antique
/ɑ̃.tik/masculine
The English word 'antique' is translated into French as antique.
As a noun, antique refers to an old piece. When you want to refer to 'antiques' as a collection of old objects or a shop category, the plural noun antiquités is more commonly used than the adjective antiques.
Meaning: old piece (noun)
Which one should you use?
In French, there is a nuance between words for 'old'. While ancien means old or former, antique specifically refers to things from classical antiquity (e.g., Greek or Roman).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective antique takes an 's' in its plural form to agree with a plural noun.
How do you pronounce it?
It is pronounced /ɑ̃.tik/ and consists of 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word 'antique' shares its roots with the English word 'antic', which refers to a grotesque or bizarre figure or mask.
- French distinguishes between antique and ancien more sharply than English does between 'antique' and 'old'. Using antique for a family heirloom from the 1800s would be considered a factual error in France.
- While an English speaker might shop for 'antiques', a French person looking for old furniture would more likely head to a brocante or a shop for antiquités.
Examples in context
- La maison blanche est antique.The white house is antique.This sentence shows how to use antique to describe a house.Tatoeba #563073 by qdii, translation #462982 by lukaszpp
- Les tapis antiques sont particulièrement précieux.Antique carpets are especially valuable.This sentence shows how to use antique to describe carpets.Tatoeba #542833 by sacredceltic, translation #241524 by CK
- Ce vase est un ancien exemplaire de la dynastie Ming.This vase is an antique specimen from the Ming Dynasty.
- L'exposition met en valeur des meubles anciens datant du XVIIIe siècle.The exhibition showcases antique furniture dating back to the 18th century.
- Le commerce des antiquités égyptiennes est réglementé.The trade of Egyptian antiques is regulated.
- J'adore chiner de vieux objets dans les marchés aux puces.I love hunting for old objects in flea markets.
- Cette table est française et date de l'époque Louis XV.This table is French and dates back to the Louis XV era.
- Mon frère collectionne les voitures de sport d'époque.My brother collects vintage sports cars.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are visiting an old furniture shop.
- NathanRegarde cet antique, Léa !Look at this antique, Léa!
- LéaC'est magnifique, mais c'est cher.It is magnificent, but it is expensive.
- NathanC'est un antique très rare.It is a very rare antique.
- LéaOn devrait l'acheter pour le salon.We should buy it for the living room.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “antique” translations and entries antique, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries antique, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
