ambiance
/ɑ̃.bjɑ̃s/
The English phrase 'ambience' is translated into French as ambiance.
ambiance refers to the character and atmosphere of a place, often with reference to its mood.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /ɑ̃.bjɑ̃s/.
Did you know?
- In French, ambiance can describe a social mood or the tension between people, such as une mauvaise ambiance to describe a frosty atmosphere in a room.
- The root of the word comes from the Latin 'ambiens', meaning 'going around', which describes how an atmosphere surrounds a space.
- While English has 'ambient music', the French term musique d'ambiance is frequently used specifically for background music in elevators, lobbies and supermarkets.
Examples in context
- Le ton détendu de la pièce rendait l'ambiance agréable et chaleureuse.The relaxed tone of the room made the ambience pleasant and warm.
- L'ambiance festive du bar était incroyable ! Tout le monde dansait et riait.The festive ambience of the bar was incredible! Everyone was dancing and laughing.
- Ce café a une super bonne vibe ! L'ambiance est tellement relaxante.This café has a great vibe! The ambience is so relaxing.
- L'ambiance de ce café est très relaxante.The ambience of this cafe is very relaxing.
- J'aime beaucoup l'ambiance de ce restaurant.I really like the ambience of this restaurant.
- Il y a une ambiance chaleureuse dans cette maison.There is a warm ambience in this house.
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are entering a restaurant.
- LéaRegarde l'ambiance de ce restaurant !Look at the ambience of this restaurant!
- GabrielC'est vrai, c'est très chaleureux.It's true, it's very cozy.
- LéaL'ambiance est parfaite pour un dîner.The ambience is perfect for a dinner.
- GabrielJe suis d'accord, entrons.I agree, let's go in.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ambiance, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ambiance, CC BY-SA 4.0.
