At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic and literal meaning of 'ébullition'. It is primarily a word you will see in simple cooking instructions. Think of it as the 'boiling point'. When you are making tea or boiling an egg, the water needs to reach 'ébullition'. You don't need to worry about complex metaphorical uses yet. Just remember that it is a noun, and to say 'the water is boiling', you use the verb 'bouillir'. 'L'eau bout' (The water is boiling). 'Porter à ébullition' (Bring to a boil) is a very useful phrase to recognize in a kitchen. It's a feminine noun, so we say 'une ébullition'. Even if you don't use the word yourself often, recognizing it on a stove or in a basic recipe is a great start. It's one of those words that sounds a bit like 'boiling' if you squint at the 'bull' part, which can help you remember it. Focus on the physical aspect: heat, water, and bubbles. If you see bubbles in a pot, that's it! It's a simple, concrete concept at this stage of your learning journey.
At the A2 level, you can begin to use 'ébullition' in more complete sentences, especially when describing daily activities like cooking. You should become comfortable with the phrase 'porter à ébullition' (to bring to a boil). For example, 'Je porte l'eau à ébullition pour les pâtes' (I am bringing the water to a boil for the pasta). You might also start to see it in simple descriptions of excitement. If a group of friends is very excited about a party, you could say they are 'en ébullition'. At this level, you are moving from just recognizing the word to using it in context. You should also be aware of the difference between the noun 'ébullition' and the verb 'bouillir'. Remember that 'ébullition' is a state or a process. You might hear it in weather reports or simple science facts, like 'L'eau bout à cent degrés'. Understanding that this word describes a high-energy state will help you as you progress to more abstract meanings later on. It's a good time to practice the pronunciation too, focusing on the 'é' at the start and the 'tion' ending which sounds like 'see-on'.
By the B1 level, you should be able to handle 'ébullition' in both its literal and figurative senses. In addition to cooking and basic science, you will encounter this word in news reports or articles about social issues. You should understand phrases like 'le pays est en ébullition' (the country is in turmoil/agitated). This figurative use is very common in French media. You can also use it to describe a busy or creative environment, such as 'une entreprise en pleine ébullition' (a company full of activity/ideas). At B1, you should also be noticing synonyms like 'bouillonnement' and understanding that 'ébullition' is generally more intense. You might use it in your writing to add variety and precision. For instance, instead of just saying people were 'excited', using 'en ébullition' gives a much stronger image of heat and movement. You should also be comfortable with the grammar: it's a feminine noun, and it's frequently used with the preposition 'en' to describe a state. You are now using the word to describe not just water, but the 'temperature' of a situation or a person's mind.
At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'ébullition' with nuance. You should be able to distinguish between 'ébullition', 'effervescence', and 'agitation'. You might use 'ébullition' in an essay to describe the intellectual climate of a historical period, such as 'L'ébullition intellectuelle du Siècle des Lumières'. You understand that the word carries a connotation of a potential 'change of state'—that things are so heated they might transform or explode. This level involves using the word in professional or academic contexts. You might discuss the 'point d'ébullition' in a technical report or use the metaphorical sense in a business presentation to describe a market that is rapidly evolving. You should also be familiar with more advanced collocations, such as 'ébullition sociale' or 'ébullition créatrice'. Your pronunciation should be fluid, and you should be able to use the word spontaneously in conversation to describe a lively atmosphere at a festival or a tense political debate. You recognize that 'ébullition' is a powerful noun that can elevate your descriptions of energy and conflict.
At the C1 level, 'ébullition' is a tool for sophisticated expression. You can use it to create vivid imagery in literary analysis or complex social commentary. You understand the subtle implications of the word—how it suggests a pressure building up from within. You might explore the 'ébullition' of a character's internal state in a novel study, or analyze the 'ébullition' of global markets in an economics paper. At this level, you are comfortable with the word's etymology and its relationship to other 'bubbling' words. You can use it ironically or metaphorically in a wide range of registers, from formal academic writing to high-level journalism. You might use phrases like 'maintenir l'ébullition' to describe a strategy of keeping a movement active without letting it boil over. You also recognize the word in complex scientific contexts, such as 'ébullition pelliculaire' or other specific thermodynamic phenomena. Your use of 'ébullition' reflects a deep understanding of French semantics, allowing you to capture the precise 'heat' and 'movement' of any given situation, whether physical, social, or psychological.
At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over 'ébullition' and its place in the French language. You can use it with the precision of a native speaker, incorporating it into complex rhetorical structures. You might use it to describe the 'ébullition' of a language itself—how new words and expressions are constantly bubbling up. You understand its historical usage and how it has evolved in French literature. You can use the word in its most abstract forms, perhaps discussing the 'ébullition' of the soul or the 'ébullition' of the cosmos in a philosophical context. At this level, you are also aware of very rare or technical uses of the word and can use them correctly if the situation demands. You can play with the word's connotations, using it to create specific moods in your creative writing. Whether you are discussing the literal boiling of a liquid in a high-level physics paper or the metaphorical boiling of a civilization in a sociological treatise, you use 'ébullition' with absolute confidence and stylistic flair. It is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a versatile conceptual tool in your linguistic arsenal.

