Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bâtiment | /ba.ti.mɑ̃/ /bɑ.ti.mɑ̃/ |
masculine |
| immeuble | /i.mœbl/ | masculine |
| édifice | /e.di.fis/ | masculine |
All three forms refer to a closed structure with walls and a roof, but they are used in different contexts. Bâtiment is the general, most common term for any building. Immeuble refers specifically to large, multi-story structures divided into apartments or offices. Édifice is reserved for monumental, prestigious or architecturally significant structures, such as historical landmarks or government institutions.
Which one should you use?
Bâtiment is a general term for any building. In contrast, immeuble is used for multi-story residential or commercial buildings like apartment blocks. Édifice is used for large, impressive or imposing buildings such as public monuments.
How does it change in a sentence?
All three forms are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
bâtiment is pronounced /ba.ti.mɑ̃/ and has 3 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use immeuble to mean any building. Do not use immeuble for a single-story house or a small shed. Use bâtiment or construction instead.
Did you know?
- The word bâtiment is used in French to describe both a construction and a ship, as both are considered 'built' structures.
- The root of bâtiment is actually related to the act of sewing or weaving, originating from a Frankish word meaning 'to sew'.
- While édifice describes a physical building, the related verb édifier can also mean 'to enlighten' or 'to provide a moral example'.
Examples in context
- Ce bâtiment gris ?That gray building?This sentence is useful for identifying a specific gray building using bâtiment.Tatoeba #335916 by sysko, translation #68501 by rul
- Le bâtiment est bleu.The building is blue.This sentence is useful for describing the color of a building using bâtiment.Tatoeba #2445250 by gillux, translation #2470619 by BoriQa
- Ce bâtiment est neuf.This building is new.This sentence is useful for stating that a building is new using bâtiment.Tatoeba #9576495 by Aiji, translation #2784522 by sharptoothed
- Le bâtiment historique a été rénové.The historic building has been renovated.
- Le bâtiment abrite des bureaux et des commerces.The building houses offices and shops.
- J'habite dans un bel immeuble près du centre-ville.I live in a beautiful building near downtown.
- Cet immeuble est en construction depuis plusieurs mois.This building has been under construction for several months.
- L'édifice abrite maintenant une galerie d'art.The building now houses an art gallery.
- Cet édifice est un témoignage de l'architecture néo-gothique.This building is a testament to neo-Gothic architecture.
- Il a acheté une vieille bâtisse en Provence.He bought an old building in Provence.
- Ces bâtisses datent du XVIIIe siècle.These buildings date back to the 18th century.
- 307 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are walking through a new city district.
- NathanEst-ce que ce bâtiment est le musée ?Is this building the museum?
- LéaNon, ce bâtiment est une bibliothèque.No, this building is a library.
- NathanD'accord, et où est le musée ?Okay, and where is the museum?
- LéaLe musée est juste derrière ce bâtiment.The museum is just behind this building.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “building” translations and entries bâtiment, immeuble, édifice, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bâtiment, immeuble, édifice, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
