boire
/bwaʁ/
The English verb drink is translated into French as boire.
boire is the general verb used for the act of consuming liquid through the mouth. While boire describes the action, if you are at a bar or in a social setting, French speakers often use the noun un verre (a glass) to refer to the beverage itself.
Meaning: consume liquid through the mouth (verb)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the North of France, specifically in regions such as Alsace and Lorraine, the term Bock is used informally to refer to a glass or a pint of beer.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb boire is irregular. Its past participle is bu, which is used with the auxiliary verb avoir to form compound tenses such as the passé composé. In the subjunctive mood, the verb takes the form boive for the singular and the third-person plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/bwaʁ/
Did you know?
- The expression boire la tasse means 'to drink the cup' but actually refers to accidentally inhaling water while swimming.
- In French, the expression boire un coup literally means 'to drink a blow' but is used informally to mean having a quick drink with friends.
- The word boire comes from the Latin verb bibere, which is also the ancestor of the English word 'beverage'.
Examples in context
- Il me faut boire.I have to drink.This sentence illustrates the necessity of the action using boire.Tatoeba #4593085 by sacredceltic, translation #2650960 by ddnktr
- Sers-toi à boire !Help yourself to a drink.This sentence shows how to offer someone something to drink using boire.Tatoeba #3645759 by sacredceltic, translation #27107 by CK
- Que veux-tu boire ?What will you have to drink?This sentence is a way to ask someone what they intend to drink using boire.Tatoeba #400185 by sysko, translation #24714 by CC
- Je voudrais une boisson, s'il vous plaît.I would like a drink, please.
- Le breuvage qu'il proposait avait une saveur unique.The drink he was offering had a unique flavor.
- Je prendrais bien un verre de vin, s'il te plaît.I'd love a glass of wine, please.
- On prend un bock dans ce bar ?Shall we have a beer in this bar?
- Je bois un verre d'eau.I'm drinking a glass of water.
- Je bois du thé tous les matins.I drink tea every morning.
- Nous prenons un café au restaurant.We're having a coffee at the restaurant.
- Je te/ vous sers à boire ?Can I get you a drink?
- Trinquons !Let's have a toast!
- À votre santé !To your health!
- Santé !Cheers!
- 458 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are at a cafe.
- LucasTu veux boire quelque chose ?Do you want to drink something?
- ManonOui, je vais boire un thé.Yes, I am going to drink a tea.
- LucasJe vais boire un café noir.I am going to drink a black coffee.
- ManonC'est une bonne idée, Lucas.That is a good idea, Lucas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “drink” translations and entries boire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries boire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
