échec et mat
/e.ʃɛ.k‿e mat/
The English phrase "checkmate" is translated into French as échec et mat.
échec et mat is used when making the conclusive move in a game of chess. It can function as an exclamation to declare the end of the game or as a noun to refer to the victory itself.
Meaning: said when making the conclusive move in chess (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of échec (check) and mat (mate/death/end).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of delivering a checkmate, use the verb faire with the phrase: faire échec et mat.
How do you pronounce it?
/e.ʃɛ.k‿e mat/
Did you know?
- The word échec in French is used for both a chess 'check' and a general 'failure', such as a 'failed' attempt.
- While échec et mat means checkmate, the word mat on its own can also mean 'matte' as in a non-reflective paint finish.
- The term mat in the phrase is thought to be a linguistic blend, potentially confusing the Persian word for 'conquered' with the Arabic word māta, which means 'to die'.
Examples in context
- Échec et mat !Checkmate!This example shows the phrase used as a direct exclamation.Tatoeba #4578445 by sacredceltic, translation #611140 by kebukebu
- Échec et mat !Checkmate.This example shows the phrase used as a standard declaration.Tatoeba #4765274 by Doremi391, translation #1685992 by gleki
- Tom me regarda triomphant et dit : « Échec et mat. »Tom looked at me triumphantly and said, "Checkmate."This example shows the phrase being used within a sentence to describe someone speaking.Tatoeba #2744251 by marcelostockle, translation #5439419 by mailohilohi
- J'ai mis ton roi en échec et matI checkmated your king
- Échec et mat pour toi, mon amiCheckmate for you, my friend
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are playing a game of chess in a park.
- LéaRegarde le plateau, Nathan.Look at the board, Nathan.
- NathanOh non, je suis coincé.Oh no, I am trapped.
- LéaÉchec et mat !Checkmate!
- NathanBravo, tu as gagné.Well done, you won.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “checkmate” translations and entries échec et mat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries et, mat, échec, échec et mat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
