Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| asperger | /as.pɛʁ.ʒe/ |
| éclabousser | /e.kla.bu.se/ |
The French language uses different words for splashing depending on whether the action is controlled or accidental. Use asperger when describing the act of sprinkling or spraying a liquid, such as using a perfume bottle or a hose. Use éclabousser when describing a messy or accidental splash that hits a person or a surface.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun éclaboussure is derived from the verb éclabousser and refers to the actual splash or the spot of liquid left behind.
Which one should you use?
asperger is used for the controlled act of spraying or sprinkling liquid. In contrast, éclabousser is used for the messy or accidental act of splashing liquid onto a surface or person. If you are referring to the sound made by an object hitting a liquid, the noun plouf is used.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/as.pɛʁ.ʒe/
Did you know?
- The English word 'aspersion', used in phrases like 'casting aspersions', shares the same Latin root as the French asperger.
- In a figurative sense, éclabousser can be used to describe a scandal that 'splashes' onto people who were not directly involved in a crime.
- The verb asperger is used in the Catholic liturgy to describe the ritual of sprinkling holy water on the faithful.
Examples in context
- Il a projeté de l'eau sur le sol en nettoyant la cuisine.He splashed water on the floor while cleaning the kitchen.
- Les enfants ont sauté dans la mare et ont fait un gros plouf.The children jumped into the pond and made a big splash.
- Le chien a secoué sa fourrure après s'être éclaboussé.The dog shook its fur after splashing itself.
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are playing by a pool.
- HugoRegarde, je peux asperger l'eau avec mes mains !Look, I can splash the water with my hands!
- ChloéArrête, tu vas m'asperger !Stop, you're going to splash me!
- HugoC'est juste un petit peu d'eau.It's just a little bit of water.
- ChloéMaintenant, je vais t'asperger en retour !Now, I'm going to splash you back!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “splash” translations and entries asperger, éclabousser, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries asperger, éclabousser, CC BY-SA 4.0.
