tonne
/tɔn/feminine
The English phrase "ton" can be translated into French as tonne.
tonne refers to the metric ton (1,000 kg). Like in English, the phrase une tonne de is also used figuratively to mean a very large amount of something.
Meaning: various units of mass notionally equivalent to a tun (noun)
Which one should you use?
While the English word "ton" can refer to the short ton or the long ton, in French, tonne specifically refers to the metric ton.
How does it change in a sentence?
tonne is a feminine noun, so it is used with the feminine article une to form une tonne. In a different grammatical context, when using possessive adjectives with a feminine singular noun, you would typically use ta, but if that noun starts with a vowel or a silent 'h', you use ton instead to improve fluidity. For plural nouns, you use tes regardless of the noun's gender.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɔn/
Did you know?
- The French word tonne originates from a Celtic word that is a relative of the Irish word tonn meaning 'wave'.
- The English word 'ton' and the French tonne both trace their history back to the Medieval Latin word tunna, which referred to a large cask for wine.
- In French, le ton can refer to the general mood of a conversation or a piece of writing, as in 'setting the tone'.
Examples in context
- J'ai une tonne de devoirs.I've got a ton of homework.This sentence shows how to use tonne to express a large amount of homework.Tatoeba #6322857 by Yemana, translation #6321893 by sundown
- Il a lu une tonne de livres.He has read a ton of books.This sentence illustrates using tonne to describe a large quantity of books.Tatoeba #8537637 by Aiji, translation #7722241 by AlanF_US
- J'ai une tonne de choses à faire.I have a ton of things to do.This sentence demonstrates using tonne to express having many things to do.Tatoeba #5920410 by Aiji, translation #5138738 by AlanF_US
- Ton chien est mignon.Your dog is cute.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are talking about a construction project.
- GabrielOn doit transporter une tonne de sable.We have to transport one ton of sand.
- ChloéEst-ce que le camion peut porter ça ?Can the truck carry that?
- GabrielOui, il peut porter plusieurs tonnes.Yes, it can carry several tons.
- ChloéC'est parfait alors, Gabriel.That's perfect then, Gabriel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ton” translations and entries tonne, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tonne, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
