Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cloueur | masculine | |
| pistolet à clous | /pis.tɔ.lɛ a klu/ | masculine |
Cloueur is the technical name for the tool, while pistolet à clous is a common descriptive way to refer to it in hardware stores and everyday contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase pistolet à clous literally translates to pistol for nails.
Which one should you use?
Cloueur is a more technical term for the tool itself, whereas pistolet à clous is a common descriptive term used in hardware contexts. In modern French, you may also encounter the feminine form cloueuse when specifically referring to an electric or pneumatic machine.
How does it change in a sentence?
Cloueur is a masculine noun. While it refers to the tool, it can also refer to a person who nails things. The feminine form cloueuse is frequently used when describing the machine (such as a cloueuse électrique).
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Tu as vu mon nouveau pistolet à clous électrique ? Il est beaucoup plus rapide!Did you see my new electric nail gun? It's much quicker!
- J'ai besoin d'emprunter ta cloueuse électrique pour réparer la clôture.I need to borrow your electric nailer to fix the fence.
- Le cloueur est sur l'établi.The nail gun is on the workbench.
- Je dois acheter un nouveau cloueur.I need to buy a new nail gun.
- Il utilise un cloueur pour les finitions.He is using a nail gun for the finishing touches.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are working on a DIY project in their garage.
- EmmaNathan, où est le cloueur ?Nathan, where is the nail gun?
- NathanIl est dans la caisse à outils.It is in the toolbox.
- EmmaMerci, je vais l'utiliser pour la clôture.Thanks, I am going to use it for the fence.
- NathanFais attention avec ce cloueur.Be careful with that nail gun.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nail gun” translations and entries pistolet à clous, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pistolet, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
