aspiration
/as.pi.ʁa.sjɔ̃/
The English word suction is translated into French as aspiration.
The term refers to the process of creating an imbalance in pressure to draw matter from one place to another. In technical or medical contexts, aspiration is the standard way to describe this process. You can also use the verb aspirer to mean to suck or to vacuum, and the adjective puissant(e) to describe suction that is powerful.
Meaning: the process of creating an imbalance in pressure to draw matter from one place to another (noun)
Which one should you use?
While aspiration is used to denote technical suction, be aware that it can also refer to the act of breathing in or to a phonetic aspiration.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /as.pi.ʁa.sjɔ̃/ and consists of 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- The verb aspirer is used both for physical suction and for the mental act of 'aspiring' to a goal or dream.
- In French racing, the term l'aspiration describes 'slipstreaming', where a car uses the suction effect created by a leading vehicle to gain speed.
- The word aspiration derives from the Latin 'aspirātiōnem', which literally meant 'a breathing upon'.
Examples in context
- Le dispositif utilise une aspiration puissante.The device uses powerful suction.
- La dépression créée aspire les particules.The created vacuum sucks in the particles.
- J'ai besoin de faire le vide dans cette bouteille.I need to create suction in this bottle.
- L'aspiration est trop faible dans ce tuyau.The suction is too weak in this hose.
- Il faut vérifier l'aspiration de l'aspirateur.You need to check the vacuum cleaner's suction.
- Une forte aspiration est nécessaire pour ce travail.Strong suction is necessary for this job.
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are cleaning the living room.
- ManonL'aspiration de cet appareil est faible.The suction of this device is weak.
- LucasC'est peut-être parce que le sac est plein.Maybe it is because the bag is full.
- ManonJe vais changer le sac tout de suite.I will change the bag right away.
- LucasMerci, Manon, ça devrait mieux fonctionner.Thanks, Manon, that should work better.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry aspiration, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aspiration, CC BY-SA 4.0.
