marteau
/maʁ.to/masculine
The English word hammer translates to French as marteau.
marteau is a masculine noun used to refer to the tool. The related verb marteler can be used to mean striking something repeatedly or, figuratively, to emphasize a point repeatedly.
Meaning: tool (noun)
Which one should you use?
While marteau is the standard word for a hammer, a smaller hammer that is often made of wood and used for lighter striking is called a maillet (mallet).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of marteau is marteaux.
How do you pronounce it?
/maʁ.to/
Did you know?
- The modern French word marteau is actually a linguistic accident. It was created as a back-formation from the old plural form marteaus, essentially building a singular word from a plural one.
- In French, a 'hammer' is not just a tool but also the name for the bridge of a musical instrument, such as the marteau of a piano that strikes the strings.
- In French, a marteau-pilon is not a tool for a carpenter, but a piece of heavy machinery called a 'stamp mill' used in industrial processes like mining or metallurgy.
Examples in context
- Regarde ce grand marteau.Look at that big hammer.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of the word marteau.Tatoeba #2568709 by Rovo, translation #68002 by CK
- Où ai-je mis le marteau ?Where did I put the hammer?This sentence shows how to ask for the location of the marteau.Tatoeba #5487985 by sacredceltic, translation #5485957 by CK
- Tom eut besoin d'un marteau.Tom needed a hammer.This sentence demonstrates the use of marteau in the context of a tool someone needs.Tatoeba #12919112 by Rovo, translation #3434118 by CK
- Le bricoleur a utilisé un marteau pour enfoncer le clou.The handyman used a hammer to drive in the nail.
- Est-ce que tu peux me passer le maillet, s'il te plaît?Can you pass me the hammer, please?
- 58 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are fixing a picture frame together.
- LéaLucas, peux-tu me passer le marteau ?Lucas, can you pass me the hammer?
- LucasOui, le marteau est juste ici.Yes, the hammer is right here.
- LéaMerci, je vais planter le clou.Thanks, I'm going to drive in the nail.
- LucasFais attention avec le marteau !Be careful with the hammer!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hammer” translations and entries marteau, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries marteau, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