ébullition en 30 segundos

  • Ébullition means boiling. It is the physical state of a liquid reaching its boiling point and bubbling vigorously due to heat.
  • It is a feminine noun (une ébullition). In the kitchen, you 'portez à ébullition' (bring to a boil) water for cooking.
  • Metaphorically, it describes intense social, political, or creative energy. A city 'en ébullition' is buzzing with activity or tension.
  • Commonly used in the phrase 'en ébullition'. Distinguish it from 'effervescence' (chemical bubbles) and the verb 'bouillir' (to boil).

The French word ébullition is a feminine noun that primarily describes the physical state of a liquid reaching its boiling point. However, its usage extends far beyond the kitchen or the chemistry lab. In French, like in English, the concept of 'boiling' is frequently used as a powerful metaphor for intense activity, social unrest, or emotional fervor. When you see water in a pot beginning to bubble violently, that is l'ébullition. But when a city is on the verge of a revolution, or a crowd is ecstatic at a concert, the French also describe these situations as being en ébullition.

Scientific Context
In physics, it refers to the rapid vaporization of a liquid, which occurs when a liquid is heated to its boiling point, the temperature at which the vapor pressure of the liquid is equal to the pressure exerted on the liquid by the surrounding atmosphere.

L'eau atteint son point d' ébullition à cent degrés Celsius au niveau de la mer.

Beyond the literal, the term is indispensable for describing social and political climates. If a neighborhood is experiencing a lot of creative energy or, conversely, a lot of anger and protests, it is said to be 'en ébullition'. This captures the sense of movement, heat, and the potential for a sudden change of state—just as water turns to steam, a society in ébullition is about to transform into something else. It is a word that conveys energy that can no longer be contained.

Metaphorical Energy
It describes a state of high intellectual or creative productivity. For example, 'Son esprit est en ébullition' means someone's mind is bubbling with new ideas and thoughts.

Toute la ville était en ébullition à l'annonce de la victoire.

Gastronomy
In cooking, you will often see instructions like 'porter à ébullition' (bring to a boil) or 'maintenir l'ébullition' (keep boiling). It is a fundamental term for following French recipes.

Portez le lait à ébullition avant d'ajouter le chocolat.

Le laboratoire étudie l' ébullition des liquides sous vide.

L' ébullition sociale ne semble pas s'apaiser malgré les promesses du gouvernement.

Using ébullition correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a noun and the common prepositions that accompany it. Most frequently, you will find it in the phrase 'en ébullition', which functions as an adjectival phrase describing a state. Whether you are talking about a pot of water, a political movement, or a creative mind, this structure remains consistent. It is also often the object of verbs like porter (to bring), atteindre (to reach), or arrêter (to stop).

Instructional Use
Commonly used in recipes and scientific protocols. 'Porter à ébullition' is the standard way to say 'bring to a boil'.

Pour cuire les pâtes, il faut d'abord porter l'eau à ébullition.

When applying the word to people or groups, it suggests a lack of calm or a high level of excitement. 'La foule était en ébullition' implies the crowd was buzzing, possibly angry or extremely happy, but certainly not quiet. In a business context, you might hear 'Le marché est en ébullition', meaning there is a lot of rapid change, speculation, or trading activity occurring. It suggests a certain volatility that is inherent to the physical process of boiling.

Descriptive Use
Used to describe a state of agitation or intense activity. 'Un cerveau en ébullition' describes someone thinking very hard or creatively.

Dès que l' ébullition commence, baissez le feu pour laisser mijoter.

