central
/sɑ̃.tʁal/
The English word 'central' is translated into French as central.
The adjective central describes something that is located in the centre. You may also use principal(e) to express the idea of something being central or principal. The word incontournable means something that cannot be bypassed or avoided and can be used to convey a central importance.
Meaning: being in the centre (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France, the expression en plein cœur de is a variation of 'au cœur de'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of the adjective is centrale. The masculine plural form of the adjective is centraux. The feminine plural form of the adjective is centrales.
How do you pronounce it?
/sɑ̃.tʁal/
Did you know?
- While central is an adjective, the feminine form centrale functions as a noun meaning a power plant, such as a centrale nucléaire.
- The French use incontournable to describe a 'central' or essential part of a trip or list, literally meaning it is 'unavoidable'.
- The masculine plural centraux deviates from the standard rule of adding an -s to adjectives, instead changing the ending entirely.
Examples in context
- Quel est le but central de ce plan ?What is the central aim of this plan?This sentence is useful for asking about the central aim of a plan using central.Tatoeba #1742171 by Sibelius, translation #59536 by Jesse
- L'Allemagne est située en Europe centrale.Germany is in Central Europe.This sentence is useful for describing the location of Germany in Central Europe using central.Tatoeba #4705589 by Cupie, translation #4703070 by shekitten
- La nef est la partie centrale de l'église.The nave is the central part of the church.This sentence is useful for identifying the central part of a church using centrale.Tatoeba #11452410 by lbdx, translation #11452409 by timmartin
- La position centrale de cette ville est stratégique.The central position of this city is strategic.
- Cet événement est incontournable pour les acteurs centraux de l'industrie.This event is essential for the central players in the industry.
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are discussing the layout of a new apartment.
- ManonLa cuisine est dans la pièce centrale.The kitchen is in the central room.
- LucasC'est pratique pour accéder aux chambres.That is convenient for accessing the bedrooms.
- ManonOui, c'est l'endroit central de la maison.Yes, it is the central spot of the house.
- LucasJe suis d'accord avec toi, Manon.I agree with you, Manon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “central” translations and entries central, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
