solution hydro-alcoolique
feminine
Hand sanitizer in French is solution hydro-alcoolique or désinfectant pour les mains.
Meaning: liquid (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| solution hydro-alcoolique | feminine |
| désinfectant pour les mains | masculine |
What does it mean word for word?
The term solution hydro-alcoolique literally translates to 'hydro-alcoholic solution'.
Which one should you use?
Solution hydro-alcoolique is a technical term, whereas désinfectant pour les mains is a more common, descriptive way to refer to the product in everyday speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
Solution hydro-alcoolique is a feminine noun, meaning any accompanying adjectives must also be in the feminine form. Désinfectant pour les mains is a masculine noun.
Did you know?
- During the pandemic, the technical term solution hydro-alcoolique became so common that French speakers often shorten it to the colloquial SHA.
- Because French distinguishes between the consistency of the product, you will see gel hydro-alcoolique for thick formulas and solution hydro-alcoolique for liquid sprays.
- The word solution shares its roots with the English word 'solvent', as both stem from the Latin 'solvere', meaning 'to loosen' or 'to dissolve'.
Examples in context
- Pouvez-vous me passer le gel hydroalcoolique, s'il vous plaît?Can you pass me the hand sanitizer, please?
- J'ai besoin de désinfectant pour les mains avant de manger.I need hand sanitizer before eating.
- As-tu du gel ? Je veux me désinfecter les mains.Do you have any hand sanitizer? I want to disinfect my hands.
- Utilisez la solution hydro-alcoolique après avoir touché des surfaces.Use the hand sanitizer after touching surfaces.
- N'oublie pas ta solution hydro-alcoolique.Don't forget your hand sanitizer.
- Il faut utiliser une solution hydro-alcoolique.You must use a hand sanitizer.
- Cette solution hydro-alcoolique sent la lavande.This hand sanitizer smells like lavender.
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are preparing to leave the house.
- ManonHugo, as-tu ta solution hydro-alcoolique ?Hugo, do you have your hand sanitizer?
- HugoOui, elle est dans mon sac.Yes, it is in my bag.
- ManonParfait, nous pouvons y aller.Perfect, we can go.
- HugoOn y va !Let's go!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hand sanitizer” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries les, pour, solution, CC BY-SA 4.0.
