tambourin
/tɑ̃.bu.ʁɛ̃/masculine
The English phrase tambourine is translated into French as tambourin. Wiktionary also lists tambour de basque.
Meaning: percussion instrument (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tambourin | /tɑ̃.bu.ʁɛ̃/ | masculine |
| tambour de basque | masculine |
This term refers to the percussion instrument used in music.
Which one should you use?
tambour de basque is a specific masculine noun used to name the tambourine.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both tambourin and tambour de basque are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /tɑ̃.bu.ʁɛ̃/.
Did you know?
- In French, the word tambourin describes both the instrument and a specific type of lively folk dance that traditionally accompanies the music of the drum.
- Beyond music, the French word tambour can be used to describe a cylindrical shape, such as a 'tambour door' which is a traditional style of paneled door.
- The word tambour does not originate from Europe but is a linguistic traveler from the Middle East, sharing roots with the Arabic ṭunbūr.
Examples in context
- Je joue du tambourin.I play tambourine.This sentence is useful for expressing that you play the tambourin.Tatoeba #9151629 by Julien_PDC, translation #9151340 by CK
- J'ai donné un tambourin comme un cadeau à mon père.I gave my dad a tambourine as a gift.This sentence is useful for describing giving a tambourin as a gift.Tatoeba #570997 by qdii, translation #570996 by FeuDRenais
- Comment dit-on 'tambourine' en français ?How do you say 'tambourine' in French?
- J'adore la musique et je suis curieux d'apprendre comment on dit 'tambourine' en français. Pouvez-vous m'aider ?I love music and I'm curious to learn how to say 'tambourine' in French. Can you help me?
- Le tambourin est un instrument de percussion.The tambourine is a percussion instrument.
Example conversation
At a music store, Gabriel is looking for instruments.
- GabrielEst-ce que vous avez un tambourin ?Do you have a tambourine?
- ManonOui, il est juste ici.Yes, it is right here.
- GabrielJe vais prendre ce tambourin.I will take this tambourine.
- ManonTrès bien, Gabriel, merci.Very well, Gabriel, thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tambourine” translations and entries tambourin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries basque, de, tambour, tambourin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
