fusil
/fy.zi/masculine
The English word 'rifle' is translated into French as fusil.
fusil is a noun used to describe a firearm with a rifled barrel. While fusil is a general term for a rifle, if you are specifically referring to a hunting rifle, you would use the phrase fusil de chasse.
Meaning: firearm with a rifled barrel (noun)
Which one should you use?
fusil is the standard general term. In more formal contexts, the word carabine can sometimes be used interchangeably, though it often implies a lighter or shorter rifle. In very informal or slang conversations, the word pétard may be used metaphorically to refer to a rifle.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
fusil is the standard term. carabine can be used in formal contexts, whereas pétard is an informal, metaphorical term.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of fusil is fusils.
How do you pronounce it?
/fy.zi/ (two syllables)
Did you know?
- The word fusil is surprisingly linked to the word for 'hearth' or 'fireplace', as it stems from the Latin 'focus'.
- Long before it described a firearm, fusil was the name for the piece of flint used to strike a spark to start a fire.
- In French slang, calling a rifle a pétard might cause confusion, as this word more commonly refers to a small, noisy firework.
Examples in context
- Attrape mon fusil !Get my rifle.This sentence shows how to use the form fusil in a command.Tatoeba #1845952 by sacredceltic, translation #1841169 by CK
- Il nettoie son fusil.He's cleaning his rifle.This sentence shows the form fusil being used with a possessive adjective.Tatoeba #2219255 by sacredceltic, translation #2210681 by Hybrid
- Le fusil n'était pas chargé.The rifle wasn't loaded.This sentence shows the form fusil used as the subject of a sentence.Tatoeba #11680661 by lbdx, translation #9199203 by CK
- Dans la caserne, les soldats utilisent des fusils pour s'entraîner.In the barracks, soldiers use rifles to train.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are at a shooting range.
- EmmaEst-ce que c'est ton fusil, Hugo ?Is this your rifle, Hugo?
- HugoOui, c'est mon nouveau fusil.Yes, it is my new rifle.
- EmmaIl a l'air très léger.It looks very light.
- HugoC'est vrai, il est facile à porter.That's true, it is easy to carry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rifle” translations and entries fusil, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fusil, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