Abstract Contexts
In literature or news, it often describes the 'temperature' of a situation. 'Le pays est en ébullition' suggests imminent revolution or major social change.

Son imagination était en ébullition après avoir lu ce roman fantastique.

Le point d' ébullition de l'alcool est plus bas que celui de l'eau.

On sentait une certaine ébullition dans les coulisses avant le spectacle.

In daily life, the most common place to hear ébullition is in the kitchen. Whether you are watching a cooking show like Top Chef France or following a recipe from a French cookbook, the term is ubiquitous. Chefs use it to denote a specific stage of preparation that requires attention. However, you will also hear it frequently on French news channels like BFMTV or France 24 when journalists describe social movements, protests in the banlieues, or high-stakes political elections. It conveys a sense of urgency and heat that simpler words like 'agitation' might miss.

News & Media
Journalists use 'en ébullition' to describe a society or a region where tensions are high. 'Le Proche-Orient est à nouveau en ébullition'.

Le présentateur a décrit le quartier comme étant en pleine ébullition.

In academic or scientific settings, particularly in chemistry or physics classes, the word is used in its strict technical sense. Students learn about the 'température d'ébullition' and the factors that influence it. You might also encounter it in historical documentaries discussing periods of great change, such as the French Revolution or the events of May 1968, where the 'ébullition intellectuelle' of the era is a central theme. It describes a time when old ideas were being challenged and new ones were bubbling to the surface.

Scientific Lectures
Professors discuss 'ébullition' when teaching thermodynamics and phase changes in matter.

Le professeur explique le phénomène d' ébullition nucléée.

Cultural Events
Festivals and major sports events are often described as putting a city 'en ébullition'. 'Paris est en ébullition pour les Jeux Olympiques'.

Le stade était en ébullition après le but décisif.

On entendait le bruit de l' ébullition depuis la pièce d'à côté.

L' ébullition créative de cette agence de publicité est impressionnante.

For English speakers, the most frequent mistake is confusing the noun ébullition with the verb bouillir (to boil). While you can say 'The water is boiling' in English using a present participle, in French, you cannot use 'ébullition' as a verb. You must use 'L'eau bout' or 'L'eau est en train de bouillir'. Another common error is gender; remember that ébullition is feminine (une ébullition, l'ébullition), even though it doesn't end in the typical 'e'.

Noun vs Verb
Don't say 'L'eau ébullitionne'. The correct verb is 'bouillir'. Use the noun only for the state or the point.

Fausse note: L'eau est ébullition (Incorrect). Correct: L'eau est en ébullition.

Another subtle mistake is using 'ébullition' when you actually mean 'effervescence'. While both involve bubbles, 'ébullition' is caused by heat, whereas 'effervescence' is usually caused by a chemical reaction (like a Vitamin C tablet in water) or carbonation (like champagne). Metaphorically, they are similar, but 'ébullition' implies a more intense, 'hotter', and potentially more volatile state than 'effervescence', which is often used for lighter, more joyful excitement.

Ébullition vs Effervescence
Use 'ébullition' for heat-related boiling or intense social turmoil. Use 'effervescence' for bubbles in a drink or lively, bubbly excitement.

Attention à ne pas confondre ébullition et évaporation.

Preposition Errors
Learners often say 'à l'ébullition' when they mean 'en ébullition'. 'À l'ébullition' is usually for the point in time/temp, 'en' is for the state.

Le mélange est entré en ébullition très rapidement.

N'oubliez pas l'accent aigu sur le 'é' de ébullition.

On ne dit pas 'une ébullition de colère' mais plutôt 'un bouillonnement de colère'.

Depending on the context, several French words can serve as synonyms or near-synonyms for ébullition. Understanding the nuances between them will greatly enrich your French vocabulary. For instance, bouillonnement is very close but often used more for the physical movement of the water (the churning) rather than the thermal state itself. In a metaphorical sense, bouillonnement often describes a surge of emotions or ideas that are less 'violent' than an ébullition.

Ébullition vs Bouillonnement
Ébullition focuses on the temperature and the phase change. Bouillonnement focuses on the visible bubbling and movement.

Le bouillonnement du torrent était impressionnant après la pluie.

