fond
/fɔ̃/
In French, the word for the background of a picture is fond.
fond is used to describe the background of a visual image or the bottom/depth of a physical space. When referring specifically to background audio, such as music or noise, the idiomatic phrase en fond sonore is used.
Meaning: part of picture (noun)
Which one should you use?
fond is used when discussing the background of an image, but it also literally translates to the 'bottom' or 'depth' of a container or a physical space.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, particularly in Canadian French, the English word Background is used as a borrowed term.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɔ̃/
Did you know?
- The French term fond de teint uses the word fond to refer to 'foundation' in makeup, literally meaning the 'bottom' or 'base' applied to the skin.
- The word fond is used in the culinary term fond de veau to describe the rich brown stock made from veal bones.
- The word fond is a linguistic relative of the English word 'fund', as both derive from the Latin 'fundus' meaning 'bottom'.
Examples in context
- La télé beuglait en fond sonore.The TV blared in the background.This sentence shows how to use fond to describe a sound occurring in the background.Tatoeba #9704171 by lbdx, translation #5337284 by Hybrid
- Le portrait avait un fond sombre.The portrait had a dark background.This sentence shows how to use fond to describe the background of a portrait.Tatoeba #12642430 by lbdx, translation #2268459 by _undertoad
- Je pouvais les entendre rire en bruit de fond.I could hear them laugh in the background.This sentence demonstrates the use of the phrase fond regarding background noise.Tatoeba #3414098 by sacredceltic, translation #3402120 by Hybrid
- Les antécédents historiques de cette région sont riches et variés.The historical background of this region is rich and diverse.
- L'expérience de cet ingénieur est impressionnante.This engineer's background is impressive.
- Son passé n'est pas facile à comprendre.His background is not easy to understand.
- J'ai un parcours académique assez atypique.I have quite an unconventional academic background.
- Mon vécu m'a permis de développer une vision du monde unique.My background has allowed me to develop a unique worldview.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are looking at a photograph at a gallery.
- EmmaRegarde le fond de cette photo.Look at the background of this photo.
- GabrielIl est très flou, n'est-ce pas ?It is very blurry, isn't it?
- EmmaOui, mais le fond est magnifique.Yes, but the background is magnificent.
- GabrielJe suis d'accord avec toi, Emma.I agree with you, Emma.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry fond, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fond, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
