embuscade
/ɑ̃.bys.kad/feminine
The English word 'ambush' is translated into French as embuscade.
embuscade is a noun used to describe a surprise attack. You can use the phrase surprendre quelqu'un en embuscade to mean 'to surprise someone in an ambush'. If you want to describe the action of setting an ambush or attacking via one, you use the verb embusquer.
Meaning: attack (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
embuscade is a feminine noun. Because of this, it is preceded by the feminine article une, as in une embuscade (an ambush). To express that someone was caught in an ambush, French uses the idiom tomber dans une embuscade, which literally means 'to fall into an ambush'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables: /ɑ̃.bys.kad/.
Did you know?
- The French word embuscade traces its lineage back to the Italian word imboscata, which is rooted in the word for 'forest' or 'woods'.
- In French, there is a subtle distinction between the state of hiding en embuscade and the actual event of the embuscade itself. English often uses the single word 'ambush' for both concepts.
- In French, the idea of being caught in an ambush is expressed through the verb 'tomber', meaning 'to fall'. This creates a mental image of the victim accidentally stepping into a hidden trap.
Examples in context
- C'est une embuscade !It's an ambush!This sentence shows how to exclaim that an ambush is happening.Tatoeba #1724418 by sacredceltic, translation #1723682 by Spamster
- Il est tombé dans une embuscade.He was caught in an ambush.This sentence uses the idiom for being caught in an ambush.Tatoeba #819088 by U2FS, translation #2040233 by halfb1t
- C’est l’endroit idéal pour une embuscade.It's the perfect place for an ambush.This sentence describes a location that is suitable for an ambush.Tatoeba #7141793 by gillux, translation #3793599 by Hybrid
- Les soldats ont préparé une embuscade pour capturer les ennemis.The soldiers set up an ambush to capture the enemies.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are discussing a historical movie.
- LéaL'embuscade a été très bien préparée.The ambush was very well prepared.
- GabrielOui, c'était une embuscade soudaine.Yes, it was a sudden ambush.
- LéaLes soldats ne l'ont pas vue venir.The soldiers did not see it coming.
- GabrielC'était une scène de film incroyable.It was an incredible movie scene.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ambush” translations and entries embuscade, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries embuscade, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
