but
soccer, everyday
In French soccer a goal is but. Fans shout But ! when the ball goes in, and the verb phrase is marquer un but. It is also called le goal.
Meaning: goal scored in a match (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| but | soccer, everyday |
| marquer un but | soccer, phrase |
| le goal | goalkeeper, casual |
You say un but for one goal and des buts for several. Quel but ! means "what a goal!"
Which one should you use?
The casual word goal in France usually means the goalkeeper, not the goal that is scored. The official term for the goalkeeper is gardien de but.
How do you pronounce it?
The t in but is pronounced, so it sounds like "bewt" with a rounded French "u".
Did you know?
- The French word but also means "aim" or "purpose", which is why a goal is the aim of the game.
Examples in context
- Quel but !What a goal!
- Il a marqué deux buts.He scored two goals.
- Le gardien de but a arrêté le ballon.The goalkeeper stopped the ball.
Example conversation
Léo and his father Marc watch a match on TV.
- LéoBut ! Tu as vu ça ?Goal! Did you see that?
- MarcQuel but magnifique !What a beautiful goal!
- LéoIl a marqué deux buts ce soir.He scored two goals tonight.
