atelier
/a.tə.lje/
atelier is the French word for workshop.
An atelier is a workshop or studio, most commonly used in the context of fine arts, fashion or craftsmanship. While it can refer to any workshop, it is often associated with creative professions. For example, atelier de poterie is a specialized term meaning pottery workshop.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural, add an 's' to the end of the word to get ateliers.
How do you pronounce it?
/a.tə.lje/
Did you know?
- The root of atelier comes from astelle, which referred to a small piece of wood used as a splint to hold a broken bone in place.
- High fashion houses divide their atelier into two distinct sections: the atelier flou for soft draping and the atelier tailleur for structured tailoring.
- Historically, an atelier was not just a room but a social hierarchy where a master artist employed students to paint the less important parts of a canvas.
Examples in context
- Lorsque je me trouvais à Paris, j'ai fait la connaissance de deux ou trois peintres, et suis allé visiter leurs ateliers de temps à autre. J'étais toujours fasciné par leur méthode de travail et leur mode de vie.When I was in Paris, I became acquainted with two or three painters, and I went to visit their atelier from time to time. I was always fascinated by their method of work and their way of life.This sentence shows how to use atelier when visiting the workspaces of painters.Tatoeba #1244262 by sacredceltic, translation #1244096 by Scott
- Une fois, je suis allé à l'atelier d'un peintre que je venais de rencontrer au milieu de la nuit. C'était une pièce sombre dans un grenier.One time, I went to the atelier of a painter I had just met in the middle of the night. It was a dark room in an attic.This sentence uses atelier to describe a painter's workspace located in an attic.Tatoeba #1247553 by Scott, translation #1245041 by Scott
- Elle travaille seule dans son atelier de couture.She works alone in her sewing studio.
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are talking about Nathan's new job.
- LéaTu as un nouvel atelier pour tes sculptures ?Do you have a new studio for your sculptures?
- NathanOui, mon atelier est très lumineux et spacieux.Yes, my studio is very bright and spacious.
- LéaC'est génial, je peux venir te voir ?That's great, can I come visit you?
- NathanBien sûr, tu es la bienvenue quand tu veux.Of course, you are welcome whenever you want.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry atelier, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries atelier, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
