truc

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trick, tip, knack, thing, thingy
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/tʁyk/
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An ingenious method, an unnamed thing, or a hidden device that creates an illusion.
Practice using truc in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Montre-moi ton truc pour plier la chemise.
    Show me your trick for folding the shirt.
  • Il m'a raconté un truc incroyable.
    He told me something incredible.
  • Ce truc fait disparaître l'acteur sous la scène.
    This mechanism makes the actor disappear beneath the stage.
  • J'ai oublié le truc que je voulais acheter.
    I forgot the thing I wanted to buy.
  • Le truc, c'est de rester patient.
    The key is to stay patient.

Similar words

recette
technique
secret
trucage
chose
dispositif
engin
machin
bidule
artifice

Meanings

Clever method or tip

noun
skills
informal
A clever practical way to achieve something, often learned through experience.

Examples

  • J'ai un truc pour ouvrir ce bocal.
    I have a trick for opening this jar.
  • Elle connaît tous les trucs du métier.
    She knows all the tricks of the trade.
  • Le truc, c'est de rester patient.
    The key is to stay patient.
  • Montre-moi ton truc pour plier la chemise.
    Show me your trick for folding the shirt.
  • Ce petit truc fait gagner beaucoup de temps.
    This little tip saves a lot of time.

Similar words

astuce
ficelle
recette
secret
procédé
technique
combine
moyen

Unnamed thing, person, or fact

noun
everyday
informal
A familiar placeholder for an object, person, fact, or matter whose exact name is unknown, forgotten, or deliberately left vague.

Examples

  • Passe-moi le truc qui est sur la table.
    Pass me the thing on the table.
  • Il m'a raconté un truc incroyable.
    He told me something incredible.
  • J'ai oublié le truc que je voulais acheter.
    I forgot the thing I wanted to buy.
  • Demande à Truc de nous rappeler.
    Ask what's-his-name to call us back.
  • Il y a un truc bizarre dans cette boîte.
    There is something strange in this box.

Similar words

chose
machin
bidule
trucmuche
engin

Hidden stage or magic device

noun
theatre
technical
A concealed device or technique used to create a magic trick, stage effect, or theatrical illusion.

Examples

  • Le magicien cache le truc de son tour.
    The magician hides the secret mechanism of his act.
  • Personne n'a découvert le truc de l'illusion.
    Nobody discovered the illusion's secret.
  • Le décor repose sur un truc invisible du public.
    The scenery relies on a device hidden from the audience.
  • Ce truc fait disparaître l'acteur sous la scène.
    This mechanism makes the actor disappear beneath the stage.
  • Les techniciens vérifient chaque truc avant le spectacle.
    The technicians check every device before the show.

Similar words

trucage
artifice
mécanisme
dispositif

Etymology

From Old Provençal truc, 'blow or impact', linked to trucar, 'to strike'. The modern senses of a secret method and an unnamed thing developed later.

FAQ

What does truc mean in French?

Truc commonly means a thing or a clever trick, depending on context.

Is truc formal French?

No. Truc is familiar and very common in everyday conversation.

What is the difference between truc and chose?

Chose is the neutral word for a thing, while truc is more conversational and often deliberately vague.

Can truc refer to a person?

Yes. Capitalised Truc can stand for someone whose name is unknown or forgotten.

How do you pronounce truc?

Truc is pronounced /tʁyk/.

Where does truc come from?

Truc is linked to Old Provençal truc, meaning a blow or impact.

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