carton
/kaʁ.tɔ̃/masculine
The French word for "carton" is carton.
carton is a masculine noun used to refer to a box-like container.
Meaning: box-like container (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
This is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word consists of two syllables: /kaʁ.tɔ̃/.
Did you know?
- While carton refers to a physical box, in French slang, 'un carton' can also mean a massive success or a 'hit', such as a highly successful film or a great joke.
- In the world of art, a carton refers to a full-scale preparatory drawing used to transfer a design onto a fresco or tapestry.
- The French word 'carton' shares its roots with the English word 'cardboard', as both trace back to the Italian word 'cartone' meaning heavy paper.
Examples in context
- « Un carton de lait coûte deux euros. » « C'est vachement cher ! »"A carton of milk costs two euros." "That's blooming expensive!"This sentence is useful for discussing the price of a carton of milk.Tatoeba #11546984 by Micsmithel, translation #11505591 by sundown
- On a reçu une grande boîte en carton avec nos achats en ligne.We received a large cardboard box with our online purchases.
- Je peux te donner quelques boîtes de carton si tu en as besoin.I can give you some cardboard boxes if you need them.
- Je range toutes mes affaires dans des cartons pour déménager.I'm packing all my belongings in cardboard boxes for the move.
- Range ce carton dans le garage, s'il te plaît.Put this carton in the garage, please.
- Il y a un grand carton dans le couloir.There is a large carton in the hallway.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are moving into a new apartment.
- GabrielEst-ce que tu peux porter ce carton ?Can you carry this carton?
- EmmaOui, il est un peu lourd, Gabriel.Yes, it is a little heavy, Gabriel.
- GabrielOù est-ce que je le pose ?Where do I put it?
- EmmaPose-le juste ici, dans la cuisine.Just put it here, in the kitchen.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “carton” translations and entries carton, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carton, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
