cours d'arts plastiques
The English phrase "art class" is translated into French as cours d'arts plastiques.
This term is the standard way to refer to an art class within the formal French school curriculum.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "course of plastic arts". In this context, arts plastiques refers to the visual arts, such as painting, sculpture and drawing.
Which one should you use?
While cours d'arts plastiques is a broad term covering all visual arts, if you are referring specifically to a drawing class, you should use cours de dessin.
Did you know?
- The word 'plastiques' in arts plastiques does not refer to 'plastic' the material, but rather to the ability to mold or shape matter. It stems from the Greek 'plastikos', meaning 'fit for molding'.
- While cours d'arts plastiques is the academic term, a casual adult hobbyist might instead join an atelier, which refers to the physical studio space as well as the class itself.
- In French schools, the arts plastiques curriculum often includes digital art and photography, extending the traditional definition of 'plastic' arts into the virtual realm.
Examples in context
- J'ai un cours d'art cet après-midi.I have an art class this afternoon.
- Je suis inscrit(e) à un cours de dessin.I am enrolled in a drawing class.
- On se retrouve pour le cours de peinture demain soir ?Shall we meet for the painting class tomorrow evening?
- J'adore les cours d'art, cela me permet de m'exprimer librement.I love art classes, it allows me to express myself freely.
- Je préfère les cours de sculpture car je me sens plus créatif.I prefer sculpture classes as I feel more creative.
- J'ai un cours d'arts plastiques à dix heures.I have an art class at ten o'clock.
- Elle adore son cours d'arts plastiques.She loves her art class.
- Le cours d'arts plastiques est dans la salle B.The art class is in room B.
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are discussing their school schedule in a hallway.
- LucasTu vas au cours d'arts plastiques avec moi ?Are you going to art class with me?
- LéaOui, j'ai mon cours d'arts plastiques tout de suite.Yes, I have my art class right now.
- LucasEst-ce que ton cours d'arts plastiques est difficile ?Is your art class difficult?
- LéaNon, c'est très amusant !No, it is very fun!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cours, CC BY-SA 4.0.
