pièce maîtresse
The English phrase centerpiece is translated into French as pièce maîtresse.
It can be used literally to mean a central object of decoration, and figuratively to mean a 'key component' of a plan or argument.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of pièce (piece/part) and maîtresse (master/main/leading).
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural, both the noun and the adjective must agree, resulting in pièces maîtresses.
Did you know?
- The word pièce is also used in French to refer to a room in a house, so a pièce maîtresse can literally be the primary room of a building.
- In a professional or sporting context, a person can be described as the pièce maîtresse if they are the star player or the most vital part of a team.
- While maîtresse in pièce maîtresse means 'main' or 'master', using maîtresse on its own usually means 'mistress' in the sense of a secret lover.
Examples in context
- Le centre de table que vous avez choisi est absolument magnifique.The centerpiece you have chosen is absolutely beautiful.
- Veuillez installer le centre de table avant l'arrivée des invités.Please set up the centerpiece before the guests arrive.
- Nous avons besoin d'un centre de table élégant pour la réception.We need an elegant centerpiece for the reception.
- N'oublie pas la décoration de table pour la fête ce soir.Don't forget the centerpiece for the party tonight.
- Cette sculpture est la pièce maîtresse de la collection.This sculpture is the centerpiece of the collection.
- Le nouveau moteur est la pièce maîtresse de ce projet.The new engine is the centerpiece of this project.
- Son talent est la pièce maîtresse de notre équipe.Her talent is the centerpiece of our team.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are discussing a museum exhibition.
- HugoQuelle est la pièce maîtresse de l'exposition ?What is the centerpiece of the exhibition?
- ManonC'est ce tableau ancien, Hugo.It is this ancient painting, Hugo.
- HugoEst-ce que la pièce maîtresse est très grande ?Is the centerpiece very large?
- ManonOui, elle est vraiment impressionnante.Yes, it is truly impressive.