If you are talking about social unrest, agitation or fermentation might be appropriate. Agitation is more general and can be physical or mental, while fermentation (like its English counterpart) suggests a slow, brewing process of discontent or change that hasn't yet reached the 'boiling point' of ébullition. For a more positive, lively context, effervescence is the go-to word, capturing the spirit of a party or a thriving artistic scene.

Ébullition vs Effervescence
Ébullition is intense and potentially dangerous. Effervescence is light, sparkling, and generally positive.

Il y a une véritable effervescence culturelle dans ce quartier.

Technical Alternatives
In science, you might also use 'vaporisation' to describe the overall process of liquid turning to gas.

La vaporisation se produit par ébullition ou par évaporation.

Le calme après l' ébullition est toujours surprenant.

On peut noter un certain tumulte dans la salle.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The root 'bull' is the same one found in 'bulletin' (originally a small document with a seal/bubble) and 'bull' (the papal seal).

Guía de pronunciación

UK /e.by.li.sjɔ̃/
US /e.by.li.sjɔ̃/
The stress in French is generally on the last syllable: e-by-li-SJON.
Rima con
addition ambition apparition condition finition mission partition tradition
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing the 't' in 'tion' as a 't' instead of an 's' sound.
  • Using an English 'u' (yoo) instead of the French 'u'.
  • Failing to nasalize the final 'on' sound.
  • Adding an 's' sound at the end if they think it's plural.
  • Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'ebullition' and the 'tion' suffix.

Escritura 3/5

Requires remembering the 'é' and the feminine gender.

Expresión oral 4/5

The 'u' and the nasal 'on' can be tricky for beginners.

Escucha 2/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to pick out in a sentence.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

eau chaud faire bulle feu

Aprende después

vapeur évaporation bouillonner effervescence agiter

Avanzado

thermodynamique convection nucléation volatilité fermentation

Gramática que debes saber

Nouns ending in -tion are almost always feminine.

Une ébullition, une nation, une solution.

The preposition 'en' is used to describe a state of being.

En ébullition, en colère, en retard.

The preposition 'à' is used to indicate a limit or point reached.

Porter à ébullition, monter à 100 degrees.

Adjectives must agree in gender with 'ébullition'.

Une ébullition soudaine.

Using 'faire' to describe a process.

Faire bouillir l'eau (to make the water boil).

Ejemplos por nivel

1

L'eau est en ébullition.

The water is boiling.

Uses 'en' + noun to describe the state.

2

Attends l'ébullition pour mettre le riz.

Wait for the boil to put the rice in.

Noun used as the object of 'attendre'.

3

C'est une ébullition rapide.

It is a fast boiling.

Feminine noun with a feminine adjective 'rapide'.

4

Le lait est à l'ébullition.

The milk is at the boiling point.

Preposition 'à' indicates the point reached.

5

Je vois l'ébullition dans la casserole.

I see the boiling in the pan.

Direct object of the verb 'voir'.

6

L'ébullition commence à cent degrés.

Boiling starts at one hundred degrees.

Subject of the sentence.

7

Arrête l'ébullition maintenant.

Stop the boiling now.

Imperative verb with 'ébullition' as the object.

8

Il y a beaucoup d'ébullition.

There is a lot of boiling.

Used with the partitive 'de' after 'beaucoup'.

1

Il faut porter la soupe à ébullition.

You must bring the soup to a boil.

Common expression 'porter à ébullition'.

2

La cuisine est en ébullition avant le dîner.

The kitchen is buzzing before dinner.

Metaphorical use for a busy environment.

3

Dès l'ébullition, baissez le feu.

As soon as it boils, lower the heat.

'Dès' + noun indicates the starting point.

4

L'ébullition de l'eau purifie le liquide.

The boiling of water purifies the liquid.

Noun followed by a prepositional phrase.

5

Le stade était en ébullition après le but.

The stadium was in an uproar after the goal.

Figurative use for intense excitement.

6

On entend le bruit de l'ébullition.

We hear the sound of the boiling.

Noun used with 'le bruit de'.

7

Le point d'ébullition dépend de l'altitude.

The boiling point depends on the altitude.

Compound noun 'point d'ébullition'.

8

Sa tête est en ébullition avec tous ces devoirs.

His head is spinning with all this homework.

Metaphorical use for mental stress/activity.

1

Le pays était en ébullition avant les élections.

The country was in turmoil before the elections.

Standard political metaphorical use.

2

L'ébullition sociale a conduit à des réformes.

