pétrole
/pe.tʁɔl/
The English word 'petroleum' is translated into French as pétrole.
pétrole refers to the liquid oil found underground used for fuel and various products. It is sometimes referred to by the metaphorical expression L'or noir (black gold). Additionally, the idiom Avoir du pétrole dans les veines (to have oil in your veins) is used to describe a person who is highly energetic, ambitious or driven. You may also encounter the related form pétrolier, which can be an adjective for something petroleum-related or a noun referring to an oil tanker ship.
Which one should you use?
While English often distinguishes between the raw substance (petroleum) and the refined product (fuel/oil), the French word pétrole is used for both the raw substance and the refined product. Note that if you are referring specifically to gasoline, the word is essence.
How do you pronounce it?
/pe.tʁɔl/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use pétrole to refer to cooking oil or olive oil. In French, these are called huile.
Did you know?
- The word pétrolier can refer to both a professional worker in the oil industry and a massive oil tanker ship.
- The word pétrole comes from the Medieval Latin words petra meaning 'rock' and oleum meaning 'oil'.
- In a French context, referring to le pétrole during a political debate often implies a discussion about national sovereignty and energy independence.
Examples in context
- La fin de l'ère du pétrole est en vue.The end of the era of petroleum is in sight.This sentence is useful for discussing the end of the petroleum era.Tatoeba #4130222 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #4128279 by AlanF_US
- Le monde actuel doit son confort au pétrole.The present world owes its convenient life to petroleum.This sentence is useful for discussing how the modern world's comfort depends on petroleum.Tatoeba #457215 by sacredceltic, translation #242604 by secokit
- La deuxième guerre du Golfe a provoqué une flambée des prix du pétrole.The second Gulf War caused a surge in the price of petroleum.This sentence is useful for discussing how war can cause a surge in petroleum prices.Tatoeba #1771758 by gillux, translation #6809315 by Eccles17
- Le pétrole est une ressource essentielle pour l'économie mondiale.Petroleum is an essential resource for the global economy.
- Je ne comprends pas comment les prix du pétrole brut peuvent affecter notre économie.I don't understand how crude oil prices can affect our economy.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are discussing environmental news at a café.
- HugoL'utilisation du pétrole augmente encore.The use of petroleum is increasing again.
- LéaC'est vrai, c'est inquiétant pour l'environnement.It's true, it is worrying for the environment.
- HugoOn doit trouver des alternatives au pétrole.We must find alternatives to petroleum.
- LéaOui, Hugo, le changement est nécessaire.Yes, Hugo, change is necessary.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pétrole, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pétrole, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
