tonique
/tɔ.nik/feminine
The English word "tonic" (referring to a substance) is translated into French as tonique. Wiktionary also lists tonic.
Meaning: substance (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tonique | /tɔ.nik/ | feminine |
| tonic | /tɔ.nik/ | masculine |
In French, tonique is a noun used to describe substances that invigorate the body or the mind. For example, the phrase eau tonique is used to mean "tonic water".
Which one should you use?
The forms differ by gender. The form tonique is feminine, while the form tonic is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables: /tɔ.nik/.
Did you know?
- The masculine form tonic is a relatively recent linguistic guest in French, having been borrowed directly from English to facilitate the international cocktail culture.
- In a French pharmacy, a tonique is frequently a skincare product used as a facial astringent to tighten the skin.
- In French music theory, the term tonique is used to describe the first note of a scale, which provides the harmonic foundation for a piece.
Examples in context
- Je voudrais un gin tonic.I'd like a gin and tonic.This sentence shows how to order a gin and tonic using the masculine form tonic.Tatoeba #7793283 by Aiji, translation #52483 by CK
- «Quel est votre poison ?» «Oh, mettez-moi un gin-tonic.»"What's your poison?" "Oh, give me a gin and tonic."This sentence illustrates a conversational exchange using the masculine form tonic.Tatoeba #816638 by sacredceltic, translation #612272 by darinmex
- J'aime bien boire mon gin avec du tonic du Canada,I enjoy drinking my gin with Canadian tonic water.
- Cette lotion est un bon tonique pour la peau.This lotion is a good tonic for the skin.
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are looking at skincare products in a shop.
- NathanEst-ce que cette eau tonique est efficace ?Is this tonic water effective?
- ManonOui, elle est parfaite pour ta peau, Nathan.Yes, it is perfect for your skin, Nathan.
- NathanJe vais l'acheter alors.I will buy it then.
- ManonC'est un très bon choix, Nathan.It is a very good choice, Nathan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tonic” translations and entries tonique, tonic, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tonic, tonique, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
