At the A1 level, the word 'exercice' is primarily used to talk about health and school. Learners should focus on the common phrase 'faire de l'exercice' to describe physical activity. It is important to recognize that this is a masculine noun (un exercice). At this stage, you will mostly see it in the context of 'exercice de français' or 'exercice de maths' in your textbooks. The focus is on simple, daily actions. You should learn to say things like 'Je fais de l'exercice le matin' (I exercise in the morning) or 'L'exercice est facile' (The exercise is easy). Spelling is key here; remember the 'c' and the 'e' at the end. You don't need to worry about the legal or professional meanings yet. Just think of it as 'physical activity' or 'a school task.'
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'exercice' in more varied sentences. You might describe your routine in more detail, such as 'Je fais des exercices pour le dos' (I do exercises for my back). You also start to encounter the word in the context of instructions, like 'Faites l'exercice numéro deux' (Do exercise number two). You should be able to distinguish between 'faire de l'exercice' (general activity) and 'faire un exercice' (a specific task). You might also hear it in the context of a 'gym' class or a 'cours de fitness.' The plural form 'exercices' becomes very common as you talk about homework or training sessions. You are moving from just knowing the word to using it to structure your daily life and studies.
At the B1 level, the meaning of 'exercice' expands into more abstract areas. You will hear it used in the sense of 'practice' or 'drill.' For example, 'un exercice d'incendie' (a fire drill) or 'un exercice de style' (a stylistic exercise). You should be able to use it to talk about professional skills, like 'l'exercice d'une profession' (the practice of a profession). You will also encounter it in more complex grammar structures, such as 'Il est nécessaire que vous fassiez cet exercice' (It is necessary that you do this exercise). At this level, you should also be aware of the difference between 'exercice' and 'entraînement' (training), using the latter for more serious sports contexts. You are starting to see 'exercice' as a tool for improvement and professional application.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the professional and formal uses of 'exercice.' This includes 'l'exercice comptable' (the fiscal year) and 'l'exercice du pouvoir' (the exercise of power). You will encounter the word in news articles about politics, law, and economics. You should understand phrases like 'le président en exercice' (the current president) and 'l'exercice illégal de la médecine' (the illegal practice of medicine). Your vocabulary should now include the verb 'exercer' and how it relates to the noun. You can discuss the benefits of 'l'exercice physique' on 'la santé publique' using more sophisticated arguments. The word is no longer just about gym or school; it's about the functioning of society and professional standards.
At the C1 level, 'exercice' is used in highly nuanced ways, often in literary, philosophical, or high-level legal contexts. You might analyze an 'exercice de style' by Raymond Queneau or discuss the 'exercice des libertés individuelles' (the exercise of individual freedoms) in a complex debate. You understand the subtle difference between 'l'exercice' and 'la mise en œuvre' (implementation). You can use the word to describe spiritual or mental disciplines, such as 'exercices spirituels.' Your mastery of the word allows you to use it in professional reports, academic essays, and formal speeches with perfect precision. You recognize that 'exercice' can imply a trial, a test, or a manifestation of authority and skill.
At the C2 level, you have a complete grasp of the word's etymological roots and its most obscure applications. You can use 'exercice' to discuss the 'exercice de la souveraineté' in constitutional law or the 'exercice du droit de retrait' in labor law. You are sensitive to the rhythmic and stylistic qualities of the word in literature. You can distinguish between the 'exercice' of a function and the 'titularité' of a position. You might use it in a philosophical sense, referring to life itself as an 'exercice de présence.' At this level, the word is a versatile tool that you can bend to any context, from the most technical financial analysis to the most abstract poetic expression, always with the correct register and collocations.

exercice en 30 segundos

  • A masculine noun meaning physical exercise, a school task, or professional practice.
  • Commonly used with 'faire' for physical activity (faire de l'exercice).
  • Essential for discussing health, education, business (fiscal year), and law.
  • Spelled with -ice at the end, unlike the English -ise/-ise.

The French word exercice is a versatile masculine noun that English speakers will find familiar yet surprisingly broad in its application. While its primary definition in an introductory context often refers to physical activity—the kind you do at a gym or during a morning jog—it extends far beyond the treadmill. In the French language, exercice encompasses the physical, the intellectual, the professional, and even the legal realms. Understanding this word requires looking at it as a form of 'applied effort' or 'practice' intended to develop a skill, maintain health, or fulfill a specific duty.

