gomme
/ɡɔm/feminine
The English word 'eraser' is gomme in French. Wiktionary also lists effaceur and efface.
Meaning: thing used to erase something written or drawn (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| gomme | /ɡɔm/ | feminine |
| effaceur | masculine | |
| efface | /e.fas/ | Quebec, feminine |
gomme is commonly used throughout the French-speaking world.
Which one should you use?
gomme is the standard word for a rubber eraser used for pencil marks. In contrast, effaceur refers more specifically to a device or tool used to erase, such as a correction pen or a specialized erasing tool.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the term efface is used for an eraser.
How does it change in a sentence?
gomme is a feminine noun, so it is preceded by feminine articles like la or une.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡɔm/
Did you know?
- The term gommage is used in French skincare to describe a chemical or physical exfoliation of the skin, acting like an 'eraser' for dead cells.
- The word gomme is used in the phrase gommer un souvenir, meaning to erase or blot out a memory.
- The word gomme shares an ancient linguistic ancestor with the Egyptian word for 'anointing oil'.
Examples in context
- Tom m'a emprunté ma gomme.Tom borrowed my eraser.This sentence is useful for showing how to say someone borrowed your gomme.Tatoeba #7564882 by tras, translation #7545219 by CK
- Tu peux me prêter ta gomme ?Can you lend me your eraser?This sentence is useful for asking to borrow someone's gomme.Tatoeba #7858203 by Aiji, translation #10575258 by sundown
- Puis-je emprunter ta gomme un instant ?Can I borrow your eraser for a moment?Tatoeba #922527 by sacredceltic, translation #39983 by Shiawase
- Excusez-moi, avez-vous une gomme ?Excuse me, do you have an eraser?
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are in a classroom.
- NathanChloé, je n'ai plus de gomme.Chloé, I don't have an eraser anymore.
- ChloéJe peux t'en prêter une, Nathan.I can lend you one, Nathan.
- NathanMerci, ta gomme est très efficace.Thanks, your eraser is very effective.
- ChloéDe rien, rends-la moi après.You're welcome, give it back to me afterwards.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “eraser” translations and entries gomme, effaceur, efface, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gomme, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
