When you look up "weight" in a French dictionary, the first word you'll likely see is le poids. While this is the most common translation, the concept of "weight" can be expressed in many different ways in French, depending on the context.

Are you talking about your body weight, the weight of a heavy object, the importance of a decision, or the dumbbells you lift at the gym? Each of these situations might call for a different term.

To help you sound more like a native speaker and understand the nuances of the language, let's dive into nine distinct ways to say "weight" in French!

The standard 'weight' (as in measurement) – le poids

The standard word for 'weight' as a measurement in French is le poids.

Le poids is the direct translation for 'weight' when you are referring to how heavy something is, whether it's an object, a person, or ingredients for a recipe. It is the go-to term for this concept.

It is a masculine noun, so it is always le poids (the weight) or un poids (a weight). The word itself does not change in the plural form, though the article does: les poids (the weights).

You'll frequently encounter le poids in everyday health and fitness contexts. Two essential phrases to know are:

perdre du poids - to lose weight
prendre du poids - to gain weight

Just like in English, le poids can also be used figuratively to mean a 'burden', 'load', or 'influence'. For example, you can talk about le poids des responsabilités (the weight/burden of responsibilities).

The context makes it very clear whether the meaning is literal or figurative. If you're talking about a suitcase, it's literal. If you're talking about emotions or duties, it's figurative.

The verb related to le poids is peser, which means 'to weigh'. For instance, Je pèse 70 kilos means 'I weigh 70 kilos'.

💡 * Quel est le poids de cette valise ? (What is the weight of this suitcase?)

Il essaie de perdre du poids avant l'été. (He is trying to lose weight before summer.)

Le poids de la décision repose sur ses épaules. (The weight of the decision rests on his shoulders.)

Le poids de ses mots a eu un grand impact. (The influence/weight of his words had a big impact.)

Attention au poids maximum autorisé dans l'ascenseur. (Be careful of the maximum weight allowed in the elevator.)

The 'weight' as in mass (scientific context) – la masse

The 'weight' as in mass (scientific context) – la masse

In scientific fields like physics or chemistry, the correct term for the amount of matter in an object is la masse. This is the direct equivalent of the English word 'mass'.

It's critically important not to confuse la masse with le poids (weight). While used interchangeably in casual English, in French science, they are distinct: la masse is a measure of matter (in kilograms), while le poids is the force of gravity acting on that mass (in Newtons).

You will almost exclusively use or hear la masse in an academic or technical context. For example, in a science class, a laboratory, or when discussing engineering principles. A physicist would always ask for la masse of an object, not its weight.

To remember the difference, think about an astronaut. An astronaut's masse (the amount of 'stuff' they are made of) is the same on Earth and on the Moon. However, their poids (weight) is much less on the Moon due to lower gravity.

💡 * La masse de cet objet est de dix kilogrammes.

En physique, on utilise la formule F = m × a, où 'm' représente la masse.

Il est important de ne pas confondre la masse et le poids.

La balance mesure la masse, pas le poids.

The 'weight' as in a load or burden – la charge

When you need to talk about 'weight' in French not as a measurement, but as a physical load or a figurative burden, the correct word is la charge.

La charge is a feminine noun that directly translates to 'load,' 'burden,' or 'charge.' Its meaning is versatile, covering both tangible objects and abstract responsibilities.

It's crucial to distinguish la charge from le poids. Use le poids when referring to the scientific measurement of weight (like in kilograms or pounds). Use la charge to describe the thing that is being carried or the responsibility one bears.

The power of la charge lies in its abstract uses. It can refer to a workload (la charge de travail), a financial burden, an emotional weight, or even a legal charge filed against someone.

You will frequently hear la charge in common expressions. For instance, prendre en charge means 'to take charge of' or 'to cover the cost of,' while être à la charge de quelqu'un means 'to be dependent on someone'.

💡 * Le cheval tire une lourde charge. (The horse is pulling a heavy load.)

J'ai une énorme charge de travail cette semaine. (I have a huge workload this week.)

Qui a la charge de ce projet ? (Who is in charge of this project?)