Physical Health
This refers to bodily movements performed to improve fitness. In France, the phrase faire de l'exercice is the standard way to say 'to exercise' or 'to work out.' It is a general term that covers everything from walking to high-intensity interval training.

Le médecin m'a conseillé de faire trente minutes d'un bon exercice cardiovasculaire chaque jour pour rester en forme.

Academic Context
In schools and universities, an exercice is a specific task or problem set given to students to practice a concept. Unlike 'devoirs' (homework), which is a general category, an exercice de grammaire or an exercice de mathématiques refers to the individual activities within the lesson.

Pour demain, vous devez compléter le troisième exercice à la page quarante-deux de votre manuel de français.

Professional and Legal Use
In a professional setting, l'exercice refers to the actual practice or performance of a job or a right. For instance, l'exercice de la médecine refers to the practice of medicine. In accounting, un exercice comptable refers to a fiscal year or an accounting period.

L'avocat a rappelé que l' exercice de la liberté d'expression est un droit fondamental protégé par la constitution.

Le bilan de l' exercice précédent montre une augmentation significative des bénéfices de l'entreprise.

Les pompiers effectuent un exercice d'incendie dans l'immeuble pour tester les procédures d'évacuation.

In summary, while you will most frequently use exercice to talk about your fitness routine or your French homework, be prepared to encounter it in news reports about the economy or legal discussions. It is a word that describes the transition from theory to action, whether that action is lifting weights, solving a math problem, or governing a country.

Using exercice correctly in a sentence involves choosing the right accompanying verb and understanding the countability of the noun. Unlike some abstract nouns, exercice is usually countable when referring to specific tasks, but can be used more generally when referring to the concept of physical activity.

With the Verb 'Faire'
The most common construction for physical activity is faire de l'exercice. Here, the partitive article de l' is used because 'exercise' is treated as an uncountable concept of activity.

Il est important de faire de l' exercice régulièrement pour maintenir une bonne santé mentale et physique.

With the Verb 'Pratiquer'
For a more formal or clinical tone, use pratiquer un exercice. This is often seen in medical advice or sports science contexts.

Le patient doit pratiquer un exercice de rééducation douce trois fois par semaine après sa chirurgie.

L'élève a fini tous ses exercices de mathématiques avant de sortir jouer avec ses amis.

In Professional Contexts
When referring to the 'exercise of power' or 'exercise of a profession,' the noun is often followed by the preposition de and a definite article.

Dans l' exercice de ses fonctions, le préfet doit rester neutre et respecter les lois de la République.

Cet exercice de style littéraire permet à l'auteur de montrer toute l'étendue de son talent créatif.

Whether you are describing a daily routine, a classroom setting, or a complex legal framework, the word exercice remains a pillar of French sentence structure. Remember to match the verb to the context: faire for general activity, pratiquer for specific routines, and effectuer for formal tasks or drills.

The word exercice is omnipresent in French daily life, but the environment determines which of its many meanings is being invoked. From the echoes of a gymnasium to the quiet of a library or the formal atmosphere of a courtroom, you will hear this word used with distinct nuances.

At the Gym or Park
If you join a fitness class in Paris, the instructor will constantly use the word to describe the movements. You might hear: 'On passe à l'exercice suivant' (We're moving to the next exercise). It is the standard term for a specific physical movement.

Respirez bien pendant cet exercice d'étirement pour éviter les courbatures demain matin.

In Schools (L'école)
French education is famous for its rigor, and 'les exercices' are the bread and butter of the curriculum. Teachers will say: 'Sortez vos cahiers d'exercices' (Take out your exercise books). Here, it refers to the repetitive practice required to master a subject.

L' exercice de dictée est essentiel pour améliorer votre orthographe et votre compréhension orale.

Emergency Drills
In public buildings, you might see signs for an exercice d'évacuation. This is a common hearing in workplaces where safety protocols are practiced. It is synonymous with 'drill' in English.

Attention, ceci est un exercice de sécurité incendie ; veuillez vous diriger vers la sortie la plus proche.

Le pianiste commence toujours sa répétition par un petit exercice d'échauffement pour ses doigts.

From the mundane tasks of a schoolchild to the high-stakes maneuvers of the military or the legalities of the state, exercice is the word that bridges the gap between potential and reality. Listen for it in various contexts, and you will see how the French value the concept of active application.

