véhicule
/ve.i.kyl/masculine
The English word 'vehicle' translates to French as véhicule.
véhicule is a masculine noun meaning a conveyance.
Meaning: conveyance (noun)
Which one should you use?
While véhicule is a broad, more clinical term for any mode of transport, French speakers in everyday conversation are much more likely to use voiture when referring specifically to an automobile.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
véhicule is the standard term and is often used in more formal, technical or administrative contexts. For a formal way to refer specifically to a motor vehicle, you can use véhicule à moteur. Conversely, if you are using slang to refer to a vehicle, specifically a car, you can use caisse.
How do you pronounce it?
/ve.i.kyl/. The word has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- In very informal French, calling someone's véhicule a tacot implies it is an old, rattling, or unreliable car.
- While voiture is the common word for car, it originally referred to any carriage or coach pulled by horses.
- If you call a friend's car a caisse, you are using slang that can range from a casual 'ride' to a slightly derogatory 'bucket' depending on your tone.
Examples in context
- Le véhicule est volé.The vehicle is stolen.This sentence is useful for describing a stolen véhicule.Tatoeba #10485992 by lbdx, translation #10361969 by ddnktr
- Ce véhicule a quatre roues.This vehicle has four wheels.This sentence is useful for mentioning that a véhicule has four wheels.Tatoeba #7646708 by tras, translation #7589800 by DanielDaniel
- C'est un véhicule autonome.It's a self-driving vehicle.This sentence is useful for identifying a self-driving véhicule.Tatoeba #12645800 by lbdx, translation #2438095 by Hybrid
- Ce véhicule est équipé d'un système de sécurité avancéThis vehicle is equipped with an advanced security system
- L'automobile a radicalement changé nos modes de vieThe automobile has radically changed our way of life
- Il est nécessaire d'obtenir un permis pour conduire un véhicule à moteurIt is necessary to obtain a license to drive a motor vehicle
- J'adore ta nouvelle bagnole !I love your new car!
- J'utilise mon véhicule pour aller au travail tous les joursI use my vehicle to go to work every day
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are discussing how to move heavy equipment.
- LucasQuel véhicule utiliser pour ce matériel ?Which vehicle should we use for this equipment?
- EmmaNous pourrions utiliser ce gros véhicule.We could use this large vehicle.
- LucasIl est trop grand pour la rue.It is too big for the street.
- EmmaAlors, cherchons un autre véhicule.Then, let's look for another vehicle.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vehicle” translations and entries véhicule, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