The social unrest led to reforms.

Adjective 'sociale' modifying 'ébullition'.

3

Maintenez une légère ébullition pendant dix minutes.

Maintain a gentle boil for ten minutes.

Instructional use with an adjective 'légère'.

4

Son esprit est toujours en ébullition créative.

His mind is always in a state of creative fervor.

Positive metaphorical use.

5

L'ébullition des idées a permis ce projet.

The bubbling up of ideas allowed for this project.

Abstract use for intellectual activity.

6

Le quartier est en pleine ébullition culturelle.

The neighborhood is in full cultural ferment.

'En pleine' emphasizes the intensity.

7

Il y a une certaine ébullition dans les coulisses.

There is a certain buzz behind the scenes.

Indicates hidden or preparatory activity.

8

L'ébullition de la colère était palpable.

The boiling of anger was palpable.

Abstract use for a rising emotion.

1

Le marché boursier est en ébullition cette semaine.

The stock market is in a frenzy this week.

Financial context.

2

L'ébullition des sentiments peut mener à l'imprudence.

The boiling over of feelings can lead to recklessness.

Psychological context.

3

Le passage à l'ébullition est un phénomène complexe.

The transition to boiling is a complex phenomenon.

Formal scientific description.

4

La ville est en ébullition à l'approche du festival.

The city is buzzing as the festival approaches.

Describes a general atmosphere.

5

Une ébullition sourde montait de la foule.

A muffled unrest was rising from the crowd.

Adjective 'sourde' suggests hidden tension.

6

Cette découverte a mis la communauté scientifique en ébullition.

This discovery set the scientific community abuzz.

Idiomatic use: 'mettre [quelqu'un] en ébullition'.

7

On évite l'ébullition pour ne pas brûler les arômes.

We avoid boiling so as not to burn the aromas.

Culinary nuance.

8

L'ébullition médiatique autour de l'affaire est immense.

The media frenzy around the case is immense.

Modern journalistic context.

1

L'ébullition révolutionnaire de 1789 a changé l'histoire.

The revolutionary ferment of 1789 changed history.

Historical/Academic context.

2

Le texte témoigne d'une ébullition stylistique rare.

The text bears witness to a rare stylistic fervor.

Literary analysis context.

3

Le point d'ébullition politique a été atteint hier soir.

The political breaking point was reached last night.

Metaphorical 'breaking point'.

4

L'ébullition des consciences est nécessaire au progrès.

The awakening of consciences is necessary for progress.

Philosophical/Abstract context.

5

Le roman capture l'ébullition de la jeunesse parisienne.

The novel captures the vibrancy of Parisian youth.

Social/Literary context.

6

Il faut analyser l'ébullition sous-jacente des marchés.

We must analyze the underlying volatility of the markets.

Technical financial context.

7

L'ébullition de son génie ne connaissait pas de repos.

The bubbling of his genius knew no rest.

Elevated biographical style.

8

La tension était telle que l'ébullition semblait inévitable.

The tension was such that an explosion seemed inevitable.

Narrative/Dramatic context.

1

L'ébullition pelliculaire se produit à des flux thermiques élevés.

Film boiling occurs at high heat fluxes.

Highly technical thermodynamic term.

2

Il s'agit d'une ébullition de l'être face à l'absurde.

It is a turmoil of the soul when faced with the absurd.

Existential philosophical context.

3

L'ébullition sémantique de cette époque est fascinante.

The semantic ferment of that era is fascinating.

Linguistic academic context.

4

Elle vit dans une ébullition perpétuelle de projets inaboutis.

She lives in a perpetual whirl of unfinished projects.

Nuanced character description.

5

L'ébullition de la matière au cœur des étoiles est extrême.

The agitation of matter at the heart of stars is extreme.

Astrophysical context.

6

Le poète évoque une ébullition de sang et de larmes.

The poet evokes a turmoil of blood and tears.

Poetic/Literary context.

7

L'ébullition des masses est un moteur de l'histoire.

The ferment of the masses is an engine of history.

Sociological/Philosophical context.

8

On peut observer une ébullition de micro-bulles à la surface.

One can observe a bubbling of micro-bubbles on the surface.

Precise scientific observation.

