zone
/zon/
The English word 'area' is translated into French as zone.
The term zone is used to denote a particular geographic region. It is frequently used in compound phrases to denote specific functional areas, such as a non-smoking area (zone de non-fumeurs).
Meaning: particular geographic region (noun)
Which one should you use?
While zone refers to a geographic or administrative region, surface is used when referring to the mathematical measurement of an area. Additionally, the word région is used to refer to a geographical or administrative area or secteur can be used to describe an area, particularly regarding economic or professional activities.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of zone is zones.
How do you pronounce it?
/zon/
Did you know?
- In Paris, the term la zone historically referred to a belt of slums and shanty towns surrounding the city walls in the 19th century.
- The word zone shares its history with the English 'zone', both descending from the Greek word for a belt or girdle.
- While 'area' in English can refer to a general topic, in French you would use domaine to describe an area of expertise.
Examples in context
- Je vis en zone rurale.I live in a rural area.This sentence shows how to use zone to describe a rural area.Tatoeba #1869481 by sacredceltic, translation #1866502 by Spamster
- Cette zone est interdite.This area is off-limits.This sentence uses zone to describe an area that is off-limits.Tatoeba #1703860 by sacredceltic, translation #1702651 by Spamster
- Ne va pas dans cette zone.Don't go into that area.This sentence uses zone to warn someone not to enter a specific area.Tatoeba #11474239 by Aiji, translation #67949 by CM
- La région parisienne est très animée.The Paris area is very lively.
- Cette zone est dédiée aux entreprises.This area is dedicated to businesses.
- Elle travaille dans le secteur de la finance.She works in the finance sector.
- On se retrouve dans notre coin préféré.Let's meet in our favorite area/place.
- Cherche un endroit tranquille pour se détendre.Look for a peaceful area to relax.
- Les vaches paissent dans la plaine.The cows graze in the plain/flatland.
- 54 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are looking for a place to park their car.
- GabrielEst-ce qu'il y a une zone de stationnement ?Is there a parking area?
- EmmaOui, il y en a une juste là.Yes, there is one right there.
- GabrielEst-elle loin d'ici ?Is it far from here?
- EmmaNon, elle est tout près, Gabriel.No, it is very close, Gabriel.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry zone, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries zone, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
