nickel
/ni.kɛl/
nickel is the French word for nickel.
In informal French slang, the word is also used to mean that something is perfect, spotless or that everything is fine.
Meaning: coin (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are referring to the metal or the coin, nickel is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables: /ni.kɛl/.
Did you know?
- The word nickel is actually a mistranslation from a German word for a copper ore. German miners mistakenly believed the metal contained copper, calling it 'Kupfernickel' or 'Devil's copper'.
- While nickel means 'perfect' in slang, the French word for a coin is usually pièce. Using nickel specifically refers to the metal composition rather than the currency denomination.
- French uses nickel as an adjective in slang, but unlike standard adjectives, it does not change its spelling to match the gender or number of the noun it describes.
Examples in context
- Le nickel est un métal dur blanc argenté.Nickel is a hard, silver-white metal.This sentence is useful for describing the physical properties of the metal using nickel.Tatoeba #4993433 by franlexcois, translation #35969 by CM
- Le nickel est un métal dur, d'une lueur argentée.Nickel is a hard, bright silver metal.This sentence is useful for describing the bright, silver appearance of the metal using nickel.Tatoeba #1109716 by sacredceltic, translation #1109896 by jackloring
- Le nickel est un métal dur avec un éclat argenté.Nickel is a hard metal with a silvery luster.This sentence is useful for describing the luster of the metal using nickel.Tatoeba #8537510 by Aiji, translation #8359221 by AlanF_US
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are looking for change for a parking meter.
- LéaEst-ce que tu as un nickel ?Do you have a nickel?
- NathanJe n'ai qu'un seul nickel ici.I only have one nickel here.
- LéaC'est parfait, merci Nathan !That's perfect, thanks Nathan!
- NathanDe rien, Léa.You're welcome, Léa.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry nickel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nickel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
