Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| chaise | /ʃɛz/ | feminine |
| fauteuil | /fo.tœj/ | masculine |
The word chaise refers to a general chair, while fauteuil is used specifically for an armchair or a more comfortable, upholstered seat with armrests. Related to the concept of a chair, the verb présider can be used to mean acting as a chairperson.
Which one should you use?
While chaise is the most common and widely used word for a chair, use fauteuil if you are specifically referring to an armchair.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the term chaise de cuisine is used for a kitchen chair. In some African French-speaking countries, such as Senegal and Ivory Coast, a chair may be referred to as tabouret.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural of chaise, add an 's' to get chaises. Similarly, the plural of fauteuil is formed by adding an 's' to get fauteuils.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃɛz/
Did you know?
- The word chaise is a distant relative of the English word 'cathedral', as both derive from the Greek word kathédra, meaning a seat.
- If you are talking about a formal academic or religious seat, you might use chaire instead of the common chaise.
- French has a specific term chaise longue for a long chair, which English speakers have adopted as a loanword.
Examples in context
- Sors de ma chaise !Get out of my chair.This sentence is useful for telling someone to get out of your chaise.Tatoeba #1852868 by sacredceltic, translation #1852278 by CK
- La chaise est cassée.The chair is broken.This sentence is useful for describing a chaise that is broken.Tatoeba #4198638 by olivier, translation #3422015 by CK
- Je désire une chaise.I want a chair.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire for a chaise.Tatoeba #4692209 by sacredceltic, translation #2011291 by CK
- La salle à manger a une grande chaise en bois.The dining room has a large wooden chair.
- Prenez place sur votre siège, s'il vous plaît.Please take a seat on your chair.
- Jette ton sac sur la chaise.Throw your bag on the chair.
- Je m'assois dans mon fauteuil préféré pour lire un livre.I sit in my favorite armchair to read a book.
- 233 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are in a dining room setting a table.
- EmmaNathan, peux-tu déplacer cette chaise ?Nathan, can you move this chair?
- NathanBien sûr, Emma. Elle est très lourde.Of course, Emma. It is very heavy.
- EmmaLa chaise est devant la table.The chair is in front of the table.
- NathanD'accord, je la remets en place.Okay, I am putting it back in place.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chair” translations and entries chaise, fauteuil, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chaise, fauteuil, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
