claque
/klak/
To smack or slap someone in French is to claque.
The verb claquer is often used to describe the physical action of slapping or striking with a sharp sound. This can be expressed using the verb claquer or the noun une claque to refer to the slap itself.
Meaning: to slap someone (verb)
Which one should you use?
While claque is a form of the verb, une claque is the noun used to mean 'a slap'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Switzerland and parts of Eastern France, the term bise is used instead to refer to a light 'kiss' or 'peck'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form claque is the third-person singular present indicative of the verb claquer, which is the infinitive form meaning 'to slap'.
How do you pronounce it?
/klak/
Did you know?
- French speakers use the phrase claquer son fric to describe spending all their money quickly.
- The word claque can refer to a group of people hired to applaud a performance, a practice that originated at the Paris Opera.
- In French, the phrase prendre une claque can mean failing a test or experiencing a harsh disappointment.
Examples in context
- Je lui ai donné une petite tape sur la joue.I gave him a light smack on the cheek.
- Elle reçut un baiser léger sur les lèvres comme salutation.She received a gentle smack on the lips as a greeting.
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are arguing about a prank.
- ChloéTu m'as vraiment énervée, Gabriel !You really made me angry, Gabriel!
- GabrielC'était juste une blague, Chloé.It was just a joke, Chloé.
- ChloéJe vais te mettre une claque !I'm going to slap you!
- GabrielCalme-toi, s'il te plaît.Calm down, please.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry claque, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries claque, CC BY-SA 4.0.
