French Conversation · Level 9
88 words
French word
tank
Pronunciation
IPA/tɑ̃k/
Meaning
- masculine nountank
Example
Le tank ennemi a attaqué le village.
The enemy tank attacked the village.
More examples
Un convoi de tanks a traversé la vallée.
A tank convoy crossed the valley.
Core concept
A broad tracked combat vehicle whose armor protects its crew while its turret aims a cannon.
Common phrases
un tank de guerre
a battle tank
les tanks ennemis
enemy tanks
un convoi de tanks
a tank convoy
Similar words
char: A tracked, heavily armored fighting vehicle fitted with a main cannon.
blindé: An armored military vehicle used by armed forces.
réservoir: A large container for storing liquids or gases.
cuve: A deep container used to hold liquids.
Definition in French
Engin blindé de combat, généralement chenillé, muni d'une tourelle avec un canon et employé lors d'opérations terrestres.
Word origin
English tank originally referred to a container for liquids, and during the First World War it was used as a cover name for the new armored vehicle, giving French tank its military sense.
Usage tips
- For a liquid container, réservoir or cuve is usually clearer than tank, because tank can evoke the military vehicle.