chambre
/ʃɑ̃bʁ/feminine
The French word for bedroom is chambre. Wiktionary also lists chambre à coucher.
Meaning: room in a house where a bed is kept for sleeping (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| chambre | /ʃɑ̃bʁ/ | feminine |
| chambre à coucher | /ʃɑ̃.bʁ‿a ku.ʃe/ | feminine |
The term chambre refers to a room in a house where a bed is kept for sleeping. In many contexts, it can also refer to a guest room or a room in a hotel.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase chambre à coucher literally means room for sleeping.
Which one should you use?
While chambre à coucher is the full descriptive term, chambre is the much more common way to say bedroom in everyday conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because chambre is a feminine noun, you must use the feminine article une (a bedroom) instead of the masculine un.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃɑ̃bʁ/
Did you know?
- The word chambre comes from a Greek word that originally described a vaulted boat or a covered wagon rather than a room in a house.
- In French, la chambre can refer to a legislative body, such as la Chambre des députés. This usage mirrors the English 'chamber' in a political context.
- While chambre means bedroom, the word pièce is used to count the total number of rooms in a house. A one-bedroom apartment is often described by its total pièces rather than just bedrooms.
Examples in context
- Il lit dans sa chambre.He's reading in his bedroom.This sentence shows how to use chambre to describe someone reading in their room.Tatoeba #8663773 by Julien_PDC, translation #7389155 by CH
- Tom a sa propre chambre.Tom has his own bedroom.This sentence demonstrates using chambre to state that someone has their own room.Tatoeba #3473051 by Lulantis, translation #1025373 by CK
- As-tu rangé ta chambre ?Have you tidied your bedroom?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has tidied their chambre.Tatoeba #6006185 by Petrus, translation #12868993 by sundown
- Je vais me reposer dans ma chambre.I am going to rest in my bedroom.
- On se retrouve dans ma chambre à coucher après le dîner.Let's meet in my bedroom after dinner.
- 125 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are decorating their new apartment.
- ManonLa chambre est très grande.The bedroom is very large.
- GabrielOui, elle est parfaite pour nous.Yes, it is perfect for us.
- ManonOù allons-nous mettre le lit ?Where are we going to put the bed?
- GabrielDans le coin de la chambre.In the corner of the bedroom.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bedroom” translations and entries chambre, chambre à coucher, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chambre, coucher, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
