French word

argile

Pronunciation

IPA/aʁʒil/

Meaning

  • feminine nounclay

Example

Cette argile devient dure quand elle sèche.

This clay becomes hard when it dries.

Illustration for argile (clay)

More examples

Les enfants façonnent des petits animaux avec de l'argile.

The children are shaping small animals with clay.

Core concept

A fine, sticky earth that can be kneaded into a shape while damp and hardens when dry.

Common phrases

  • jouer avec de l'argile

    play with clay

  • argile à modeler

    modeling clay

Similar words

terre: Common soil found in the ground or in pots.
pâte: A soft, pliable substance suitable for forming shapes by hand.
boue: Waterlogged earth with a thick, muddy consistency.

Definition in French

Terre fine et collante qui garde de la plasticité quand elle est humide et sert notamment pour la poterie.

Word origin

French argile comes through Latin argilla from Greek argillos, an ancient term for clay.

Usage tips

  • Argile is feminine, so standard phrases include de l'argile and cette argile, while terre is the broader word for earth or soil.

Word lists with this word