For English speakers, the word exercice is a 'semi-false friend.' While it often means exactly what you think it means, there are subtle traps in spelling, grammar, and usage that can reveal your status as a learner. Avoiding these mistakes will make your French sound much more natural and precise.

The Spelling Trap
The most frequent mistake is spelling it 'exercise' (English style) instead of exercice. In French, the word ends with -ice. Remember: 'In France, we like ice in our exercice.'

Incorrect: J'ai fini mon exercise.
Correct: J'ai fini mon exercice.

Confusing 'Exercice' with 'Entraînement'
While exercice is used for general physical activity, if you are talking about 'training' for a specific sport or a 'workout session' at the gym, French speakers often prefer the word entraînement. Using exercice for a 2-hour heavy lifting session might sound a bit clinical or simplistic.

Au lieu de dire 'mon exercice de foot', dites 'mon entraînement de foot'.

The 'Year' Confusion
In business, English speakers might say 'fiscal year.' If you translate this literally as 'année fiscale,' you are understood, but the more professional French term is exercice comptable or simply l'exercice. Using 'année' in a formal financial report can sound amateurish.

Les comptes de l' exercice 2023 ont été clôturés avec un solde positif.

Attention à ne pas confondre 'faire un exercice' (doing a task) avec 'faire ses devoirs' (doing homework in general).

By keeping these distinctions in mind—especially the spelling and the specific verbs used for different contexts—you will avoid the most common pitfalls and use exercice with the precision of a native speaker.

French offers several synonyms for exercice, each with its own specific 'flavor' and context. Choosing the right one can help you sound more sophisticated and precise in your descriptions.

Entraînement vs. Exercice
Entraînement implies a systematic process of preparation, usually for a sport or a competition. Exercice is more general or refers to a single movement. You do an exercice during your entraînement.

L'athlète suit un entraînement intensif qui comprend de nombreux exercices de musculation.

Pratique vs. Exercice
Pratique refers to the habitual action or the application of a theory. While exercice is the act of doing, pratique is often the state of doing it regularly. For example, 'la pratique du piano' (playing piano regularly) vs 'un exercice de piano' (a specific technical drill).

La pratique régulière d'une langue étrangère est le meilleur moyen de progresser.

Mouvement vs. Exercice
In a physical context, mouvement refers to the literal change in position of the body. An exercice is a structured set of mouvements.

Décomposez bien chaque mouvement pour que l'exercice soit efficace et sans danger.

Le yoga est une discipline qui combine exercices physiques et méditation.

Understanding these alternatives allows you to navigate different social and professional settings with ease. Whether you are at the stadium, in the classroom, or at the office, you now have the vocabulary to describe 'applied effort' in all its forms.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The word 'exercice' and 'army' (armée) are historically linked through the Latin 'exercitus' (army), which literally meant 'a body of trained men'.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ɛɡ.zɛʁ.sis/
US /ɛɡ.zɛɹ.sis/
In French, the stress is usually on the last syllable: ex-er-CICE.
Rima con
service caprice indice complice sacrifice office artifice supplice
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing the 'x' as 'ks' (like in 'excellent') instead of 'gz'.
  • Pronouncing the final 'e' (it should be silent).
  • Making the 'r' sound too much like an English 'r'.
  • Stress on the first syllable.
  • Confusing the ending with the English 'size' sound.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 1/5

Very easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'exercise'.

Escritura 2/5

Slightly tricky due to the -ice vs -ise spelling difference.

Expresión oral 2/5

Requires correct pronunciation of the 'x' as 'gz' and the guttural 'r'.

Escucha 1/5

Easy to understand in context, though it can be confused with other -ice words.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

faire santé école devoir corps

Aprende después

entraînement musculation pratiquer profession comptabilité

Avanzado

exégèse virtuosité souveraineté magistrature inaliénable

Gramática que debes saber

The partitive article with 'faire de l'exercice'

Je fais de l'exercice (not 'je fais l'exercice' for general activity).

Masculine noun agreement

Un exercice difficile (not 'une exercice difficile').

Pluralization of nouns ending in -ice

Un exercice -> des exercices (standard -s).

Elision with 'le' and 'la'

L'exercice (not 'le exercice').

Preposition 'sur' for topics

Un exercice sur les verbes (An exercise on verbs).

Ejemplos por nivel

1

Je fais de l'exercice tous les matins.

I do exercise every morning.

Uses 'faire de l' + noun for general activity.

2

L'exercice de français est très facile.

