canopée
/ka.nɔ.pe/
The English word "canopy" can be translated into French as canopée.
canopée is used to describe an overhanging or projecting roof structure. In biological or ecological contexts, it specifically refers to the upper layer of a forest.
Meaning: overhanging or projecting roof structure (noun)
Which one should you use?
La verrière is a formal way to say canopy, referring to a transparent or semi-transparent roof or covering.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ka.nɔ.pe/ and has three syllables.
Did you know?
- Unlike in English, where 'canopy' can refer to a bed covering, French uses ciel de lit, which literally translates to 'sky of the bed'.
- While canopée describes the forest canopy, the French use the word voûte (meaning 'vault') to describe the 'canopy' of the sky, as if the heavens were a great cathedral ceiling.
- In French fashion, a 'canopy' of fabric over a bed is more commonly called a baldaquin rather than using the word canopée.
Examples in context
- La canopée bloque la lumière du soleil.The canopy blocks the sunlight.This sentence is useful for showing how canopée functions as a subject that can block sunlight.Tatoeba #13024536 by lbdx, translation #12851865 by Teangloir
- La verrière en verre de l'entrée du musée offre un abri contre la pluie.The glass canopy of the museum entrance provides shelter from the rain.
- Le café au Québec avait une belle marquise qui protégeait les clients du soleil.The cafe in Quebec had a beautiful marquise that protected patrons from the sun.
- La canopée de la forêt est très dense.The forest canopy is very dense.
- Les oiseaux vivent sous la canopée.The birds live under the canopy.
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are looking at a garden design.
- ManonRegarde cette canopée blanche, c'est magnifique !Look at this white canopy, it's magnificent!
- GabrielOui, elle donne beaucoup d'ombre au jardin.Yes, it provides a lot of shade to the garden.
- ManonEst-ce que tu penses qu'elle est solide ?Do you think it is sturdy?
- GabrielOui, Gabriel pense que c'est une bonne structure.Yes, Gabriel thinks it is a good structure.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry canopée, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
