bloc-notes
/blɔk.nɔt/
The French word for pad (as in a block of paper) is bloc-notes.
In many contexts, you may also use the word bloc alone to refer to a block of paper.
Meaning: block of paper (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
bloc-notes is a masculine noun. While it refers to a writing pad, the related verb rembourrer means to furnish something with a pad or padding.
How do you pronounce it?
/blɔk.nɔt/
Did you know?
- In a medical context, a gauze pad is not a bloc-notes or a bloc, but a compresse. This highlights how French uses entirely different roots for 'padding' depending on whether it is for paper or health.
- If you are looking for a 'scratch pad' for quick, unimportant scribbles, French speakers often use the term brouillon, which literally means 'rough draft'.
- The word carnet can also refer to a small booklet of coupons or tickets, extending the meaning of a small 'pad' to printed vouchers.
Examples in context
- J'ai besoin d'un bloc-notes.I need a writing pad.This example shows how to express the need for a bloc-notes.Tatoeba #8915768 by lbdx, translation #2519929 by CK
- Il a griffonné une note sur son bloc-notes.He scribbled a note on his pad.This sentence demonstrates using bloc-notes for scribbling a note.Tatoeba #8915791 by lbdx, translation #7390976 by CH
- J'ai écrit le numéro de téléphone sur le bloc-notes.I wrote the phone number on the writing pad.This sentence shows using bloc-notes to record a phone number.Tatoeba #8915795 by lbdx, translation #2519927 by CK
- J'ai noté cette idée dans mon bloc-notes.I wrote down that idea in my notepad.
- Mon bureau est équipé d'un tapis de souris très confortable.My desk is equipped with a very comfortable mouse pad.
- J'ai un carnet près de mon lit pour écrire mes pensées avant de dormir.I have a notepad next to my bed to jot down my thoughts before sleeping.
- J'ai un cahier sur mon bureau pour noter toutes mes idées créatives.I have a pad on my desk to jot down all my creative ideas.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are organizing their tasks in the office.
- LucasOù est mon bloc-notes ?Where is my notepad?
- ManonIl est sur ton bureau, Lucas.It is on your desk, Lucas.
- LucasAh oui, merci Manon.Oh yes, thanks Manon.
- ManonDe rien, on commence la réunion ?You're welcome, shall we start the meeting?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bloc-notes, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
