arcade
/aʁ.kad/
The English word 'arcade' translates to arcade in French.
In French, arcade refers to a covered passage, which typically features shops on both sides. For a more formal way to describe a covered passage or arcade, you can use the phrase passage couvert.
Meaning: covered passage, usually with shops on both sides (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun arcade is feminine, which is indicated by the use of the feminine article une arcade. The plural form is les arcades.
How do you pronounce it?
/aʁ.kad/
Did you know?
- In French, the word arcade is also used in anatomy to describe the 'arch' of the eyebrow, known as l'arcade sourcilière.
- The Italian root 'arcata' is related to the French word arc, meaning 'bow', which explains why the architectural term describes the shape of the passage.
- To refer to a video game arcade, French speakers typically use the English loanword arcade or the phrase salle d'arcade.
Examples in context
- Cette arcade est pleine de petites boutiques.This arcade is full of little shops.
- Nous allons nous abriter sous l'arcade.We are going to take shelter under the arcade.
- L'arcade est très élégante avec ses vitrines.The arcade is very elegant with its shop windows.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are walking through a shopping district in Paris.
- GabrielRegarde cette belle arcade, Emma.Look at this beautiful arcade, Emma.
- EmmaElle est magnifique et très calme.It is magnificent and very quiet.
- GabrielTu veux entrer dans l'arcade pour faire du shopping ?Do you want to enter the arcade to go shopping?
- EmmaOui, j'aimerais bien voir les magasins.Yes, I would quite like to see the shops.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry arcade, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries arcade, CC BY-SA 4.0.
