human beings to Mars.This sentence uses capsule to refer to a spacecraft.Tatoeba #3678016 by sacredceltic, translation #3677142 by Hybrid
- Dans le domaine médical, les gélules sont souvent utilisées pour administrer des médicaments.In the medical field, capsules are often used to administer medications.
- Les capsules de café sont généralement fabriquées en aluminium.Coffee capsules are generally made of aluminum.
- L'enveloppe de la capsule protège efficacement son contenu.The capsule's envelope effectively protects its contents.
- C'est plus pratique de prendre les gélules plutôt que les comprimés.It is more practical to take capsules rather than tablets.
- Mon café préféré est celui en dosette, c'est rapide et délicieux.My favorite coffee is the one in a pod, it's fast and delicious.
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are in the kitchen talking about medicine.
- LucasEst-ce que tu as pris ta capsule ce matin ?Did you take your capsule this morning?
- EmmaNon, j'ai oublié de le faire.No, I forgot to do it.
- LucasPrends ta capsule avec un grand verre d'eau.Take your capsule with a large glass of water.
- EmmaTu as raison, je vais le faire tout de suite.You are right, I will do it right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “capsule” translations and entries capsule, gélule, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries capsule, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
