Guide: How to Say “to Drink” in French

Learning how to say “to drink” in French is essential if you want to confidently navigate through French-speaking countries, order your favorite beverages, or simply engage in conversations about thirst and refreshment. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express this action, along with some helpful tips and examples. Let’s dive right in!

Formal Expressions

When communicating in formal settings, such as business meetings, official events, or with people you show respect towards, it is important to use polite vocabulary. Here are some formal ways to say “to drink” in French:

1. Boire: This is the general verb for “to drink” in French. It is a neutral and versatile term that can be used in various contexts. For example:
   

   Je bois un café. (I am drinking a coffee.)

2. Prendre un verre: This expression means “to have a drink” in the broader sense. It is commonly used when referring to casual social situations or meeting someone for a beverage:
   

   Pouvons-nous prendre un verre après le travail ? (Can we have a drink after work?)

3. S’hydrater: When the focus is on hydration, especially in more professional contexts, “s’hydrater” can be used. It implies drinking fluids to maintain proper hydration levels:
   

   N’oubliez pas de bien vous hydrater pendant cette réunion. (Don’t forget to hydrate yourself properly during this meeting.)

Informal Expressions

When engaging in casual conversations, speaking with friends, or in more relaxed environments, you can use these informal expressions to say “to drink” in French:

1. Boire un coup: This is a popular colloquial expression in French used when suggesting going for a drink or hanging out for a casual beverage:
   

   Tu veux boire un coup ce soir ? (Do you want to have a drink tonight?)

2. Se taper un verre: This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts to mean “to go for a drink” or “grab a drink”:
   

   On pourrait se taper un verre après le boulot. (We could grab a drink after work.)

3. Picoler: This colorful and informal term is slang for “to drink alcohol” in a less refined manner. It is not appropriate for formal situations or polite conversations:
   

   Les étudiants adorent picoler pendant les vacances. (Students love to drink during vacations.)

Regional Variations

The French language has regional variations and unique expressions depending on the area. While the expressions mentioned above are universally understood, it’s worth noting a few regional terms:

• Buveux: This term, used primarily in Switzerland, is a variation of “boire” and means “to drink.”
• Cogner un canon: In Canadian Quebecois dialect, this expression is used as slang for “to have a drink.”

Note that these regional variations are not commonly used in standard French, and the previously mentioned expressions will be widely understood throughout French-speaking regions.

Additional Tips and Examples

Here are a few additional tips to help you master the usage of “to drink” in French more effectively:

1. Always pay attention to the gender of the noun when using related expressions. For example, “boire un café” (to drink a coffee) uses the masculine “café” instead of the feminine form “caféE”.
2. Practice using these expressions in context as much as possible to improve your fluency and confidence.
3. Remember that cultural contexts, such as mealtime customs, might affect the frequency of certain expressions. For instance, “boire un apéritif” (to have an aperitif) is a common phrase before meals in France.

Now that you are equipped with several ways to express “to drink” in French, you can confidently engage in conversations, order your favorite beverages, and navigate through various social settings with ease. Happy conversing!