French Conversation · Level 115
59 words
French word
klaxon
Pronunciation
IPA/klaksɔ̃/
Meaning
- masculine nounhorn
Example
Le klaxon de la voiture est très fort.
The car's horn is very loud.
More examples
On a entendu un coup de klaxon dans la rue.
We heard a honk in the street.
Core concept
A built-in vehicle horn that produces a loud warning burst when attention is needed.
Common phrases
appuyer sur le klaxon
press the horn
donner un coup de klaxon
honk the horn
le klaxon de la voiture
the car horn
Similar words
claxon: A term for a loud warning sound from a car.
sirène: A high, continuous alarm sound from an ambulance or fire engine.
avertisseur: A device that makes a sound to attract attention.
sifflet: A small tool that makes a sound when blown by mouth.
Definition in French
Dispositif sonore d'un véhicule ou le son qu'il produit, utilisé pour avertir ou attirer l'attention.
Word origin
Klaxon was originally an English brand name, and French made it the lowercase common noun klaxon for the warning device or its sound.
Usage tips
- The usual expression for sounding it is donner un coup de klaxon, while klaxonner is the related verb.