château
/ʃa.to/
The English phrase "chateau" is translated into French as château.
A château refers to a large French country house or a castle. It is a term used for grand residences and stately country homes, not exclusively for buildings with military functions.
Which one should you use?
While English speakers often use the word to mean a military castle, in French, a château can refer to a grand manor house or a stately country residence. To specifically describe a fortified military structure, you would use the term Château fort.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural of château, add an 'x' to the end to get châteaux.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /ʃa.to/.
Did you know?
- In French, the word château is also used to describe a water tower, which is called a château d'eau.
- In some contexts, château can refer specifically to a wine estate or the winery itself, rather than just the building.
- While English uses the word 'castle' for both, French distinguishes between a château and a palais, as a palais is typically an urban residence for a head of state.
Examples in context
- Chenonceau est l'un des châteaux les plus célèbres de France.Chenonceau is one of France's most famous chateau.This sentence shows how to use château when discussing famous French landmarks.Tatoeba #8731537 by Julien_PDC, translation #8159871 by Hybrid
- Le château de Versailles est un exemple magnifique de l'architecture française.The Château de Versailles is a magnificent example of French architecture.
- Le château fort de Carcassonne est l'un des plus grands de France.The fortress of Carcassonne is one of the largest in France.
- Nous avons séjourné dans un magnifique château/villa en Dordogne.We stayed in a magnificent chateau/villa in Dordogne.
- Nous allons visiter un vieux château demain.We are going to visit an old castle tomorrow.
- Le château est situé au sommet de la colline.The castle is located at the top of the hill.
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are looking at a travel brochure.
- LéaRegarde ce magnifique château en Bretagne !Look at this magnificent castle in Brittany!
- GabrielIl est vraiment impressionnant, Léa.It is truly impressive, Léa.
- LéaVeux-tu y aller avec moi ?Do you want to go there with me?
- GabrielOui, ce serait une super idée.Yes, that would be a great idea.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry château, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
