pilule
/pi.lyl/feminine
The English word 'pill' can be translated into French as pilule or comprimé.
Meaning: small object for swallowing (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pilule | /pi.lyl/ | feminine |
| comprimé | masculine |
The term pilule is used in general or metaphorical contexts. In a medical context, the specific phrase la pilule refers to oral contraceptive pills. The word comprimé is the more precise, technical term for a medicinal tablet.
Which one should you use?
While pilule can be used metaphorically to describe a difficult truth or a hard situation to accept, just like in English, comprimé is the more precise term for a medicinal tablet.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Pilule is a feminine noun. Its plural form is pilules. Comprimé is a masculine noun. Its plural form is comprimés.
How do you pronounce it?
The word pilule is pronounced /pi.lyl/ and has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The term la pilule became a cultural shorthand in France during the 1960s to represent the broader feminist movement and sexual liberation.
- While comprimé refers to a tablet, the French use the word gélule specifically for a capsule, which describes the shell's shape.
- The masculine noun comprimé comes from the verb comprimer, which means 'to compress', describing how the powder is pressed into shape.
Examples in context
- Je prends la pilule.I'm on the pill.This sentence shows how to say one is on the pill using pilule.Tatoeba #3364199 by Blabla, translation #3384252 by petersmr
- Une pilule pour chaque mal.A pill for every ill.This sentence uses the expression for a pill for every ill with pilule.Tatoeba #809290 by sacredceltic, translation #674885 by darinmex
- La pilule a été dure à avaler.It was a tough pill to swallow.This sentence uses the metaphorical sense of a tough pill to swallow with pilule.Tatoeba #11404883 by lbdx, translation #6635470 by Hybrid
- Veuillez prendre un comprimé toutes les quatre heures.Please take one pill every four hours.
- N'oubliez pas de prendre votre pilule chaque jour.Do not forget to take your pill every day.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa is helping Nathan with his medication.
- LéaEst-ce que tu as pris ta pilule ?Did you take your pill?
- NathanNon, je l'ai oubliée ce matin.No, I forgot it this morning.
- LéaTiens, prends cette pilule avec de l'eau.Here, take this pill with some water.
- NathanMerci, Léa.Thank you, Léa.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pill” translations and entries pilule, comprimé, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
