régime
/ʁe.ʒim/masculine
The English phrase 'diet' is translated into French as régime.
régime is used to refer to a controlled regimen of food. The phrase être au régime is the standard way to express that someone is following a dietary regimen for weight loss. Additionally, manger équilibré is used to mean 'to eat a balanced diet'.
Meaning: controlled regimen of food (noun)
Which one should you use?
While régime is used for weight loss, it can also mean any systematic regimen, such as a régime politique (political regime).
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun régime is masculine, so you use the masculine article un or le.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁe.ʒim/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the word diète to mean a weight-loss diet. In French, diète specifically refers to a period of fasting or a very restrictive liquid-only diet for medical reasons.
Did you know?
- In French, the word régime also refers to a single bunch of bananas or dates hanging from a tree.
- The French term régime comes from the Latin 'regere', meaning 'to guide' or 'to rule'.
- Because régime relates to 'rule' or 'control', saying être au régime can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation of deprivation.
Examples in context
- Je suis au régime.I'm on a diet.This sentence is useful for stating that you are on a diet using régime.Tatoeba #7064 by Archibald, translation #241675 by CK
- Elle est au régime.She is on a diet.This sentence is useful for stating that she is on a diet using régime.Tatoeba #457320 by sacredceltic, translation #315104 by CK
- Qui fait un régime ?Who's on diet?This sentence is useful for asking who is on a diet using régime.Tatoeba #5761451 by Thomz, translation #5758590 by daifons
- Mon régime alimentaire me permet de perdre du poids lentement et sainement.My diet allows me to lose weight slowly and healthily.
- J'ai décidé de changer mon alimentation pour être en meilleure santé.I have decided to change my diet to improve my health.
- Mon régime me permet de manger sans trop me priver.My diet allows me to eat without depriving myself too much.
- Chez moi, nous essayons toujours de manger équilibré et varié.At home, we always try to eat a balanced and varied diet.
- 93 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are talking about their lunch choices at a cafe.
- LucasTu as choisi un plat léger ?Did you choose a light dish?
- ChloéOui, je suis au régime en ce moment.Yes, I am on a diet right now.
- LucasC'est difficile de suivre un régime ?Is it difficult to follow a diet?
- ChloéUn peu, mais je reste motivée.A little, but I am staying motivated.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “diet” translations and entries régime, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries régime, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
