Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| salle de sport | feminine | |
| salle de gymnastique | feminine | |
| gym | /ʒim/ | masculine |
| gymnase | /ʒim.naz/ | masculine |
| salle de muscu | feminine | |
| salle | /sal/ | feminine |
The term refers to a sporting facility specialized for lifting weights and exercise.
Which one should you use?
While salle de sport is the standard term for a commercial fitness center, other forms specify the type of facility. Gymnase typically refers to a large indoor sports hall, often found in schools, rather than a commercial fitness center. Salle de muscu is a common shorthand used specifically when referring to a facility for weight training or bodybuilding. Additionally, in many contexts, la gym refers to the activity of gymnastics or a gymnastics class rather than the physical building.
How does it change in a sentence?
The various forms provided have different genders: salle de gymnastique, salle de sport, salle de muscu and salle are feminine, while gym and gymnase are masculine.
Did you know?
- The term gymnastique comes from the Ancient Greek word gumnastikós, which is derived from a root meaning 'naked'.
Examples in context
- Je vais à la gym.I'm off to the gym.This sentence shows how to say you are going to the gym.Tatoeba #6385341 by Aiji, translation #2548688 by CK
- Il te faut aller à la gym.You need to hit the gym.This sentence is a way to say you need to hit the gym.Tatoeba #2269932 by sacredceltic, translation #2230302 by Hybrid
- Sami est notre prof de gym.Sami is our gym teacher.This sentence uses the word gym to describe a gym teacher.Tatoeba #8384860 by Micsmithel, translation #7035493 by OsoHombre
- Excusez-moi, où se trouve la salle de sport?Excuse me, where is the gym located?
- 45 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are planning their afternoon workout.
- LéaOn va à la salle de sport ?Are we going to the gym?
- GabrielOui, je veux m'entraîner aujourd'hui.Yes, I want to train today.
- LéaLa salle de sport est très grande.The gym is very large.
- GabrielC'est vrai, elle est super.That's true, it's great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gym” translations and entries gym, gymnase, salle, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, gymnase, gymnastique, salle, sport, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
