French Conversation · Level 3
88 words
French word
diesel
Pronunciation
IPA/djezɛl/
Meaning
- masculine noundiesel
Example
Cette voiture roule au diesel.
This car runs on diesel.
More examples
Le diesel est souvent utilisé dans les camions.
Diesel is often used in trucks.
Core concept
Liquid fuel flowing from a pump into a vehicle whose engine ignites it through compression rather than a spark.
Common phrases
moteur diesel
diesel engine
voiture diesel
diesel car
rouler au diesel
run on diesel
Similar words
gazole: Diesel fuel sold at filling stations for diesel-powered vehicles.
essence: A volatile liquid fuel used in car and motorcycle gasoline engines.
carburant: Fuel in general used to power an engine.
Definition in French
Carburant liquide, issu du pétrole, utilisé pour faire fonctionner les moteurs diesel des véhicules.
Word origin
French diesel derives from the name Rudolf Diesel through the term moteur Diesel, which identified the engine before diesel became a fuel noun.
Usage tips
- Gazole is also widely used for diesel fuel in French, especially in official or commercial contexts, while diesel is common in everyday speech.
Other meanings
- diesel enginenoun
Opposites
- essencegasolinenoun