éclair
/e.klɛʁ/masculine
The English word lightning is translated into French as éclair. Wiktionary also lists foudre and éloise.
Meaning: discharge (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| éclair | /e.klɛʁ/ | masculine |
| foudre | /fudʁ/ | |
| éloise | Louisiana, feminine |
The word éclair refers to a specific visible flash or a single bolt of lightning. You may also use the term foudre to describe lightning as a general phenomenon or as a natural force.
What does it mean word for word?
The word éclair literally means a flash or a bolt.
Which one should you use?
Use foudre when you are speaking about the phenomenon of lightning in a general sense, while éclair is the preferred term when referring to a single, visible flash or a specific bolt.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Louisiana, the feminine form éloise is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word éclair is a masculine noun. In contrast, foudre is almost always used with the feminine definite article la (la foudre).
How do you pronounce it?
The word éclair is pronounced /e.klɛʁ/ and consists of two syllables.
Did you know?
- In French, the expression coup de foudre literally means a 'strike of lightning' but is used to describe falling in love at first sight.
- The word éclair is also the name of a popular long, cream-filled pastry. This is because the dessert is meant to be eaten as quickly as a flash of lightning.
- The word foudre can also refer to a very large wooden cask used for aging wine or spirits.
Examples in context
- Il y avait un éclair.Lightning flashed.This sentence describes the presence of a flash of lightning using éclair.Tatoeba #7563002 by Micsmithel, translation #7789595 by shekitten
- Rapide comme l'éclair !Lightning-fast!This sentence uses éclair as a simile to describe something being lightning-fast.Tatoeba #7693764 by Micsmithel, translation #7330241 by shekitten
- L'éclair frappa la tour.Lightning struck the tower.This sentence describes how a specific bolt of lightning, éclair, struck a tower.Tatoeba #965797 by sacredceltic, translation #325159 by CK
- Il y a eu un éclair impressionnant hier soirThere was an impressive lightning flash last night
- La foudre a frappé un arbre près de chez moiThe lightning struck a tree near my place
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are watching a storm from their window.
- HugoRegarde, il y a un énorme éclair !Look, there is a huge flash of lightning!
- LéaC'est impressionnant, mais j'ai un peu peur.It is impressive, but I am a little scared.
- HugoNe t'inquiète pas, Léa, nous sommes en sécurité.Don't worry, Léa, we are safe.
- LéaOui, l'éclair était très brillant.Yes, the lightning was very bright.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lightning” translations and entries éclair, foudre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