Les frais de scolarité sont une charge pour de nombreuses familles. (Tuition fees are a burden for many families.)

L'assurance prend en charge les frais médicaux. (The insurance covers the medical expenses.)

The 'weight' as in importance or influence – l'importance

The 'weight' as in importance or influence – l'importance

L'importance is the direct French equivalent for 'importance,' 'significance,' or 'consequence.' It's a feminine noun, so you'll see it as une importance or l'importance. As a cognate, its meaning is very straightforward for English speakers.

This noun is frequently used in phrases to describe the degree of significance. Common structures include attacher de l'importance à quelque chose (to attach importance to something) and être d'une grande importance (to be of great importance).

While in English we might talk about the 'weight' of a decision, in French, l'importance is used strictly for this figurative sense. The literal word for physical weight is le poids. Using l'importance correctly distinguishes abstract significance from physical mass.

💡 * Il accorde beaucoup d'importance à l'opinion de sa famille. (He gives a lot of importance to his family's opinion.)

C'est une affaire d'une importance capitale. (This is a matter of utmost importance.)

L'importance de ce projet est énorme pour l'entreprise. (The importance of this project is huge for the company.)

Vous sous-estimez l'importance de la situation. (You are underestimating the importance of the situation.)

The 'weights' for exercising – les poids / les haltères

When you hit the gym in a French-speaking country, you'll need to know the words for 'weights.' The two most common terms are les poids and les haltères.

Les poids is the general, all-encompassing term for weights. It literally means 'the weights' and can refer to any type of weight, including barbells, plates, or kettlebells. The common phrase for 'to lift weights' is soulever des poids.

Les haltères is the specific word for 'dumbbells.' If you're talking about the individual weights you hold in each hand for exercises like bicep curls or shoulder presses, this is the correct and more precise term to use.

Think of it this way: all haltères are poids, but not all poids are haltères. You would say, Je m'entraîne avec des poids (I train with weights) as a general statement, but J'ai besoin de deux haltères de dix kilos (I need two ten-kilo dumbbells) for a specific request.

In short: use les poids for the general concept of 'weights' and weightlifting, and use les haltères when you are specifically referring to 'dumbbells'.

💡 * Je soulève des poids trois fois par semaine. (I lift weights three times a week.)

Peux-tu me passer les haltères de 5 kg, s'il te plaît ? (Can you pass me the 5 kg dumbbells, please?)

Il a ajouté plus de poids sur sa barre. (He added more weight to his barbell.)

Les haltères sont à côté du banc. (The dumbbells are next to the bench.)

The 'weight' as in the heaviness of something – la lourdeur

In French, when you want to talk about the 'weight' or 'heaviness' of something as a quality, the noun you're looking for is la lourdeur. It's directly related to the adjective lourd (masculine) or lourde (feminine), which means 'heavy'.

The most straightforward use of la lourdeur is to describe the physical property of being heavy. You would use it to talk about the difficulty of lifting an object or the substantial weight of something. For example, you might mention la lourdeur d'une valise (the heaviness of a suitcase).

Beyond its literal sense, la lourdeur is frequently used figuratively. It can describe a physical feeling of sluggishness, like la lourdeur de l'estomac (heaviness of the stomach) after a big meal. It's also perfect for describing a tense or oppressive atmosphere, such as la lourdeur d'un silence (the heaviness of a silence).

Another common figurative meaning relates to a lack of grace or subtlety. La lourdeur can describe social clumsiness, a bad joke that falls flat, or a tactless comment. In this context, it's similar to the English concept of 'clunkiness' or 'awkwardness'.

💡 * La lourdeur de cette boîte la rend difficile à transporter.

Je ressens une lourdeur dans mes jambes après avoir couru un marathon.

Il y avait une lourdeur palpable dans la pièce après son annonce.

Sa blague a créé une certaine lourdeur ; personne n'a ri.

The 'weight' as a figurative burden – le fardeau

When you want to express the idea of a figurative 'weight,' such as a heavy responsibility or emotional strain, the French noun to use is le fardeau. It translates directly to 'the burden' or 'the load' and is used specifically for non-physical weights.

