zinc
/zɛ̃ɡ/masculine
The French word for the element zinc is zinc.
zinc is a masculine noun used to refer to the chemical element or the metal.
Meaning: element (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, the term is most commonly used with the definite article as Le zinc.
How do you pronounce it?
/zɛ̃ɡ/
Did you know?
- In modern street slang, zinc is a shortened version of zincou, which is a reversed form of the word cousin. In this context, it is used as a friendly term for a peer or a close friend.
- In a French café or bar, le zinc is a common slang term for the bar counter itself. This refers to the zinc plating traditionally used to coat these counters because it is durable and prevents rust.
Examples in context
- Ce métal est appelé zinc.This metal is called zinc.This sentence is useful for learning how to name the metal.Tatoeba #8703707 by Julien_PDC, translation #59613 by CK
- L'Algérie a des gisements de zinc.Algeria has zinc deposits.This sentence shows how to refer to zinc deposits.Tatoeba #12480576 by always, translation #8587992 by Amastan
- Le laiton est un alliage de cuivre et de zinc.Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.This sentence explains that brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.Tatoeba #128629 by sacredceltic, translation #269555 by orcrist
- Les toits sont souvent recouverts de zinc pour une meilleure protection contre les intempéries.Roofs are often covered in zinc for better weather protection.
- L'élément chimique numéro 30, également connu sous le nom de zinc, a de nombreuses applications industrielles.Chemical element number 30, also known as zinc, has numerous industrial applications.
- Cette boîte est en tôle, probablement du zinc.This box is made of sheet metal, probably zinc.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are in a chemistry class.
- ChloéQuel métal doit-on utiliser pour l'expérience ?Which metal should we use for the experiment?
- NathanLe professeur a dit d'utiliser le zinc.The teacher said to use zinc.
- ChloéOù se trouve le zinc dans le labo ?Where is the zinc in the lab?
- NathanIl est sur l'étagère à côté du fer.It is on the shelf next to the iron.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “zinc” translations and entries zinc, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries zinc, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
