cardinal
/kaʁ.di.nal/masculine
The English phrase "cardinal" is translated into French as cardinal when referring to an official of the Catholic Church.
As a noun, cardinal refers to a high-ranking official within the Catholic Church. The word can also function as an adjective to describe a cardinal number. When describing a bright red color, the phrase rouge cardinal is used.
Meaning: official of the Catholic Church (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
While the noun for a church official is cardinal, the adjective form changes based on the gender of the noun it modifies. The feminine form of the adjective is cardinale, used in phrases such as une erreur cardinale (a cardinal error).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and is pronounced /kaʁ.di.nal/.
Did you know?
- The word cardinal is derived from the Latin 'cardinalis', meaning 'hinge'. This reflects the role of these officials as the essential 'hinges' upon which the administration of the church turns.
- While the title is cardinal, when addressing one directly in a formal French setting, it is customary to use the phrase votre Éminence rather than the noun itself.
- French speakers use cardinal to describe the most important part of a system, such as un point cardinal. This refers to the main compass points but is also used metaphorically for a fundamental principle.
Examples in context
- Le cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio a été élu pape.Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio has been elected pope.This sentence is useful for seeing cardinal used as a title for a church official.Tatoeba #10745664 by Nyans, translation #2304068 by Hybrid
- Le cardinal Bergoglio a été élu pape par le conclave.Cardinal Bergoglio was elected Pope by the Conclave.Tatoeba #11247747 by lbdx, translation #2304070 by Hybrid
- Un est un nombre cardinal, premier est un nombre ordinal.One is a cardinal number, first is an ordinal number.This sentence is useful for seeing cardinal used as an adjective describing a number.Tatoeba #10745672 by Nyans, translation #8985301 by mccarras
- Le cardinal est en route pour la cérémonie papale.The cardinal is on his way to the papal ceremony.
- J'ai aperçu un magnifique cardinal rouge dans mon jardin.I spotted a magnificent red cardinal in my garden.
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are walking past a historic cathedral.
- ManonEst-ce que ce cardinal vit ici ?Does this cardinal live here?
- HugoOui, le cardinal réside dans ce palais.Yes, the cardinal resides in this palace.
- ManonC'est un cardinal très célèbre, paraît-il.He is a very famous cardinal, it seems.
- HugoC'est vrai, il est très respecté.It's true, he is very respected.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cardinal” translations and entries cardinal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cardinal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