Colocaciones comunes

porter à ébullition
point d'ébullition
en ébullition
ébullition sociale
ébullition intellectuelle
maintenir l'ébullition
température d'ébullition
entrer en ébullition
ébullition créatrice
arrêter l'ébullition

Frases Comunes

Le cerveau en ébullition

— To have a mind full of ideas or to be thinking very hard.

Après la réunion, j'avais le cerveau en ébullition.

Une ville en ébullition

— A city that is very excited or experiencing social unrest.

Paris est une ville en ébullition pendant la Fashion Week.

Porter à douce ébullition

— To bring something to a gentle, slow boil.

Porter la crème à douce ébullition.

L'ébullition des sens

— A state of high emotional or physical arousal.

Le film provoque une véritable ébullition des sens.

Une économie en ébullition

— An economy that is growing or changing very rapidly.

Le secteur technologique est une économie en ébullition.

Retirer du feu dès l'ébullition

— To remove from the heat source as soon as boiling starts.

Retirer la casserole du feu dès l'ébullition.

L'ébullition du sang

— An old-fashioned way to describe intense anger or passion.

Il sentait l'ébullition du sang dans ses veines.

Une jeunesse en ébullition

— A generation of young people who are active and seeking change.

Le livre décrit une jeunesse en ébullition dans les années 60.

Éviter l'ébullition

— To make sure a liquid does not reach the boiling point.

Il faut éviter l'ébullition pour cette sauce délicate.

Une réunion en ébullition

— A meeting where everyone is talking at once or debating intensely.

La réunion était en ébullition après l'annonce des coupes budgétaires.

Se confunde a menudo con

ébullition vs bouillir

Bouillir is the verb (to boil), while ébullition is the noun (boiling/the state of boiling).

ébullition vs évaporation

Evaporation is the process of liquid becoming gas at the surface, while ébullition happens throughout the liquid.

ébullition vs effervescence

Effervescence is chemical or carbonated bubbles; ébullition is heat-based boiling.

Modismos y expresiones

"être en ébullition"

— To be in a state of great excitement, turmoil, or activity.

Tout le pays est en ébullition.

Neutral
"mettre en ébullition"

— To cause a state of great excitement or agitation in a group.

Ses paroles ont mis la salle en ébullition.

Neutral
"bouillir d'impatience"

— To be extremely impatient (related to the concept of boiling).

Elle bouillait d'impatience en l'attendant.

Informal
"faire bouillir la marmite"

— To earn enough money to live on (literally 'to keep the pot boiling').

Il travaille dur pour faire bouillir la marmite.

Informal
"porter au point d'ébullition"

— To push a situation to the limit where it becomes uncontrollable.

Le conflit a été porté au point d'ébullition.

Formal
"esprit en ébullition"

— A mind teeming with ideas.

Un inventeur a souvent l'esprit en ébullition.

Neutral
"ébullition de joie"

— A sudden, intense feeling of happiness.

C'était une véritable ébullition de joie dans la famille.

Literary
"mouvement en ébullition"

— A social movement that is gaining rapid momentum.

Le mouvement écologique est en ébullition.

Neutral
"calmer l'ébullition"

— To reduce the tension in a situation.

Le médiateur a tenté de calmer l'ébullition.

Neutral
"période d'ébullition"

— A time of significant change and activity.

La Renaissance fut une période d'ébullition.

Formal

Fácil de confundir

ébullition vs bouillonnement

Both involve bubbles.

Bouillonnement is more about the visual churning; ébullition is about the temperature and state.

On voit le bouillonnement du fleuve.

ébullition vs frémissement

Both relate to heating water.

Frémissement is a gentle simmer; ébullition is a full, violent boil.

Le frémissement précède l'ébullition.

ébullition vs agitation

Both describe a lack of calm.

Agitation is broader; ébullition implies a more intense, 'heated' state.

Son agitation était visible.

ébullition vs fermentation

Both describe social change.

Fermentation is a slow, hidden process; ébullition is active and visible.

La fermentation des idées.

ébullition vs vaporisation

Both are physical changes.

Vaporisation is the general term for turning to gas; ébullition is one way it happens.

La vaporisation de l'eau.

Patrones de oraciones

A1

L'eau est + [état].

L'eau est en ébullition.

A2

Il faut + [verbe] + à ébullition.

Il faut porter le lait à ébullition.

B1

Le/La [sujet] est en pleine ébullition.

La ville est en pleine ébullition.

B2

[Sujet] a mis [objet] en ébullition.

