bouche
/buʃ/feminine
The English word mouth is translated into French as bouche. Wiktionary also lists gueule.
Meaning: the opening of a creature through which food is ingested (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bouche | /buʃ/ /bʊʃ/ (Quebec) |
feminine |
| gueule | /ɡœl/ | feminine |
The word refers to the opening of a creature through which food is ingested. In medical, anatomical or polite everyday contexts, use bouche.
Which one should you use?
bouche is the standard, neutral term for a human mouth. In contrast, gueule refers to the mouth of an animal, but when used for humans, it is highly informal or insulting.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both bouche and gueule are feminine nouns and take the definite article la.
How do you pronounce it?
/buʃ/
Did you know?
- While bouche is for humans and gueule is for animals, the phrase la gueule de bois uses the animal term to describe a 'hangover'.
- The Latin root for bouche, bucca, originally referred to the 'cheek' rather than the mouth opening itself.
- When someone is described as grande gueule, it does not mean they have a physically large mouth, but that they are loud, boastful and talk too much.
Examples in context
- Tom ferma la bouche.Tom shut his mouth.Tatoeba #5800745 by Toynop, translation #2647879 by CK
- J'ai la bouche sèche.My mouth is dry.Tatoeba #532485 by zmoo, translation #1740261 by belgavox
- Ferme ta sale gueule.Shut your filthy mouth.This sentence demonstrates the aggressive use of gueule.Tatoeba #7804301 by Aiji, translation #5036540 by AlanF_US
- Ouvre la boucheOpen your mouth
- J'ai mal à la boucheI have a sore mouth
- 172 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are at a cafe eating dessert.
- HugoChloé, tu as de la crème sur la bouche.Chloé, you have cream on your mouth.
- ChloéOh, est-ce que c'est visible ?Oh, is it visible?
- HugoOui, laisse-moi t'aider.Yes, let me help you.
- ChloéMerci beaucoup, Hugo.Thank you very much, Hugo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mouth” translations and entries bouche, gueule, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bouche, gueule, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
