bateau
/ba.to/masculine
The English word boat is translated into French as bateau. Wiktionary also lists barque and nacelle.
Meaning: water craft (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bateau | /ba.to/ | masculine |
| barque | /baʁk/ | feminine |
| nacelle | /na.sɛl/ | feminine |
| navire | /na.viʁ/ | masculine |
The term is used to describe a water craft.
Which one should you use?
bateau is the general word for boat, but there are more specific terms depending on the size and type. navire is used specifically for larger, more significant vessels like ships. barque refers specifically to a small, often open, rowing or sailing boat, whereas bateau is a generic term for any watercraft. nacelle is also a feminine form for a water craft.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ba.to/ and has two syllables.
Did you know?
- The French word bateau actually comes from the English word 'boat' via Anglo-Norman, which eventually pushed the original French word nef out of common use.
- In modern French, the word nacelle is used not only for boats but also to describe the basket or gondola of a hot air balloon.
- While navire means 'ship', it shares a deep root with the English word 'navy'.
Examples in context
- Je suis en bateau.I'm on a boat.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are currently on a bateau.Tatoeba #1566573 by Rovo, translation #1346200 by Spamster
- Un bateau a chaviré.A boat capsized.This sentence is useful for describing that a bateau has capsized.Tatoeba #3654574 by sacredceltic, translation #33738 by CK
- Le bateau a chaviré.The boat capsized.Tatoeba #3654575 by sacredceltic, translation #2648433 by CK
- Le bateau est magnifique.The boat is magnificent.
- Je vois un bateau au loin.I see a boat in the distance.
- 191 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are standing by the harbor.
- EmmaRegarde ce grand bateau, Gabriel !Look at that big boat, Gabriel!
- GabrielOui, il est magnifique.Yes, it is magnificent.
- EmmaEst-ce qu'on peut monter à bord ?Can we go on board?
- GabrielPeut-être, attendons le capitaine.Maybe, let's wait for the captain.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “boat” translations and entries bateau, barque, nacelle, navire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries barque, bateau, nacelle, navire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
