canne
/kan/feminine
In French, the word for cane is canne. If unsure, use canne. Wiktionary also lists canne blanche.
Meaning: long collapsible rod used by vision impaired people (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| canne | /kan/ /kɑ̃n/ (Louisiana) |
feminine |
| canne blanche | /kan blɑ̃ʃ/ | feminine |
The noun canne refers to a cane or walking stick. When specifically referring to the long collapsible rod used by people with visual impairments, the term canne blanche (white cane) is used. Additionally, canne is used in the phrase canne à sucre to mean sugar cane.
Which one should you use?
While canne refers to a cane or walking stick, it is distinct from bâton, which refers to a generic stick or staff. The term canne blanche is the specific designation for the white cane used by the visually impaired.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word canne is a feminine noun. The related verb bâtonner means to beat with a cane.
How do you pronounce it?
/kan/
Did you know?
- The French word canne descends from the Sumerian word gi.na through a chain of ancient languages including Akkadian and Greek.
- While canne refers to the object, the word canne is also used in the French expression avoir de la canne in some regional contexts to imply having energy or spirit.
- In French, you might hear the term canne à pêche to describe a fishing rod, which literally translates to a 'cane for fishing'.
Examples in context
- Il portait une canne.He carried a cane.This sentence is useful for describing someone carrying a canne.Tatoeba #4697987 by sacredceltic, translation #2258276 by _undertoad
- Il s'appuie sur une canne.He's leaning on a cane.This sentence is useful for describing someone leaning on a canne.Tatoeba #4949765 by sacredceltic, translation #2258627 by _undertoad
- Il s'appuyait sur une canne.He leaned on a cane.This sentence is useful for describing someone who leaned on a canne in the past.Tatoeba #8427323 by Aiji, translation #7963455 by AlanF_US
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma is helping Hugo find his way in a busy hallway.
- EmmaOù est votre canne, Monsieur Hugo ?Where is your cane, Mr. Hugo?
- HugoJe l'ai oubliée sur la table.I forgot it on the table.
- EmmaJe vais chercher votre canne pour vous.I will go get your cane for you.
- HugoMerci beaucoup, Emma.Thank you very much, Emma.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cane” translations and entries canne, canne blanche, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries canne, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
