arrière
/a.ʁjɛʁ/masculine
The French word for aft is arrière.
The word arrière is used to describe something located at the back of a vessel. In a visual context, it can also serve as a prefix in words like arrière-plan to denote a background.
Meaning: located at the back of a vessel (adj)
Which one should you use?
When describing the orientation of a vessel, arrière is the direct antonym of l'avant (the front).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that something is located 'at the aft' or 'in the rear', use the prepositional phrase à l'arrière.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /a.ʁjɛʁ/.
Did you know?
- The word arrière is used in the term arrière-grand-père to mean 'great-grandfather'. It literally pushes the family relation one step further 'back' in time.
- In French sports, particularly football, a defender is called an arrière. This describes their position at the 'back' of the formation relative to the attack.
- The word arrière is derived from the Latin phrase ad retrō, which combines 'to' and 'backwards'.
Examples in context
- La partie arrière du bateau était moins exposée au vent.The aft part of the boat felt less windy.This sentence is useful for describing the aft part of a boat.Tatoeba #9184695 by Micsmithel, translation #9139546 by AlanF_US
- Mike est entré à l'avant de l'avion, mais son siège était situé dans la dernière rangée à l'arrière de l'avion.Mike entered the fore of the plane, but his seat was located in the final row at the aft of the plane.This sentence is useful for describing the location of a seat at the aft of an airplane.Tatoeba #9184701 by Micsmithel, translation #8466153 by Rawrren
- Le navire a été endommagé à l'arrière.The ship was damaged aft.
- Veuillez vous asseoir à l'arrière de l'avion.Please take your seat at the back of the plane.
- Range tes affaires à l'arrière de la voiture.Put your belongings in the back of the car.
- Le moteur se trouve à l'arrière du bateau.The engine is located at the aft of the boat.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are organizing their gear on a boat.
- GabrielOù as-tu posé les sacs, Léa ?Where did you put the bags, Léa?
- LéaJe les ai mis à l'arrière.I put them aft.
- GabrielC'est parfait pour équilibrer le bateau.That's perfect for balancing the boat.
- LéaOui, on a plus de place ici.Yes, we have more space here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “aft” translations and entries arrière, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries arrière, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
