dentifrice
/dɑ̃.ti.fʁis/masculine
The English phrase "toothpaste" is translated into French as dentifrice. Wiktionary also lists pâte à dents.
Meaning: paste for cleaning the teeth (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| dentifrice | /dɑ̃.ti.fʁis/ | masculine |
| pâte à dents | /pa.t‿a dɑ̃/ /pɑ.t‿a dɑ̃/ |
Canadian French, feminine |
Both terms refer to the paste used for cleaning the teeth.
What does it mean word for word?
The word dentifrice is composed of dent- (tooth) and -fice (from a root meaning making or doing), literally meaning a tooth-cleaning agent. The phrase pâte à dents is built from pâte (paste), à (for/with) and dents (teeth).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Dentifrice is a formal and technical term often found on product packaging and in medical contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
pâte à dents is a Canadian-French term.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase pâte à dents, the word dents is almost always plural because the paste is intended for all the teeth.
How do you pronounce it?
/dɑ̃.ti.fʁis/
Did you know?
- The word pâte in pâte à dents shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'pasta', as both derive from the Greek word for a dough or paste.
- The formal term dentifrice shares its -fice root with the English words 'artifice' and 'office'.
- In a French pharmacy, the term dentifrice is broad enough to cover not just traditional paste, but also tooth powders or gels.
Examples in context
- Où est le dentifrice ?Where's the toothpaste?This sentence is useful for asking the location of the dentifrice.Tatoeba #339972 by TRANG, translation #263637 by CK
- Il me faut du dentifrice.I need toothpaste.This sentence is useful for expressing a need for dentifrice.Tatoeba #7378132 by Micsmithel, translation #6067686 by mailohilohi
- Quel est ton dentifrice préféré ?What's your favorite toothpaste?This sentence is useful for asking about a favorite dentifrice.Tatoeba #981355 by sacredceltic, translation #906918 by CK
- Viens-tu avec moi acheter du dentifrice ?Are you coming with me to buy toothpaste?
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In the bathroom, Gabriel is getting ready for work.
- GabrielEmma, as-tu vu mon dentifrice ?Emma, have you seen my toothpaste?
- EmmaNon, mais il est sur l'étagère.No, but it is on the shelf.
- GabrielAh oui, je l'ai trouvé.Ah yes, I found it.
- EmmaDépêche-toi, Gabriel, on va être en retard.Hurry up, Gabriel, we are going to be late.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “toothpaste” translations and entries dentifrice, pâte à dents, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dentifrice, pâte, pâte à dents, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