The French exercise is very easy.

Noun 'exercice' modified by an adjective.

3

Tu aimes faire de l'exercice ?

Do you like to exercise?

Question form with 'aimer' + infinitive.

4

C'est un bon exercice pour le cœur.

It is a good exercise for the heart.

Indefinite article 'un' with masculine noun.

5

Nous faisons l'exercice numéro cinq.

We are doing exercise number five.

Definite article 'l'' before a vowel.

6

Elle ne fait pas d'exercice le dimanche.

She does not exercise on Sundays.

Negative 'pas de' (becomes d' before vowel).

7

Voulez-vous faire un exercice de lecture ?

Do you want to do a reading exercise?

Inversion for formal question.

8

Les exercices sont à la page dix.

The exercises are on page ten.

Plural form 'les exercices'.

1

Il faut faire de l'exercice pour rester en forme.

It is necessary to exercise to stay in shape.

Impersonal 'il faut' + infinitive.

2

J'ai fini mes exercices de grammaire hier soir.

I finished my grammar exercises last night.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

3

Quel est ton exercice préféré à la gym ?

What is your favorite exercise at the gym?

Interrogative adjective 'quel' matching masculine noun.

4

Elle fait des exercices de yoga dans son salon.

She does yoga exercises in her living room.

Plural partitive 'des' for specific tasks.

5

Le professeur explique le premier exercice.

The teacher is explaining the first exercise.

Ordinal adjective 'premier' before the noun.

6

On doit faire cet exercice sans dictionnaire.

We must do this exercise without a dictionary.

Demonstrative adjective 'cet' before a masculine vowel-start word.

7

Est-ce que cet exercice est noté ?

Is this exercise graded?

Question with 'est-ce que'.

8

Je cherche un exercice sur le passé composé.

I am looking for an exercise on the passé composé.

Preposition 'sur' indicating the topic.

1

L'exercice régulier réduit le stress quotidien.

Regular exercise reduces daily stress.

Adjective 'régulier' following the noun.

2

Nous avons fait un exercice d'incendie au bureau.

We had a fire drill at the office.

Compound noun 'exercice d'incendie'.

3

Il s'exerce au piano deux heures par jour.

He practices the piano for two hours a day.

Pronominal verb 's'exercer à' meaning to practice.

4

C'est un excellent exercice de mémorisation.

It is an excellent memorization exercise.

Adjective 'excellent' before the noun.

5

L'exercice de la médecine demande beaucoup d'études.

The practice of medicine requires a lot of study.

Abstract use of 'exercice' as 'practice'.

6

Pouvez-vous me donner un autre exercice ?

Can you give me another exercise?

Indefinite adjective 'autre'.

7

Cet exercice demande beaucoup de concentration.

This exercise requires a lot of concentration.

Verb 'demander' used for requirements.

8

Il a réussi l'exercice malgré la difficulté.

He succeeded in the exercise despite the difficulty.

Preposition 'malgré' + noun.

1

Le bilan de l'exercice comptable est positif.

The balance sheet for the fiscal year is positive.

Financial term 'exercice comptable'.

2

Le président est actuellement en exercice.

The president is currently in office.

Idiom 'en exercice' (in office/practicing).

3

L'exercice du droit de vote est essentiel.

The exercise of the right to vote is essential.

Formal use for civil rights.

4

Ce livre est un pur exercice de style.

This book is a pure exercise in style.

Literary term 'exercice de style'.

5

L'exercice illégal de la pharmacie est puni par la loi.

The illegal practice of pharmacy is punished by law.

Legal terminology.

6

Les troupes participent à un exercice militaire.

The troops are participating in a military exercise.

Military context.

7

L'exercice de ses fonctions l'occupe beaucoup.

The exercise of his duties keeps him very busy.

Possessive adjective 'ses' with plural 'fonctions'.

8

Il faut limiter l'exercice du pouvoir absolu.

It is necessary to limit the exercise of absolute power.

Political/Philosophical context.

1

L'exercice de la volonté est au cœur de sa philosophie.

The exercise of will is at the heart of his philosophy.

Abstract philosophical usage.

2

Il s'agit d'un exercice périlleux de diplomatie.

It is a perilous exercise in diplomacy.

Metaphorical use of 'exercice'.

3

L'exercice de la citoyenneté ne se limite pas au vote.

The exercise of citizenship is not limited to voting.

Sociopolitical context.

