ampoule
/ɑ̃.pul/feminine
The English phrase light bulb is translated into French as ampoule. Wiktionary also lists lampe and ampoule électrique.
Meaning: evacuated glass bulb containing a metal filament that produces light (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ampoule | /ɑ̃.pul/ | feminine |
| lampe | /lɑ̃p/ | feminine |
| ampoule électrique | feminine |
The standard and widely recognized phrase for light bulb in French is ampoule électrique. In everyday conversation, people often use the shortened version ampoule. Note that in certain contexts, ampoule can also mean a blister on the skin, although the technical medical term is phlyctène.
Which one should you use?
While ampoule refers specifically to the bulb itself, lampe refers to the entire lamp or light fixture.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ɑ̃.pul/ and has two syllables.
Did you know?
- While English uses 'bulb' for both plants and lights, French uses ampoule for the light and bulbe for the plant, keeping the two meanings strictly separate.
- When French speakers describe a sudden idea, they do not always say 'the light bulb went off' as English speakers do, but often use the phrase avoir le déclic.
- The word ampoule comes from the Latin word ampulla, which referred to a small flask or bottle.
Examples in context
- Tom a dévissé l'ampoule.Tom unscrewed the light bulb.This sentence shows how to use the word ampoule when talking about unscrewing it.Tatoeba #5899409 by Aiji, translation #2542776 by CK
- Combien coûte cette ampoule ?How much does this light bulb cost?This sentence is useful for asking about the cost of an ampoule.Tatoeba #10288358 by Micsmithel, translation #13594840 by rul
- Une ampoule donne de la lumière.A light bulb gives light.This sentence describes how an ampoule provides light.Tatoeba #898235 by sacredceltic, translation #681358 by Source_VOA
- J'ai besoin d'acheter une ampoule électrique pour ma lampe.I need to buy a light bulb for my lamp.
- Je dois changer mon ampoule. Elle est grillée.I need to change my light bulb. It's burned out.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan is trying to fix a lamp in the living room.
- NathanL'ampoule est grillée.The light bulb is burnt out.
- LéaEst-ce que tu as une nouvelle ampoule ?Do you have a new light bulb?
- NathanNon, je dois aller en acheter une.No, I have to go buy one.
- LéaJe peux t'accompagner.I can go with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “light bulb” translations and entries ampoule, lampe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ampoule, lampe, électrique, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
