moyeu
/mwa.jø/
The English phrase 'hub' is translated into French as moyeu.
The word moyeu is used in technical or mechanical contexts to describe the central part of a wheel or a rotating component. Depending on the specific type of hub you are referring to, other formal terms may be more appropriate: nœud is used for hubs within transportation or networks and plateforme is a formal term often associated with technology or transport-related hubs.
Meaning: point where many routes meet (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term moyeu refers specifically to the central part of a wheel or a mechanical axis.
Which one should you use?
While moyeu refers to a mechanical or physical central axis, the word carrefour is used when you mean a metaphorical or geographical 'hub' where routes or roads meet, such as a crossroads or junction.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of moyeu is moyeux.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /mwa.jø/ and has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word moyeu shares its lineage with the English word 'module', as both descend from the Latin 'modiolus' meaning a small measure or instrument.
- To describe a person who acts as a central 'hub' for a company or project, French speakers use the word pivot instead of moyeu.
- In a modern French tech setting, you might hear the English word 'hub' used directly instead of moyeu, as many IT professionals adopt anglicisms for digital concepts.
Examples in context
- Retire la bague de retenue qui fixe le pignon au moyeu.Prise off the circlip fastening the sprocket to the hub.This sentence is useful for learning how to use the word moyeu in a technical instruction.Tatoeba #12945454 by Rovo, translation #12945280 by sundown
- Un nœud de communicationA communication hub
- Allons au café, c'est un bon point de rencontreLet's go to the café, it's a good hub to meet up
- Le quartier du Marais est un véritable carrefourThe Marais district is a real hub
- Le nouvel aéroport sera le centre international du transport aérienThe new airport will be the international air transport hub
- La plateforme numérique est le nœud de la communication entre les équipes.The digital platform is the communication hub between the teams.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are repairing a bicycle in a garage.
- HugoRegarde ce moyeu, il est cassé.Look at this hub, it is broken.
- LéaEst-ce que Hugo peut le réparer ?Can Hugo repair it?
- HugoNon, il faut en acheter un nouveau.No, we have to buy a new one.
- LéaD'accord, je vais chercher la pièce.Okay, I will go look for the part.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry moyeu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries moyeu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
