coca
/kɔ.ka/masculine
In French, the English phrase "coke" is translated as coca.
The word coca is used to refer to the soft drink Coca-Cola. While the full brand name is the official title, French speakers commonly use this shortened form in casual conversation.
Meaning: Coca-Cola (noun)
Which one should you use?
While coca is the standard way to refer to the drink in common speech, Coca-Cola is the formal term and cola is a colloquial shortened version.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun coca is masculine. When ordering a single drink, you use the masculine indefinite article un coca.
How do you pronounce it?
The word consists of two syllables: /kɔ.ka/.
Did you know?
- The word coca actually shares its origins with the Spanish word for the coca plant, which is the source of cocaine.
- In France, if you order un coca at a cafe, you may be asked if you want it zéro, which refers to the sugar-free version.
- Many French speakers use un coca as a generic term for any dark cola drink, even if it is a store-brand alternative.
Examples in context
- Jiro veut boire un coca.Jiro wants to drink Coke.This example shows how to express a desire to drink a coca.Tatoeba #6291336 by nimfeo, translation #264370 by CN
- Un coca, s'il vous plaît.A coke, please.This example demonstrates how to politely order a coca.Tatoeba #11131 by Elliv, translation #62314 by CK
- J'aimerais boire un coca.I'd like to drink a Coke.This example shows a polite way to express a preference for drinking a coca.Tatoeba #6673747 by GB3, translation #6672898 by Ricardo14
- Tu veux du Coca-Cola ?Do you want some Coca-Cola?
- On peut commander deux colas ?Can we order two colas?
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are at a fast food restaurant.
- LéaTu veux quoi comme boisson, Nathan ?What do you want to drink, Nathan?
- NathanJe vais prendre un coca.I'll have a coke.
- LéaMoi aussi, je prends un coca.Me too, I'll have a coke.
- NathanD'accord, on commande ensemble.Okay, let's order together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coke” translations and entries coca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries coca, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