Le concert a mis le public en ébullition.

C1

L'ébullition de + [nom abstrait].

L'ébullition des idées est constante ici.

C2

Une ébullition + [adjectif complexe].

Une ébullition sémantique sans précédent.

B1

Dès l'ébullition, + [instruction].

Dès l'ébullition, retirez la casserole.

A2

C'est le point d'ébullition.

C'est le point d'ébullition de l'eau.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

bouillon
bouilloire
bouillonnement

Verbos

bouillir
bouillonner
ébouillanter

Adjetivos

bouillant
bouilli

Relacionado

vapeur
chaleur
bulle
liquide
température

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very common in cooking and journalism.

Errores comunes
  • Using 'ébullition' as a verb. bouillir

    Ébullition is a noun. You cannot say 'L'eau ébullitionne'.

  • Saying 'le ébullition'. l'ébullition (feminine)

    The word is feminine, and because it starts with a vowel, the article 'la' becomes 'l''.

  • Confusing it with 'effervescence'. Use ébullition for heat.

    Effervescence is for cold bubbles (soda) or chemical reactions.

  • Pronouncing the 't' as 't'. Pronounce it as 's'.

    In '-tion' endings in French, the 't' is usually an 's' sound.

  • Using 'dans l'ébullition'. en ébullition

    The standard preposition for the state of boiling is 'en'.

Consejos

The Angry Bull

Remember the 'bull' in 'ébullition'. Imagine a bull so angry he makes the water boil around him.

Feminine Rule

Almost all words ending in -tion are feminine. This will help you choose the right articles and adjectives.

Kitchen Essential

Memorize 'porter à ébullition'. You will see it in almost every French recipe involving liquids.

News Clue

When you hear 'en ébullition' on the news, think 'turmoil' or 'buzzing' depending on the context.

Round Your Lips

For the 'u' in 'ébullition', shape your lips as if to whistle while saying 'ee'.

Accent Check

Always include the accent on the 'é'. Without it, the word is misspelled and the sound changes.

Science vs. Cooking

In science, it's a 'phénomène'. In cooking, it's a 'point'. Use the noun accordingly.

Mind Power

Use 'cerveau en ébullition' to describe yourself when you have too many good ideas.

Not Just Bubbles

Remember that 'ébullition' implies heat. If there's no heat, use 'effervescence' for bubbles.

Nasal Ending

Listen for the nasal 'on'. It shouldn't sound like 'shun' or 'on-n'. It's a single nasalized vowel.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Imagine a bull (bull) in a pot of water. He's so angry he's making the water boil! E-BULL-ITION.

Asociación visual

Visualize a boiling pot of water with giant letters spelling E-B-U-L-L-I-T-I-O-N rising in the steam.

Word Web

eau feu bulles cuisine colère foule idées chaleur

Desafío

Try to use 'ébullition' in three different ways today: once for cooking, once for a feeling, and once for a news story.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Latin 'ebullitio', which is a noun of action from the verb 'ebullire'. The prefix 'e-' means 'out' and 'bullire' means 'to bubble' or 'to boil'.

Significado original: The act of bubbling up or boiling over.

Romance (Latin root).

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that describing a political situation as 'en ébullition' can imply a risk of violence.

English speakers often use 'boiling' or 'buzzing', but 'ébullition' sounds more formal or scientific in English ('ebullition'). In French, it is much more common in everyday speech.

The 'point d'ébullition' is a common metaphor in French political thrillers. Scientific documentaries on 'C'est pas sorcier' often explain ébullition. Literary descriptions of Paris in works by Victor Hugo often use terms of agitation and ébullition.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Cooking

  • Porter à ébullition
  • Maintenir l'ébullition
  • Dès l'ébullition
  • Petite ébullition

Science

  • Point d'ébullition
  • Température d'ébullition
  • Ébullition sous vide
  • Phénomène d'ébullition

Politics

  • Pays en ébullition
  • Ébullition sociale
  • Climat en ébullition
  • Mettre en ébullition

Art/Ideas

  • Ébullition intellectuelle
  • Ébullition créatrice
  • Esprit en ébullition
  • Cerveau en ébullition

Sports/Events

  • Stade en ébullition
  • Ville en ébullition
  • Public en ébullition
  • Ambiance en ébullition

Inicios de conversación

"Savez-vous à quelle température l'eau entre en ébullition en montagne ?"

