mercure
/mɛʁ.kyʁ/masculine
The English word mercury is mercure in French. Wiktionary also lists vif-argent.
Meaning: silvery-coloured, metallic chemical element with the atomic number 80 (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mercure | /mɛʁ.kyʁ/ | masculine |
| vif-argent | /vi.faʁ.ʒɑ̃/ | masculine |
mercure refers to the silvery-coloured, metallic chemical element with the atomic number 80. When referring to the planet or the Roman god, the word is capitalized as Mercure.
What does it mean word for word?
The term vif-argent literally translates to quick-silver.
Which one should you use?
While mercure is the standard scientific name for the element, vif-argent is a more archaic or poetic term for the same substance.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the word in a sentence such as Le mercure est élevé, the final consonant t in est links to the initial vowel sound of élevé via liaison.
How do you pronounce it?
/mɛʁ.kyʁ/ (2 syllables)
Did you know?
- In old French alchemy texts, vif-argent was often used as a symbolic term for the spirit or the soul due to its elusive and fluid nature.
- The name Mercure for the god also describes the element, because the metal was historically associated with the deity in alchemy.
- The word mercure shares the same root as the English 'mercurial', which describes someone subject to sudden changes in mood.
Examples in context
- Mercure a des cratères partout.Mercury has craters everywhere.This sentence is useful for talking about the planet using mercure.Tatoeba #12480585 by always, translation #8800741 by Amastan
- Mercure était le messager des dieux.Mercury was the messenger of the gods.This sentence is useful for referring to the Roman god using Mercure.Tatoeba #5109315 by sicerabibax, translation #5285672 by CarpeLanam
- Le mercure est-il véritablement un métal ?Is mercury really a metal?This sentence is useful for asking a scientific question about the element using mercure.Tatoeba #761221 by pandark, translation #761152 by Zifre
- Le mercure est un élément chimique très volatile.Mercury is a highly volatile chemical element.
- Mercure est également le nom de la planète la plus proche du soleil.Mercury is also the name of the planet closest to the sun.
- Le mercure est en hausse, ça promet une belle journée ensoleillée.The mercury is rising, promising a beautiful sunny day.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A science teacher and a student are in a laboratory.
- LucasAttention, ne touche pas ce mercure.Careful, do not touch this mercury.
- LéaPourquoi est-ce si dangereux, Monsieur ?Why is it so dangerous, sir?
- LucasC'est un élément très toxique.It is a very toxic element.
- LéaJe comprends, je ferai attention.I understand, I will be careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mercury” translations and entries mercure, vif-argent, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mercure, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
