carburant sans plomb
In French, "unleaded fuel" is carburant sans plomb.
The term refers to gasoline that does not contain lead to reduce air pollution.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase sans plomb literally means without lead.
Which one should you use?
While carburant sans plomb is the full term, in the context of a gas station, speakers often shorten the phrase to le sans plomb to refer to unleaded gasoline.
Did you know?
- The word plomb is used in French to refer to the electrical fuses in a house, and sauter les plombs means to blow a fuse.
- The French word for lead plomb is the direct ancestor of the English word 'plumber', as Romans used lead pipes for their water systems.
- The French word plomb is used in the expression fondre les plombs to describe someone losing their temper or having a nervous breakdown.
Examples in context
- Le véhicule nécessite de l'essence sans plomb pour fonctionner correctement.The vehicle requires unleaded fuel to operate properly.
- La pompe à carburant fournit du carburant sans plomb.The fuel pump provides unleaded fuel.
- Tu dois faire le plein d'essence sans plomb avant de partir.You should fill up with unleaded fuel before leaving.
- Ce véhicule nécessite du carburant sans plomb uniquement.This vehicle requires unleaded fuel only.
- Le prix du carburant sans plomb a augmenté.The price of unleaded fuel has gone up.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are at a gas station.
- GabrielEst-ce que cette pompe propose du carburant sans plomb ?Does this pump offer unleaded fuel?
- ManonOui, c'est indiqué sur le panneau vert.Yes, it's indicated on the green sign.
- GabrielParfait, je vais en mettre vingt litres.Perfect, I'll put in twenty liters.
- ManonD'accord, Gabriel, je t'attends dans la voiture.Okay, Gabriel, I'll wait for you in the car.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries plomb, sans, CC BY-SA 4.0.