"Est-ce que votre esprit est en ébullition avec de nouveaux projets en ce moment ?"

"Avez-vous déjà vu un stade de foot en pleine ébullition ?"

"Pourquoi dit-on qu'un pays est en ébullition avant une révolution ?"

"Préférez-vous l'ébullition d'une grande ville ou le calme de la campagne ?"

Temas para diario

Décrivez un moment où votre quartier était en ébullition à cause d'un événement spécial.

Expliquez les étapes pour porter une soupe à ébullition selon votre recette préférée.

Réfléchissez à une période de votre vie où vous étiez en pleine ébullition créative.

Imaginez une ville du futur qui est constamment en ébullition technologique.

Écrivez sur une situation politique actuelle que vous trouvez en ébullition.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It is a feminine noun. You say 'une ébullition' or 'la grande ébullition'. Most French nouns ending in -tion are feminine.

No, that is not a word. You must use the verb 'bouillir'. Say 'L'eau bout'.

'En ébullition' describes the state (the water is currently boiling). 'À ébullition' is usually used with 'porter' to indicate the goal or the point reached.

Yes, it often describes an 'esprit en ébullition' (a mind full of ideas) or a state of great excitement or anger.

It is the 'boiling point', the specific temperature at which a liquid starts to boil.

Yes, it is used in everything from casual cooking to formal scientific and political writing.

It is pronounced like 'see-on' with a nasal 'on'. The 't' is not a 't' sound.

It refers to a period of intense social unrest or rapid change within a society.

No, for champagne you should use 'effervescence' or 'bulles'.

Physically, it's 'congélation' (freezing). Metaphorically, it's 'calme' or 'stagnation'.

Ponte a prueba 190 preguntas

writing

Write a sentence about boiling water for tea.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Describe a busy city using 'en ébullition'.

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writing

Use 'point d'ébullition' in a sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence about a crowd's excitement.

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writing

Use 'ébullition intellectuelle' to describe a school.

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writing

Explain when to lower the heat in a recipe.

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writing

Describe a political situation as 'en ébullition'.

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writing

Write about a person with many ideas.

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writing

Use 'ébullition' in a scientific context.

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writing

Describe the atmosphere behind the scenes of a play.

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writing

Translate: 'The water is boiling.'

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writing

Translate: 'Bring the milk to a boil.'

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writing

Translate: 'A society in turmoil.'

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writing

Translate: 'The boiling point of alcohol.'

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writing

Translate: 'As soon as it boils, add the pasta.'

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writing

Explain the difference between ébullition and frémissement.

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writing

Write a short news headline using 'ébullition'.

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writing

Describe the feeling of a hot summer city.

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writing

Use 'ébullition' to describe a creative workshop.

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writing

Write a formal sentence about social changes.

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speaking

Say 'boiling point' in French.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The water is boiling' using the noun.

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speaking

Pronounce 'ébullition' correctly.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Bring to a boil' in French.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The city is buzzing' in French.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Describe your mind being full of ideas.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'As soon as it boils' in French.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Repeat: 'Une ébullition sociale'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Repeat: 'Point d'ébullition'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Feminine noun' in French context.

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speaking

Explain 'ébullition' in simple French.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Maintain the boil'.

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speaking

Say 'A creative fervor'.

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speaking

Pronounce the 'u' in ébullition.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce the 'tion' ending.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Boiling water'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Repeat: 'L'ébullition des idées'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Stop the boiling'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'A country in turmoil'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'At 100 degrees'.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Identify the word: [audio of ébullition]

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listening

Listen and write: 'L'eau est en ébullition.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Porter à ébullition.'

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listening

Is the speaker talking about cooking or politics? 'Le pays est en ébullition.'

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listening

Listen for the article: '____ ébullition' (L')

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listening

How many times do you hear 'ébullition' in this sentence?

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listening

Listen and write: 'Dès l'ébullition.'

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listening

Identify the tone: 'La foule est en ébullition !' (Excited/Angry)

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listening

Listen and write: 'Point d'ébullition.'

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listening

Does the word sound like 'boiling'?

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listening

Listen and write: 'Ébullition sociale.'

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listening

Identify the vowel sound in the first syllable.

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listening

Listen and write: 'Cerveau en ébullition.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Une petite ébullition.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'L'ébullition des sens.'

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/ 190 correct

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