foudre
/fudʁ/
The English phrase "tun" (a sudden flash of light in the sky during a thunderstorm) is translated into French as foudre.
foudre is used to describe the sudden flash of light that occurs during a thunderstorm.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /fudʁ/.
Did you know?
- While foudre refers to the strike, the flash of light is called un éclair, which is also the French word for a small, cream-filled pastry.
- The word foudre is a homonym with another meaning: it also refers to a massive wooden cask used for aging wine or spirits.
- The term paratonnerre refers to a lightning rod, literally combining the words for 'thunder' and 'stop' or 'counter'.
Examples in context
- Le tonneau est utilisé pour stocker du vin.The barrel is used to store wine.
- Nous avons besoin d'un tonneau pour transporter les marchandises.We need a barrel to transport the goods.
- On a acheté un fût de bière pour la fête.We bought a keg of beer for the party.
- Les tonneaux de whisky sont souvent remplacés par des fûts en bois.Whiskey barrels are often replaced by wooden casks.
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are watching a storm from a window.
- LucasOn dirait que la foudre approche.It looks like the lightning is approaching.
- ChloéOui, c'est impressionnant !Yes, it's impressive!
- LucasVite, éloigne-toi de la fenêtre.Quick, move away from the window.
- ChloéTu as raison, la foudre est dangereuse.You are right, lightning is dangerous.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry foudre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
