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French vocabulary · Beginner
How do you say "engine" in French?
le moteur
In French, "engine" is le moteur.
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Pronunciation
Say moteur keeping in mind that "eu" sits between "uh" and the vowel in "fur"; u wants rounded, pushed-forward lips, not an English "oo".
Grammar notes
le moteur is masculine. Its plural is moteurs.
Example sentence
Le moteur rugit alors qu’il démarrait la voiture.
The engine roared as he started the car.
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How to remember le moteur
Say moteur while picturing a engine right in front of you; the sound and the image will start to stick together.
Related words
- airplane l' avion
- helicopter l' hélicoptère
- ship le navire
- boat le bateau
- ferry le ferry
- submarine le sous-marin
- train le train
- subway le métro
- tram le tramway
Browse all French words in the glossary.
Questions about le moteur
How do you pronounce le moteur?
Say moteur keeping in mind that "eu" sits between "uh" and the vowel in "fur"; u wants rounded, pushed-forward lips, not an English "oo".
Is le moteur masculine or feminine?
le moteur is masculine. le moteur is masculine. Its plural is moteurs.
How is le moteur used in French?
le moteur is used the same way as the equivalent English noun. For example: Le moteur rugit alors qu’il démarrait la voiture. (The engine roared as he started the car.).
Where can I practice French words for free?
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"Engine" in other languages
Curated by Callan Ratcliffe
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