minéral
/mi.ne.ʁal/masculine
The French word for mineral is minéral.
In geology, minéral is used as a masculine noun to refer to a mineral. It can also function as an adjective to describe things relating to or containing minerals.
Meaning: in geology (noun)
Which one should you use?
In French, minéral can act as both a masculine noun and an adjective, whereas in English 'mineral' is primarily a noun or an adjective.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As a noun, the plural form is minéraux. When used as an adjective, the spelling must agree with the gender of the noun it modifies. For example, when modifying the feminine noun eau (water), the adjective becomes minérale.
How do you pronounce it?
/mi.ne.ʁal/ (3 syllables)
Did you know?
- The word minéral is used in the expression un regard minéral to describe a gaze that is stony, cold or completely devoid of emotion.
- The word minéral is a learned borrowing from the Medieval Latin minerālis, which originates from the Latin word minera meaning 'ore'.
- French makes a strict distinction between eau minérale and eau gazeuse, though a single bottle can be described as minérale et gazeuse.
Examples in context
- J'aime boire de l'eau minérale naturelle.I like to drink natural mineral water.This sentence shows the use of the adjective minéral to describe water.Tatoeba #540177 by sacredceltic, translation #540113 by gracehero
- Est-ce que vous vendez de l'eau minérale ?Do you sell mineral water?This sentence uses the adjective minéral in a question about selling water.Tatoeba #7482765 by Micsmithel, translation #5765774 by strickvl
- J'ai tout le temps une bouteille d'eau minérale sur moi.I always carry a bottle of mineral water with me.This sentence demonstrates the use of the adjective minéral in the context of carrying a bottle of water.Tatoeba #335112 by trotter, translation #253123 by CK
- J'adore les eaux minérales, elles sont rafraîchissantes.I love mineral waters, they are refreshing.
- Les minéraux sont d'une grande importance en géologie.Minerals are of great importance in geology.
- Tu connais des livres de minéralogie ?Do you know any books about mineralogy?
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are looking at a rock collection in a museum.
- LucasRegarde ce minéral, il est magnifique !Look at this mineral, it is beautiful!
- LéaC'est quel type de minéral exactement ?What type of mineral is it exactly?
- LucasJe crois que c'est un cristal de quartz.I think it is a quartz crystal.
- LéaLa couleur est vraiment impressionnante.The color is really impressive.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mineral” translations and entries minéral, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries minéral, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
