cimetière
/sim.tjɛʁ/
The English phrase "cemetery" is translated into French as cimetière.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France, the term Nécropole is sometimes used to describe a cemetery.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because cimetière is a masculine noun, the contraction of de (of) and le (the) results in du cimetière (of the cemetery / from the cemetery).
How do you pronounce it?
/sim.tjɛʁ/
Did you know?
- The term cimetière can be used metaphorically in French to describe a place that is completely silent or devoid of life, such as un cimetière de voitures for a junkyard.
- The word cimetière comes from the Ancient Greek word κοιμητήριον, which means 'sleeping chamber'.
- In France, the Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris is one of the most visited monuments in the world and is treated more like an open-air museum than a graveyard.
Examples in context
- Nous nous rendons au cimetière.We are going to the cemetery.This sentence is useful for saying that you are going to the cemetery.Tatoeba #1103759 by sacredceltic, translation #1783513 by Balamax
- Ils peignent le mur du cimetière.They're painting the cemetery wall.This sentence is useful for describing someone painting the cemetery wall.Tatoeba #7793408 by Aiji, translation #7765530 by AlanF_US
- J'ai peur de m'approcher du cimetière.I'm scared of going near the cemetery.This sentence is useful for expressing fear of approaching the cemetery.Tatoeba #11840986 by flowingwords, translation #8056740 by jameslin011
- Le cimetière est un endroit paisible pour se recueillir.The cemetery is a peaceful place for reflection.
- J'ai vu Marie au cimetière tout à l'heure.I saw Marie at the cemetery earlier.
- On se rejoint près du cim ce soir ?Shall we meet near the cemetery tonight?
- Je vais passer devant le cim pour rendre hommage à mon grand-père.I'll pass by the cemetery to pay tribute to my grandfather.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are looking at a map of the town.
- ChloéOù se trouve le cimetière ?Where is the cemetery located?
- LucasC'est juste derrière l'église, Chloé.It is just behind the church, Chloé.
- ChloéJe ne vois pas le cimetière ici.I don't see the cemetery here.
- LucasRegarde bien, Lucas te montre le chemin.Look closely, Lucas is showing you the way.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cimetière, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cimetière, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
