smoking
/smɔ.kiŋ/masculine
The English phrase 'tuxedo' is translated into French as smoking.
The word smoking is used to refer to a formal tuxedo.
Meaning: formal suit (noun)
Which one should you use?
While a smoking refers specifically to a formal tuxedo, the word costume is used to refer to a standard business or casual suit.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québécois French, the term habit is often used to refer to a tuxedo.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word smoking is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/smɔ.kiŋ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the English word 'tuxedo' when speaking French. You should use smoking instead.
Did you know?
- The term smoking is a shortened version of the English phrase 'smoking jacket', which was originally a casual garment worn to protect formal clothes from cigar smoke.
- French fashion terminology distinguishes between a smoking and a frac, the latter being the even more formal tailcoat worn at white-tie events.
- If a French person describes a party as tenue de soirée, they are referring to a general evening dress code that includes the smoking for men.
Examples in context
- Il te faut porter un smoking.You need to wear a tuxedo.This sentence is useful for expressing the necessity of wearing a smoking.Tatoeba #4837960 by sacredceltic, translation #3342768 by CK
- Je n'ai jamais porté de smoking.I've never worn a tuxedo.This sentence is useful for stating that one has never worn a smoking.Tatoeba #813985 by sacredceltic, translation #639402 by darinmex
- Non, je ne veux pas de smoking, j'ai demandé un costume !No, I don't want a tuxedo, I asked for a suit!This sentence is useful for distinguishing between a smoking and a costume.Tatoeba #6396407 by felix63, translation #6480290 by Micsmithel
- Pour notre soirée de gala, je porterai un smoking noir.For our gala evening, I will wear a black tuxedo.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are preparing for a formal gala.
- HugoEst-ce que je dois mettre un smoking ?Do I have to wear a tuxedo?
- ChloéOui, c'est un événement très formel.Yes, it is a very formal event.
- HugoOù est mon smoking alors ?Where is my tuxedo then?
- ChloéIl est dans le placard, Hugo.It is in the closet, Hugo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tuxedo” translations and entries smoking, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries smoking, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
