exercice
/ɛɡ.zɛʁ.sis/masculine
In French, the word for exercise is exercice.
The noun exercice refers to physical activity intended to improve strength and fitness. Other common ways to express related ideas include faire du sport (to do sports), s'entraîner (to train) or se dépenser (to exert oneself). If you are specifically referring to swimming, you would use la natation.
Meaning: physical activity intended to improve strength and fitness (noun)
Which one should you use?
While exercice is the noun for physical activity, the related verb exercer is used in different contexts, such as to exercise or wield a right, a profession or an influence.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say 'to exercise' as a physical activity, use the phrase faire de l'exercice rather than the verb exercer.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɛɡ.zɛʁ.sis/. It has 3 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the English spelling 'exercise' instead of the French spelling exercice.
Did you know?
- The noun exercice can also refer to a period of time or a financial year, such as an 'accounting exercise', depending on the context.
- The phrase se dépenser literally means 'to spend oneself'. It treats physical energy as a currency that you spend to achieve fitness.
- In a military context, exercices can refer to maneuvers or drills. This usage mirrors the English 'military exercises' but is used more broadly for any simulated tactical operation.
Examples in context
- Je fais de l'exercice.I exercise.This sentence is useful for saying 'I exercise' using exercice.Tatoeba #4681788 by sacredceltic, translation #5828706 by CK
- Fais un peu d'exercice !Do some exercise.This sentence is useful for the imperative 'Do some exercise!' using exercice.Tatoeba #8593893 by Micsmithel, translation #11917775 by sundown
- Vous finirez cet exercice.You will finish this exercise.This sentence is useful for stating 'You will finish this exercise' using exercice.Tatoeba #8672980 by Julien_PDC, translation #13816143 by tieguy
- Il est important de pratiquer régulièrement l'exercice physique pour rester en bonne santé.It is important to regularly engage in physical exercise to maintain good health.
- La pratique sportive est essentielle pour développer des compétences physiques et mentales.Engaging in sports practice is essential for developing physical and mental skills.
- On devrait faire du sport tous les jours pour rester en forme.We should do sports every day to stay fit.
- Il faut bouger davantage pour rester en bonne santé.We need to move more to stay healthy.
- 128 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are discussing their health goals.
- NathanJe veux commencer un nouvel exercice pour mon dos.I want to start a new exercise for my back.
- ChloéC'est une bonne idée, Nathan.That is a good idea, Nathan.
- NathanQuel exercice me conseilles-tu ?Which exercise do you recommend to me?
- ChloéLe yoga est un excellent exercice pour la souplesse.Yoga is an excellent exercise for flexibility.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “exercise” translations and entries exercice, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
