frein

brake

noun FRAN Rare

Origin: Old French frener, from Latin frenum (bridle)

Also means

restraint, check (figurative)

Usage Note

Frein is used literally for vehicle brakes (freins à disque, disc brakes) and figuratively for anything that slows progress (un frein à la croissance, a brake on growth). The verb freiner means to brake or to curb. The silent final n gives the nasal vowel 'an', a common French pattern.

Examples

"Il a appuyé sur le frein brusquement."

Natural Translation

He pressed the brake abruptly.

Related Words

Explore French by topic

FrenchNow

How to Pronounce the French R (Step by Step)

The French R is a back-of-the-throat sound, not a rolled R. Learn the exact tongue position and a step-by-step drill to build it from sounds you already make.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

Tu vs Vous: When to Use Each in French

Tu vs vous in French: use tu for one friend, family, or child, and vous for strangers, elders, your boss, and any group. A clear etiquette guide.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

French Numbers 70, 80, 90 Made Simple

French numbers 70, 80, 90 are soixante-dix, quatre-vingts, and quatre-vingt-dix. Learn three build formulas to make any number 70-99 on the fly.

June 3, 2026 5 min read

FrenchNow

French Filler Words: Euh, Bah, Du Coup, Quoi

French filler words like euh, bah, du coup, and quoi make you sound fluent, not lazy. Learn what each one does, where it goes, and how to use them naturally.

June 4, 2026 6 min read