coton
/kɔ.tɔ̃/
The French word for cotton is coton.
coton refers to the fabric.
Meaning: fabric (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When describing what a piece of clothing or fabric is made of, use the preposition 'en' before 'coton'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables: /kɔ.tɔ̃/.
Did you know?
- The phrase être dans le coton is used to describe someone who is in a state of blissful ignorance or living in a pampered, comfortable environment.
- The French word coton actually shares its roots with the Arabic word quṭun, tracing the journey of the fiber from the Middle East through Italy to Europe.
- Historical French textiles often blended coton with linen to produce métis, a fabric designed to balance luxury and utility.
Examples in context
- Ce tissu est en coton.That cloth is made from cotton.This sentence shows how to describe a cloth made of coton.Tatoeba #8537504 by Aiji, translation #5216219 by AlanF_US
- Le coton absorbe l'eau.Cotton sucks up water.This sentence illustrates the water-absorbing property of coton.Tatoeba #15719 by nimfeo, translation #323501 by jakov
- Ce chemisier est en coton.This blouse is cotton.This sentence demonstrates describing a blouse made of coton.Tatoeba #4548516 by sacredceltic, translation #60571 by CK
- Tu peux me passer de la ouate pour nettoyer cela?Can you pass me some cotton to clean this?
- Pourrais-tu me prêter un coton-tige, s'il te plaît?Could you lend me a cotton swab, please?
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are shopping for new t-shirts.
- ChloéEst-ce que ce t-shirt est en coton ?Is this t-shirt made of cotton?
- NathanOui, c'est du coton bio.Yes, it is organic cotton.
- ChloéC'est beaucoup plus confortable.It is much more comfortable.
- NathanJe suis d'accord avec toi, Chloé.I agree with you, Chloé.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry coton, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries coton, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
