incendie criminel
/ɛ̃.sɑ̃.di kʁi.mi.nɛl/masculine
The English word arson is translated into French as incendie criminel. Wiktionary also lists incendie.
Meaning: crime of setting a fire (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| incendie criminel | /ɛ̃.sɑ̃.di kʁi.mi.nɛl/ | masculine |
| incendie | /ɛ̃.sɑ̃.di/ | masculine |
This term refers to the crime of setting a fire. While incendie criminel is a direct way to express the concept, you will frequently encounter the term incendie volontaire in legal and journalistic contexts to describe the same act.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase incendie criminel is composed of incendie (fire) and criminel (criminal).
Which one should you use?
The form incendie simply means a fire. The form incendie criminel specifically denotes the crime of arson. Additionally, incendie volontaire is a very common alternative used in news and law to mean a 'voluntary fire' or arson.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, both the noun and the adjective must take an 's', resulting in incendies criminels.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɛ̃.sɑ̃.di kʁi.mi.nɛl/
Did you know?
- In French, incendie refers specifically to a destructive blaze. Using it to describe a small candle flame or a campfire would sound like a catastrophe to a native speaker, who would use feu instead.
- The French word incendie likely didn't come from Latin alone, but was influenced by the regional Occitan word incendi during the 16th century.
- The term incendie volontaire translates literally as a 'voluntary fire'. In this legal context, volontaire means the act was intentional rather than the person being helpful or eager.
Examples in context
- Un incendie volontaire est un acte criminel.Arson is a criminal act.This sentence shows how to describe arson as a criminal act using incendie.Tatoeba #6373717 by Aiji, translation #4530041 by CK
- Le feu qui s'est déclenché la nuit dernière a été jugé être un incendie volontaire.The fire that broke out last night was judged to be caused by arson.This sentence describes a fire being judged as arson using incendie.Tatoeba #486119 by sacredceltic, translation #244743 by CM
- La police enquête sur cet incendie criminel.The police are investigating this arson.
Example conversation
Two neighbors are discussing a local news report.
- NathanTu as vu les nouvelles sur l'incendie criminel ?Did you see the news about the arson?
- ManonOui, c'est terrible pour ce vieux bâtiment.Yes, it is terrible for that old building.
- NathanJe suis inquiet pour notre quartier.I am worried about our neighborhood.
- ManonMoi aussi, Nathan, soyons prudents.Me too, Nathan, let's be careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “arson” translations and entries incendie criminel, incendie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries criminel, incendie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