You can use le fardeau to describe the pressure of debt, the weight of a secret, or the strain of a difficult duty. It perfectly captures the sense of a heavy, often unwelcome, emotional, or financial obligation.

Remember that le fardeau is a masculine noun. You will always pair it with masculine articles and adjectives, for example: un lourd fardeau (a heavy burden).

💡 * Il porte le fardeau de la culpabilité depuis l'accident. (He has been carrying the burden of guilt since the accident.)

Les impôts élevés sont un fardeau pour les petites entreprises. (High taxes are a burden for small businesses.)

Elle ne voulait pas être un fardeau pour sa famille. (She didn't want to be a burden to her family.)

The 'weight' of an argument or opinion – la valeur

The “weight” of an argument or opinion – la valeur

While la valeur literally translates to “value” or “worth,” it is frequently used in French to describe the merit, validity, or strength of an abstract concept like an argument, an opinion, or a piece of evidence. It's the perfect word for the metaphorical “weight” of an idea.

This term is often found in phrases that evaluate information. For example, you might hear la valeur d'un argument (the strength of an argument) or la valeur d'une preuve (the validity of a proof). Using it demonstrates a nuanced understanding of French beyond literal translations.

Be careful not to confuse this with le poids, which means literal, physical weight. While in English we say an argument “carries weight,” in French, it's more natural to say it a de la valeur (has value/merit).

💡 * Cet argument a beaucoup de valeur pour le jury. (This argument carries a lot of weight with the jury.)

Je doute de la valeur de ses promesses. (I doubt the value/worth of his promises.)

La valeur de ce témoignage est incontestable. (The validity of this testimony is indisputable.)

Ses paroles ont peu de valeur sans action. (His words have little value without action.)

1. Understanding 'Le Contrepoids': The Counterweight

The French word le contrepoids translates directly to 'counterweight' or 'counterbalance'. It refers to a weight that is specifically used to balance another weight, rather than the measurement of heaviness itself.

Historically, le contrepoids was the physical weight placed on one side of a traditional balance scale (une balance) to measure an object on the other side. It's also a key component in mechanics, such as the counterweight in an elevator (un ascenseur) that balances the car's weight.

It is crucial not to confuse le contrepoids with le poids. Le poids means 'weight' as a measurement (e.g., Quel est ton poids? - What is your weight?). A contrepoids is a physical object whose function is to balance, while le poids is the property of being heavy.

Beyond its literal sense, le contrepoids is frequently used figuratively to describe a balancing or opposing force. For instance, a strong opposition party can be seen as a necessary contrepoids to the government in a democracy.

💡 * Le marchand a mis un contrepoids de deux kilos sur la balance.

Le système de l'ascenseur a besoin d'un contrepoids pour fonctionner efficacement.

La liberté de la presse est un contrepoids essentiel au pouvoir politique.

Dans le débat, ses arguments ont servi de contrepoids à l'opinion générale.

Are there other ways to say 'weight' in French?

Our list features the most common ways to talk about 'weight' in French, from the literal poids to the figurative charge. However, French is rich with nuance, and different contexts—scientific, emotional, or physical—may call for more specific vocabulary.

To find more specialized terms, you can search for phrases like 'synonyme de poids en médecine' or 'comment dire 'emotional weight' en français'. This will help you uncover vocabulary specific to different fields.

When you find a new synonym, always verify its meaning and usage. Pay attention to example sentences in a reliable dictionary. This ensures you understand the subtle differences, such as between la pesanteur (heaviness/gravity) and le poids (weight).

The best way to master these distinctions is through immersion. As you listen to French news, read articles, or watch films, notice how native speakers discuss concepts of weight, importance, and burden. Context will be your best teacher.

For a deeper dive into related terms, like verbs for 'to weigh' or adjectives like 'heavy' or 'lightweight', the WordReference entry and forums for poids are invaluable resources for seeing the words used by native speakers.

I hope this article has helped you better grasp the concept of 'weight' in French. To end, here is a fitting quote from Milan Kundera: « N'a de valeur que ce qui pèse. » (Only that which has weight has value.) A good reminder of the importance of the words we choose.

'9 ways to say "weight" in French'