cuve
/kyv/feminine
The English word 'vat' is translated into French as cuve.
The term cuve refers to a large tub, such as is used for making wine or for tanning.
Meaning: a large tub, such as is used for making wine or for tanning (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Belgium, VAT is referred to as TVA (Taxe sur la Valeur Ajoutée) in French. TVQ (Taxe de Vente du Québec) is specific to the Quebec region.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of cuve is cuves.
How do you pronounce it?
/kyv/
Did you know?
- While cuve refers to the vessel itself, the French often use the related verb cuver to describe the process of being 'hungover' or recovering from too much alcohol.
- The term cuve is used in geology to describe a 'basin' or a depression in the earth's crust, treating the landscape as if it were a giant container.
- If you are reading a French technical manual for a car, you might see the word cuve used to describe a carburetor's float chamber.
Examples in context
- La cuve est vide.The vat is empty.This sentence is useful for describing the state of a cuve.Tatoeba #839777 by sacredceltic, translation #12228774 by Miktsoanit
- La TVA est indiquée sur votre facture.The VAT is indicated on your invoice.
- Le montant de la TVA est de 20%.The amount of VAT is 20%.
- Combien coûte cette robe avec la TVA incluse ?How much does this dress cost with VAT included?
- Le raisin est dans la cuve.The grapes are in the vat.
- Il faut nettoyer cette grande cuve.This large vat must be cleaned.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are working in a winery.
- LéaHugo, regarde la cuve numéro trois.Hugo, look at vat number three.
- HugoQu'est-ce qu'il y a avec la cuve ?What is wrong with the vat?
- LéaElle semble fuir un peu.It seems to be leaking a bit.
- HugoJe vais m'en occuper tout de suite.I will take care of it right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vat” translations and entries cuve, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
