truc

/tʁyk/
1.
nounmasculineSing

thing

stuff

thingamajig

C’est quoi ce truc sur la table ?

What is that thing on the table?

Synonyms:machin, bidule, chose, trucmuche
2.
nounmasculineSing

trick

knack

tip

Elle a un truc pour mémoriser les noms.

She has a trick for memorizing names.

Synonyms:astuce, technique, combine

Notes

GENERAL INFO

Truc is a masculine noun meaning "thing," "stuff," "trick," or "gadget." It's an incredibly common, informal word used to refer to an object or idea whose specific name isn't known or important.

USAGE

You'll often hear it when someone can't recall a word: "Passe-moi le truc, là" (Pass me the thingy, there). It can also mean a knack or skill: "Il a le truc pour ça" (He has the knack for that).

REGISTER

Truc is very informal. While widely used in daily conversation, avoid it in formal writing or professional settings. Its vagueness can be seen as imprecise in more serious contexts.

truc - French Definition & Examples