eau de Cologne
/o d(ə) kɔ.lɔɲ/masculine
eau de Cologne is the French way to say cologne.
This term refers to cologne (eau de Cologne) as a fragrance. It is distinct from the proper noun Cologne, which refers to the city in Germany.
Meaning: eau de Cologne (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to water of Cologne, referencing the German city.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/o d(ə) kɔ.lɔɲ/
Did you know?
- The specific phrase eau de Cologne was coined in 1742 by an Italian perfumer named Johann Maria Farina.
Examples in context
- Elle pouvait sentir son eau de Cologne.She could smell his cologne.This sentence is useful for showing how to express that someone can smell the eau de Cologne.Tatoeba #4765610 by sacredceltic, translation #3163285 by Hybrid
- J'adore l'eau de toilette que tu portes, ça sent si bon!I love the cologne you're wearing, it smells so good!
- Où puis-je trouver une eau de Cologne de bonne qualité?Where can I find a high-quality cologne?
- Cette eau de Cologne sent très bon.This cologne smells very good.
- Je cherche une eau de Cologne légère.I am looking for a light cologne.
Example conversation
Gabriel is getting ready to go out and Chloé is helping him.
- GabrielTu aimes mon eau de Cologne ?Do you like my cologne?
- ChloéOui, elle est très agréable.Yes, it is very pleasant.
- GabrielJe vais en mettre un peu plus.I am going to put a little more on.
- ChloéNe t'inquiète pas, Gabriel, c'est assez.Don't worry, Gabriel, it's enough.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cologne” translations and entries eau de Cologne, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Cologne, de, eau, eau de Cologne, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
