explosif
/ɛk.splo.zif/masculine
The English word 'explosive' is translated into French as explosif.
As a noun, explosif refers to an explosive substance. The word also functions as an adjective meaning with the capability to, or likely to, explode.
Meaning: explosive substance (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the noun explosif is explosifs.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and is pronounced /ɛk.splo.zif/.
Did you know?
- The word explosif belongs to a family of terms where the 'f' is pronounced, unlike many French adjectives ending in consonants that remain silent.
- In French, the word explosif is often used metaphorically to describe a person with a volatile temper or a social situation that could suddenly turn violent.
- The suffix -if in explosif is a common pattern in French to turn a noun or verb into an adjective, similar to how English uses '-ive'.
Examples in context
- C'est un mélange explosif.It's an explosive mixture.This sentence is useful for seeing explosif used to describe a mixture.Tatoeba #8542862 by Aiji, translation #7963589 by AlanF_US
- Jim a déclenché sa ceinture d'explosifs.Jim detonated his explosive belt.This sentence shows the use of the plural form explosifs.Tatoeba #6727969 by GB3, translation #6709332 by OsoHombre
- Nous avons tendu une embuscade à plusieurs centaines de leurs nouveaux robots J-37 derrière les lignes ennemies dans une zone de rassemblement et nous les avons tous détruits en envoyant un troupeau de moutons chargés d'explosifs à travers leur campement.We ambushed several hundred of their new J-37 robots behind enemy lines in a staging area and we destroyed them all by sending a herd of explosive laden sheep through their encampment.This sentence demonstrates how explosifs is used in a complex context.Tatoeba #6466832 by Eccles17, translation #6466836 by Eccles17
- Le chercheur a travaillé sur un matériau explosif.The researcher worked on an explosive material.
- Ça va péter si nous ne trouvons pas une solution rapidement.It will explode if we don't find a solution quickly.
Example conversation
Two police officers are discussing a suspicious package found at a crime scene.
- EmmaAttention, ce paquet contient un explosif.Watch out, this package contains an explosive.
- HugoEst-ce que l'explosif est instable, Emma ?Is the explosive unstable, Emma?
- EmmaJe ne sais pas encore, Hugo.I don't know yet, Hugo.
- HugoAppelle l'unité de déminage immédiatement.Call the bomb disposal unit immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “explosive” translations and entries explosif, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