4

Ce film est un exercice de virtuosité technique.

This film is an exercise in technical virtuosity.

Artistic critique terminology.

5

L'exercice de la magistrature exige une grande intégrité.

The exercise of the judiciary requires great integrity.

Formal professional context.

6

Elle s'est livrée à un exercice de haute voltige verbale.

She engaged in an exercise of verbal acrobatics.

Idiomatic expression 'haute voltige'.

7

L'exercice de la pensée critique est vital aujourd'hui.

The exercise of critical thinking is vital today.

Intellectual context.

8

Le rapport détaille l'exercice budgétaire écoulé.

The report details the past fiscal year.

Economic/Administrative context.

1

L'exercice du ministère sacerdotal est une vocation.

The exercise of the priestly ministry is a vocation.

Ecclesiastical/Formal usage.

2

L'exercice de la raison pure est un concept kantien.

The exercise of pure reason is a Kantian concept.

Philosophical terminology.

3

Il excelle dans l'exercice de la rhétorique parlementaire.

He excels in the exercise of parliamentary rhetoric.

Political/Formal register.

4

L'exercice de la souveraineté nationale est inaliénable.

The exercise of national sovereignty is inalienable.

Constitutional law terminology.

5

Cet ouvrage constitue un exercice d'exégèse biblique.

This work constitutes an exercise in biblical exegesis.

Academic/Theological context.

6

L'exercice de la force doit être proportionné à la menace.

The exercise of force must be proportionate to the threat.

Legal/Ethical principle.

7

L'exercice de la mémoire collective est un devoir moral.

The exercise of collective memory is a moral duty.

Sociological/Ethical context.

8

Il s'adonne à l'exercice de la contemplation mystique.

He devotes himself to the exercise of mystical contemplation.

Spiritual/Literary usage.

Colocaciones comunes

faire de l'exercice
exercice physique
exercice de grammaire
exercice comptable
en exercice
exercice d'incendie
exercice de style
exercice du pouvoir
cahier d'exercices
exercice de simulation

Frases Comunes

Faire ses exercices

— To do one's school tasks or specific drills. It is the standard way students describe doing their work.

Les enfants font leurs exercices de mathématiques.

Un bon exercice

— Something that is useful for practice or health. It can be used for both physical and mental tasks.

Lire en français est un bon exercice pour le vocabulaire.

Exercice de rééducation

— Physical therapy exercises. Used in medical contexts after an injury or surgery.

Le kinésithérapeute m'a donné des exercices de rééducation.

Entrer en exercice

— To take office or to start performing one's official duties. Used for politicians or high officials.

Le nouveau maire entrera en exercice le mois prochain.

Pendant l'exercice

— During the activity or during the fiscal year. The context determines the meaning.

Il ne faut pas parler pendant l'exercice.

Exercice de tir

— Target practice or a shooting drill. Used in military or police contexts.

Les soldats sont au champ pour un exercice de tir.

Exercice de mémoire

— A task designed to test or improve one's memory. Can be a game or a study method.

Apprendre des poèmes est un excellent exercice de mémoire.

Exercice de haute voltige

— A very difficult or risky task, often used metaphorically for intellectual or political feats.

Sa présentation était un exercice de haute voltige intellectuelle.

Manquer d'exercice

— To lack physical activity. A common phrase used when someone feels unfit.

Je me sens fatigué car je manque d'exercice.

Exercice d'application

— A practical task used to apply a theory just learned. Common in textbooks.

Voici un petit exercice d'application de la règle.

Se confunde a menudo con

exercice vs Année

In business, use 'exercice' for the fiscal year, not 'année'.

exercice vs Entraînement

Use 'entraînement' for a full sports training session, 'exercice' for specific movements.

exercice vs Devoirs

'Devoirs' is the general term for homework; 'exercice' is a single task within it.

Modismos y expresiones

"C'est un exercice de style"

— Something done primarily to show off skill or technique rather than for substance. Often used in art and literature.

Ce discours n'avait pas de fond, c'était juste un exercice de style.

neutral
"Faire l'exercice de..."

— To make the effort to do something, often something mental or emotional. It implies a conscious effort.

Il faut faire l'exercice de se mettre à la place des autres.

neutral
"Un exercice de haute voltige"

— A very delicate or dangerous operation, requiring extreme skill. Borrowed from acrobatics.

