la fumée

The French word "fumée" means smoke — the visible vapor and gases emitted when something burns.

Meaning:

• Fumée refers to the collection of tiny particles and gases produced by combustion.
• It can be seen rising from fires, chimneys, cigarettes, factories, or any burning material.

Usage:

• Example: La fumée sort de la cheminée. — "Smoke is coming out of the chimney."
• It can be used literally (smoke from fire) or figuratively (e.g., "faire de la fumée" meaning to give the appearance of activity without real results).

Synonyms and differences:

• Haleine: Means "breath," which can sometimes be visible as "foggy breath" in cold weather — not really the same as smoke.
• Vapeur: Means "steam" or "vapor" — this is the gaseous form of water, usually harmless and from boiling water, whereas fumée has solid particles and is linked to burning.
• Buée: Means "condensation" or "fog" that forms on surfaces like glass when warm air meets cold surfaces — different from fumée.

Summary:

• Use fumée when referring to the actual smoke caused by burning.
• Avoid confusing fumée with vapeur or buée, which refer to steam or condensation, not smoke.