néon
/ne.ɔ̃/
The English word "neon" can be translated into French as néon. If unsure, use néon. Wiktionary also lists tube luminescent.
Meaning: neon signs (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| néon | /ne.ɔ̃/ |
| tube luminescent |
The word néon is used to refer to the chemical element (the noble gas) or, colloquially, to the light fixture itself. If you want to be specific about a commercial neon sign, you should use the phrase enseigne au néon.
Which one should you use?
néon can refer to the chemical element or the light fixture in a colloquial sense, whereas tube luminescent is another way to describe the object. For a specific commercial sign, enseigne au néon is the precise term.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of néon is néons, which is used when referring to multiple neon signs.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /ne.ɔ̃/.
Did you know?
- In France, people often call any fluorescent tube a néon, even though these lights actually use mercury vapor instead of the noble gas neon.
- The word enseigne in enseigne au néon originally referred to a military banner or signal used to identify a specific troop in Old French.
- The term tube in tube luminescent originates from the Latin word tubus, which was used to describe both pipes and flutes.
Examples in context
- Le néon est un gaz noble.Neon is a noble gas.This sentence is useful for stating that néon is a noble gas.Tatoeba #4585431 by dadidas, translation #7741474 by AlanF_US
- Les enseignes lumineuses sont souvent faites avec des tubes au néon.Neon signs are often made with neon tubes.
- On installe des tubes au néon dans cette artère pour l'embellir.They are installing neon tubes in this avenue to enhance its beauty.
- J'aime l'ambiance que les lumières fluo apportent à la fête.I love the atmosphere created by the neon lights at the party.
- On a installé un éclairage au néon dans ce bar branché.They installed neon lighting in this trendy bar.
- Le vieux néon de la boutique clignote.The shop's old neon sign is flickering.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are walking past a closed cafe at night.
- LéaRegarde ce néon rose sur la vitrine.Look at that pink neon sign on the window.
- HugoIl est vraiment très joli.It is really very pretty.
- LéaIl donne une ambiance sympa au quartier.It gives the neighborhood a nice atmosphere.
- HugoC'est vrai, ça éclaire bien la rue.True, it lights up the street well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “neon” translations and entries néon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries luminescent, tube, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