Négocier ce contrat a été un exercice de haute voltige.

informal
"Être en plein exercice"

— To be in the middle of performing one's duties or a task. Implies being busy and focused.

Ne le dérangez pas, il est en plein exercice de ses fonctions.

formal
"Un exercice de patience"

— A situation that tests one's ability to remain calm and wait. Used when something is tedious.

Attendre à la préfecture est un véritable exercice de patience.

neutral
"Exercice de l'ombre"

— Work or practice done behind the scenes, without public recognition. Often used in politics.

Il préfère l'exercice de l'ombre à la lumière des projecteurs.

neutral
"Se livrer à un exercice"

— To engage in an activity, often one that is formal or repetitive. Suggests a deliberate participation.

Les ministres se sont livrés à un exercice de questions-réponses.

formal
"Exercice de vérité"

— A moment or task where one must be completely honest, often in a public or political setting.

Cette interview sera un exercice de vérité pour le candidat.

neutral
"Un exercice obligé"

— A mandatory or expected task that one must perform due to tradition or rules, even if unwillingly.

Les vœux du Nouvel An sont un exercice obligé pour le président.

neutral
"L'exercice du métier"

— The day-to-day reality of working in a specific profession. Includes all the typical tasks and challenges.

Les risques font partie de l'exercice du métier de pompier.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

exercice vs Exercer

It's the verb form, but it doesn't mean 'to work out'.

'Exercer' means to practice a profession or exert power. To say 'to work out', you must use 'faire de l'exercice'.

Il exerce la médecine, mais il ne fait jamais d'exercice.

exercice vs Exécution

Sounds slightly similar and involves doing something.

'Exécution' is the carrying out of a plan or a death sentence. 'Exercice' is practice or activity.

L'exécution du plan a commencé après l'exercice.

exercice vs Expérience

Both involve learning.

'Expérience' is knowledge gained over time or a scientific experiment. 'Exercice' is a specific practice task.

Il a beaucoup d'expérience, donc cet exercice est facile pour lui.

exercice vs Exigence

Both start with 'ex-'.

'Exigence' means a requirement or demand. 'Exercice' is an activity.

La rigueur est une exigence pour réussir cet exercice.

exercice vs Exemple

Often found together in textbooks.

An 'exemple' shows how to do it; an 'exercice' is what the student does to practice.

Regardez l'exemple avant de faire l'exercice.

Patrones de oraciones

A1

Je fais de l'exercice [time].

Je fais de l'exercice le matin.

A2

C'est un exercice de [subject].

C'est un exercice de maths.

B1

Il est important de [verb] l'exercice.

Il est important de finir l'exercice.

B2

Dans l'exercice de [function]...

Dans l'exercice de ses fonctions, il voyage beaucoup.

C1

L'exercice de [abstract noun] permet de...

L'exercice de la patience permet de mieux réussir.

C2

Constituer un exercice de [complex noun]...

Ce livre constitue un exercice de réflexion métaphysique.

A1

L'exercice est [adjective].

L'exercice est facile.

A2

Faites l'exercice [number].

Faites l'exercice trois.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

exerçant (a person practicing a profession)
exercitium (archaic/Latin root)

Verbos

exercer (to exercise, to practice, to exert)
s'exercer (to practice a skill, to train oneself)

Adjetivos

exerçable (that can be exercised/practiced)

Relacionado

entraînement
pratique
gymnastique
manœuvre
devoir

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely common in daily life, education, and professional settings.

Errores comunes
  • Spelling it 'exercise'. exercice

    In French, the word ends in -ice. This is the most common mistake for English speakers.

  • Saying 'une exercice'. un exercice

    The word is masculine, even though it ends in 'e'.

  • Using 'je m'exerce' for 'I work out'. je fais de l'exercice

    The pronominal verb 's'exercer' means to practice a skill, not to do physical fitness.

  • Using 'année fiscale' in a formal report. exercice comptable

    'Exercice' is the standard professional term for a fiscal period in France.

  • Pronouncing the 'x' as 'ks'. Pronounce it as 'gz'.

    In 'exercice', the 'x' is between two vowels, so it takes the voiced 'gz' sound.

Consejos

The -ice Ending

Always remember that in French, 'exercice' ends with 'ice'. Think of 'ice' in a water bottle you take to the gym. This will help you avoid the English 'ise' or 'ize' spelling.

Masculine Gender

Since 'exercice' is masculine, all adjectives must agree. Say 'un exercice intéressant' or 'le premier exercice'. This is a very common point of error for beginners.

