ventre
/vɑ̃tʁ/
The English word 'tummy' can be translated to French as ventre.
ventre is a noun meaning belly. It is used to refer to the external belly or the general abdominal area. If you are referring specifically to the internal organ, the word estomac is used instead. To say 'flat tummy', use the phrase ventre plat.
Meaning: belly (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ventre refers to the general abdominal area or the external belly, estomac is the specific term for the internal organ (the stomach).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term bidon is a colloquial way to refer to one's belly or tummy, often used in a playful or slightly mocking way. For a more diminutive form similar to the English 'tummy' often used when speaking to children, you can use petit ventre.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing physical pain in the stomach, French uses the prepositional phrase avoir mal au ventre (to have pain in the belly) rather than a direct adjective for 'stomachache'.
How do you pronounce it?
/vɑ̃tʁ/
Did you know?
- The word bidon is frequently used as a slang adjective to describe something that is 'fake' or 'bogus'.
- In French, the expression ventre à terre describes running as fast as possible, literally translating to 'belly to the ground'.
- The colloquial term bidon for 'belly' is also the standard French word for a 'fuel can' or 'jerrycan'.
Examples in context
- Maman, j'ai mal au ventre.Mommy, I have a tummy ache.This sentence is useful for expressing a tummy ache using ventre.Tatoeba #12451128 by lbdx, translation #2354283 by orcrist
- Je pouvais entendre mon ventre gargouiller.I could hear my tummy rumbling.This sentence is useful for describing a rumbling tummy using ventre.Tatoeba #12452554 by lbdx, translation #9295924 by DJ_Saidez
- J'ai mal au ventreI have a stomachache.
- Mon bedon gargouilleMy tummy is growling.
- J'ai un gros bideI have a big tummy.
- J'ai envie de me frotter le ventreI feel like rubbing my tummy.
- Regardez mon bedon après ce bon repas !Look at my tummy after this good meal!
- Mon bide est plein à craquer !My tummy is full to bursting!
- Il a une douleur au ventre.He has a pain in his belly.
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are talking about eating too much dessert.
- LéaJ'ai trop mangé de gâteau.I ate too much cake.
- NathanMoi aussi, mon ventre est plein.Me too, my tummy is full.
- LéaOn devrait aller marcher un peu.We should go for a little walk.
- NathanC'est une bonne idée, Léa.That is a good idea, Léa.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ventre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
