gifle
/ʒifl/feminine
In French, 'slap' is translated as gifle. Wiktionary also lists claque.
Meaning: A blow dealt with the open hand (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| gifle | /ʒifl/ | feminine |
| claque | /klak/ | feminine |
The noun refers to a blow dealt with the open hand. You can use the related verb gifler to describe the act of slapping, or fesser to describe the act of spanking.
Which one should you use?
While gifler is used for a general slap, the related verb fesser is more specific and implies spanking, usually on the buttocks, rather than a slap to the face.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term claque and gifle are standard feminine nouns for a slap. For a more slang way to say 'to stick a slap', you can use the phrase Coller une baffe.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the northern regions of France, the term La taloche is used to mean a slap.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ʒifl/
Did you know?
- The word claque is linked to the 'claqueurs', professional applauders who were paid to cheer at the Paris Opera.
- In French, the verb claquer can mean 'to slap', but it is also used as slang for spending all of one's money quickly.
- To coller une baffe literally translates to 'sticking a slap', using the verb for glue or sticking.
Examples in context
- J'avais envie de me gifler.I wanted to slap myself.This sentence shows how to express the desire to slap oneself using gifle.Tatoeba #5569202 by sacredceltic, translation #2654662 by Hybrid
- Émilie ne me giflerait jamais.Emily would never slap me in the face.This sentence uses gifle to describe someone who would never slap another person.Tatoeba #4551959 by Whidou, translation #3456693 by Jesse
- Cette gamine veut une bonne gifle.That girl wants a good slap!This sentence uses gifle to describe a child who deserves a slap.Tatoeba #2864767 by manuchko, translation #2009462 by halfb1t
- Il a reçu une gifle en pleine figure.He received a slap right across his face.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are discussing a movie scene.
- LucasTu as vu cette gifle ?Did you see that slap?
- ChloéOui, c'était vraiment violent.Yes, it was really violent.
- LucasElle a mérité cette gifle.She deserved that slap.
- ChloéJe ne suis pas d'accord.I don't agree.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slap” translations and entries gifle, claque, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries claque, gifle, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
