vapoter
In French, vaping is expressed as vapoter.
While vapoter is the infinitive verb meaning 'to vape', the activity itself can be described using different nouns depending on the context.
Meaning: Translations (noun)
Which one should you use?
While vapoter is the verb used to describe the action, the noun forms vary by register. Le vapotage is the standard noun for the activity, while la vape is a shortened version used in casual conversation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, the term le vapotement is commonly used to refer to vaping.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form vapoter is an infinitive verb meaning 'to vape'. When you want to refer to the activity as a noun, use le vapotage.
Did you know?
- Because vapoter sounds like papoter meaning 'to chat', the word is sometimes used in puns to describe social vaping.
- The word vape is a loanword from English, but French speakers treat it as a feminine noun la vape to fit the language's gender system.
- Unlike 'smoking', which is often associated with the word tabac, vapotage is linguistically linked to vapeur meaning 'steam' or 'vapor'.
Examples in context
- Vapoter tue.Vaping kills.This sentence shows how to use the verb vapoter to make a statement about the dangers of the activity.Tatoeba #3269037 by sacredceltic, translation #9795151 by Gib
- Le vapotage est devenu populaire parmi les jeunes adultes.Vaping has become popular among young adults.
- Nous devons discuter des effets du vapotage sur la santé publique.We need to discuss the effects of vaping on public health.
- Ils étudient les conséquences de l'inhalation de vapeur sur les poumons.They are studying the consequences of inhaling vapor on the lungs.
- J'adore la vape, c'est une manière relaxante de se détendre.I love vaping, it's a relaxing way to unwind.
- Tu as déjà essayé la vape ?Have you ever tried vaping?
- La vapoteuse que j'ai achetée est vraiment de bonne qualité.The vape pen I bought is really of good quality.
- Il a arrêté de vapoter.He stopped vaping.
- Elle préfère vapoter plutôt que fumer.She prefers vaping over smoking.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are talking outside a cafe.
- GabrielEmma, est-ce que tu peux vapoter ici ?Emma, can you vape here?
- EmmaJe ne sais pas, c'est interdit ?I don't know, is it forbidden?
- GabrielOui, il vaut mieux vapoter dehors.Yes, it's better to vape outside.
- EmmaTu as raison, je vais sortir.You are right, I'm going outside.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry vapoter, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
