préservatif
/pʁe.zɛʁ.va.tif/masculine
The English phrase 'condom' is translated into French as préservatif. Wiktionary also lists capote anglaise and capote.
Meaning: flexible sleeve worn on the penis (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| préservatif | /pʁe.zɛʁ.va.tif/ | masculine |
| capote anglaise | /ka.pɔt ɑ̃.ɡlɛz/ | feminine |
| capote | /ka.pɔt/ | feminine, informal |
| condom | /kɔ̃.dɔ̃/ /kɔ̃.dɔm/ |
Louisiana, New England, Quebec, masculine |
The terms refer to a flexible sleeve worn on the penis.
Which one should you use?
préservatif is the standard or medical term, whereas capote is a colloquial way to refer to the same object. capote anglaise is an informal term that literally translates to 'English cap'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
préservatif is the standard and more formal term. In contrast, capote and capote anglaise are informal or colloquial.
Is it said differently in some regions?
condom is a masculine noun used in Louisiana, New-England and Quebec.
How does it change in a sentence?
préservatif is a masculine noun, while capote and capote anglaise are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
préservatif is pronounced /pʁe.zɛʁ.va.tif/ and has 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- The term capote originally referred to a hooded cloak or a bonnet worn by women. Over time it shifted from describing a head covering to a covering for the penis.
- In French capote anglaise literally translates to 'English cap'. This historical term refers to the fact that rubber condoms were popularized and imported from England in the 19th century.
- The term capote can still be used in French to describe a protective cover for other objects, such as a car engine or specialized machinery.
Examples in context
- As-tu une capote ?Do you have a condom?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has a condom using the informal capote.Tatoeba #456886 by sacredceltic, translation #1613 by brauliobezerra
- As-tu utilisé une capote ?Did you use a condom?This sentence is useful for asking if someone used a condom using the informal capote.Tatoeba #1902933 by sacredceltic, translation #1879686 by Spamster
- J'aurais dû utiliser un préservatif.I should have used a condom.This sentence is useful for expressing a regret about using a condom using the standard préservatif.Tatoeba #3555267 by Blabla, translation #2718646 by Hybrid
- Je pense qu'il est important d'utiliser un préservatif pour se protéger des maladies sexuellement transmissibles.I think it's important to use a condom to protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
- N'oublie pas de prendre une capote avant de sortir ce soir.Don't forget to take a condom before going out tonight.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are discussing safe sex.
- NathanOn doit utiliser un préservatif.We must use a condom.
- LéaTu en as un sur toi ?Do you have one on you?
- NathanOui, j'ai un préservatif dans mon sac.Yes, I have a condom in my bag.
- LéaC'est parfait, merci Nathan.That's perfect, thank you Nathan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “condom” translations and entries préservatif, capote anglaise, capote, condom, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
