claquer
/kla.ke/
The English phrase "snap" can be translated into French as claquer.
The word claquer is a versatile verb that can mean to snap, to crack or to slam, depending on the object it acts upon. For the specific idiomatic action of snapping one's fingers, use the phrase claquer des doigts. If you are referring to the actual sound produced, the noun form is un claquement de doigts. In a different sense, the transitive verb rompre is used to express the idea of breaking something apart suddenly or at once.
Meaning: act of producing sound with fingers (noun)
Which one should you use?
While claquer is the general verb, you should use claquer des doigts specifically for the idiomatic action of snapping fingers. For a physical break, rompre is used for snapping or breaking apart. If you want to describe the sound itself as a noun, use un claquement de doigts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb claquer acts as a general verb that changes meaning based on the object it acts upon, such as snapping, cracking or slamming.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /kla.ke/ and consists of two syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
When talking about photography, do not use a verb related to 'snap'.
Did you know?
- The verb claquer is used in the slang expression claquer son fric, which means to blow or waste all of one's money quickly.
- The term claque refers to a 'vamp' or someone hired to applaud loudly in a theater to manipulate the audience, which is a distinct way the word evolved.
- In French, the word claque refers to a slap in the face, which is why the verb claquer evokes a sharp, striking sound.
Examples in context
- J'ai juste à claquer des doigts et tout vient à moi, sans être obligé de produire le moindre effort de ma part.I only have to snap my fingers and everything comes to me, without the slightest effort on my part.This sentence shows how to use claquer in the phrase claquer des doigts.Tatoeba #12712442 by LoverofEnglish, translation #13855451 by tieguy
- se claquer un muscleTo snap a muscleThis phrase uses claquer to describe a muscle snapping.
- Le bâton s'est brisé en deux.The stick snapped in half.
- Elle a craqué sous la pression.She snapped under pressure.
- D'un claquement de doigts, il a appelé son chien.With a snap of his fingers, he called his dog.
- Il a fait claquer ses doigts pour attirer l'attention.He snapped his fingers to get attention.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are performing in a small talent show.
- EmmaNathan, tu peux claquer des doigts pour le rythme ?Nathan, can you snap your fingers for the rhythm?
- NathanOui, je vais claquer des doigts en suivant le tempo.Yes, I will snap my fingers following the tempo.
- EmmaParfait, on commence maintenant !Perfect, we're starting now!
- NathanC'est parti, je suis prêt.Here we go, I'm ready.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry claquer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries claquer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