Exercise vs. Homework

Don't confuse 'exercice' with 'devoirs'. 'Devoirs' is the whole pile of work you have to do at home. 'Exercice' is one specific task, like 'Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks'.

The 'X' Sound

The 'x' in 'exercice' is pronounced like 'gz' (as in 'exact'), not 'ks' (as in 'taxi'). Practice saying 'eg-zer-sees' to get the native sound right.

Business Context

If you work in finance, use 'exercice' to mean 'fiscal year'. It sounds much more professional than 'année fiscale' in a French corporate environment.

Faire de l'exercice

When talking about staying fit, always use the phrase 'faire de l'exercice'. It's the most natural way to express the idea of physical activity in general.

Drills

If you see a sign saying 'Exercice en cours' in a building, don't panic! It just means there is a drill (like a fire drill) happening right now.

Cahier d'exercices

When buying school supplies in France, look for a 'cahier d'exercices'. It's a specific type of workbook designed for practicing lessons.

Exercice de style

Use the phrase 'exercice de style' to describe something that is technically impressive but perhaps lacks deep meaning. It's a very common cultural reference.

Mental Exercise

Don't forget that 'exercice' can be mental too! 'Un exercice de mémoire' or 'un exercice de réflexion' are great ways to describe brain-training activities.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of an 'ICE' cube. In French, you need 'ICE' at the end of your 'exercICE' to stay cool while working out.

Asociación visual

Imagine a student sitting on a gym bench, doing a math problem (exercice) while lifting a dumbbell (exercice). This combines the two main meanings.

Word Web

Sport Santé École Devoirs Comptabilité Droit Militaire Pratique

Desafío

Write three sentences using 'exercice' in three different ways: one for health, one for school, and one for a profession.

Origen de la palabra

From the Latin word 'exercitium', which means 'training' or 'exercise'. This Latin noun comes from the verb 'exercere', meaning 'to keep busy', 'to train', or 'to drive on'.

Significado original: The original Latin sense was related to keeping soldiers or animals busy with training and work to keep them disciplined and fit.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'exercice du pouvoir' can be a politically charged term in news reporting.

English speakers often use 'workout' for physical exercise, whereas French speakers use the more formal-sounding 'exercice' or 'entraînement'.

Exercices de style by Raymond Queneau (1947). Exercices spirituels by Ignatius of Loyola. The 'exercice budgétaire' debates in the French National Assembly.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At the Gym

  • Quel est le prochain exercice ?
  • Je fais trois séries de cet exercice.
  • Cet exercice fait travailler les abdominaux.
  • C'est un exercice difficile.

In the Classroom

  • Ouvrez le livre à l'exercice un.
  • Est-ce que l'exercice est fini ?
  • Je ne comprends pas cet exercice.
  • On va corriger les exercices.

At the Doctor's

  • Vous devez faire plus d'exercice.
  • Voici des exercices pour votre dos.
  • L'exercice modéré est bénéfique.
  • Évitez les exercices violents.

In Business

  • L'exercice se clôture en décembre.
  • Le résultat de l'exercice est bon.
  • Nous préparons le prochain exercice.
  • C'est un exercice comptable difficile.

In Politics/Law

  • L'exercice du pouvoir est complexe.
  • Il est en exercice depuis deux ans.
  • L'exercice de ses droits est garanti.
  • Un exercice de démocratie directe.

Inicios de conversación

"Est-ce que tu fais souvent de l'exercice pendant la semaine ?"

"Quel était ton exercice préféré quand tu étais à l'école ?"

"Penses-tu que l'exercice physique est plus important que l'exercice mental ?"

"As-tu déjà participé à un exercice d'incendie dans ton travail ?"

"Quel exercice de français trouves-tu le plus difficile à faire ?"

Temas para diario

Décrivez votre routine d'exercice physique idéale. Quels exercices préférez-vous ?

Racontez un souvenir d'un exercice scolaire qui était particulièrement difficile ou intéressant.

Pourquoi est-il important, selon vous, de faire de l'exercice régulièrement pour la santé mentale ?

Imaginez que vous êtes un professeur. Quel genre d'exercice donneriez-vous à vos élèves pour apprendre le français ?

Réfléchissez à l'exercice de votre profession actuelle. Quels sont les défis quotidiens ?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It is masculine. You should say 'un exercice' or 'le bel exercice'. A common mistake is thinking it's feminine because it ends in 'e', but it follows the pattern of many masculine nouns ending in '-ice'.

The most common way is 'faire de l'exercice'. You can also say 'faire du sport' or 's'entraîner'. Avoid saying 'je m'exerce' unless you mean you are practicing a specific skill like piano.

'Exercice' is a general term for any physical or mental activity. 'Entraînement' specifically refers to a structured training session, usually for a sport or a performance. For example, a push-up is an 'exercice', but an hour at the gym is an 'entraînement'.

Yes, in business and accounting, 'un exercice' (or 'un exercice comptable') refers to the 12-month period used for financial reporting. It is very common in professional French.

The plural is 'exercices'. You simply add an 's' to the end. For example: 'J'ai trois exercices à faire'.

It is a 'semi-false friend'. It means 'exercise' in most cases, but its use in business (fiscal year) and law (practice of a profession) is more specific than in English. Also, the spelling is different (-ice vs -ise).

It means 'currently in office' or 'practicing'. For example, 'un médecin en exercice' is a practicing doctor, and 'le président en exercice' is the current president.

Yes, 'un exercice d'incendie' is the standard term for a fire drill. You can also use 'un exercice d'évacuation' for an evacuation drill.

It is called 'un cahier d'exercices'. This is the book where students write their answers to school tasks.

It is a literary or artistic work where the focus is on the manner of expression rather than the content. It is often done to demonstrate technical skill or creativity.

Ponte a prueba 185 preguntas

writing

Traduisez : 'I do exercise every day.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Traduisez : 'The French exercise is easy.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Traduisez : 'Do your exercises!'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Traduisez : 'It is a good exercise for the brain.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Traduisez : 'We had a fire drill.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Traduisez : 'The fiscal year is over.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Traduisez : 'He is a practicing doctor.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Traduisez : 'I like this grammar exercise.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Traduisez : 'Exercise is good for health.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Traduisez : 'Finish exercise number five.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Décrivez votre exercice physique préféré en une phrase.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Pourquoi faites-vous de l'exercice ?

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Quel exercice de français est le plus dur ?

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Traduisez : 'The exercise of power.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Traduisez : 'A stylistic exercise.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Traduisez : 'Practice makes perfect.' (using exercice context)

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Traduisez : 'He lacks exercise.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Traduisez : 'A memory exercise.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Traduisez : 'The current president.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Traduisez : 'Do you want to do an exercise?'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Prononcez : 'exercice'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Dites : 'Je fais de l'exercice'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Dites : 'L'exercice est facile'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Dites : 'Fais tes exercices'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Dites : 'Un exercice de maths'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Dites : 'Exercice d'incendie'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Dites : 'En exercice'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Dites : 'Exercice comptable'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Dites : 'Un bon exercice'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Dites : 'L'exercice physique'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Expliquez ce qu'est un exercice en français.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Dites : 'Je n'aime pas cet exercice'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Dites : 'C'est l'exercice numéro un'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Dites : 'L'exercice du pouvoir'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Dites : 'Un exercice de style'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Dites : 'Faire de l'exercice régulièrement'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Dites : 'L'exercice est terminé'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Dites : 'Un exercice de mémoire'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Dites : 'Cet exercice est dur'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Dites : 'Travailler sur un exercice'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Écoutez et écrivez le mot : 'exercice'.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Écoutez : 'Fais tes exercices'. Est-ce singulier ou pluriel ?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Écoutez : 'L'exercice est fini'. Qu'est-ce qui est fini ?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Écoutez : 'Un exercice de style'. De quoi parle-t-on ?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Écoutez : 'En exercice'. Quel est le sens ?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Écoutez : 'Faire de l'exercice'. Est-ce une action ?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Écoutez : 'L'exercice comptable'. Quel domaine ?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Écoutez : 'Un exercice d'incendie'. Est-ce dangereux ?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Écoutez : 'L'exercice physique'. De quoi s'agit-il ?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Écoutez : 'L'exercice numéro trois'. Quel numéro ?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Écoutez : 'C'est un bon exercice'. Est-ce positif ?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Écoutez : 'L'exercice de la médecine'. Quel métier ?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Écoutez : 'Il manque d'exercice'. Quel est le problème ?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Écoutez : 'Un exercice de lecture'. Quelle activité ?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Écoutez : 'L'exercice est à la page six'. Quelle page ?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

/ 185 correct

Perfect score!

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