refrain
/ʁə.fʁɛ̃/masculine
The English word "chorus" can be translated into French as refrain.
In the context of music, refrain refers to the part of a song that is repeated between verses.
Meaning: part of a song repeated between verses (noun)
Which one should you use?
chœur is a formal translation for chorus referring to a group of singers and ensemble vocal is a formal way to refer to a chorus meaning vocal ensemble or choir.
How does it change in a sentence?
refrain is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of refrain is /ʁə.fʁɛ̃/ and it has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word refrain is used in French to describe any repetitive phrase, habit or excuse that someone repeats often, regardless of whether they are singing.
- The word refrain shares its DNA with the English verb 'refrain', which means to stop oneself from doing something. While the musical term describes a repetition, the linguistic root is about breaking or snapping something.
- While chœur refers to the group of singers, it is also the word used for the 'choir' area of a church, showing the link between the people and the physical space.
Examples in context
- Vous chantez un refrain.You sing a chorus.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of refrain in the context of singing.Tatoeba #1497562 by martin9, translation #1747323 by belgavox
- Je ne connais que le refrain.I only know the chorus.This sentence is useful for expressing knowledge of a specific part of a song using refrain.Tatoeba #10969324 by lbdx, translation #10965980 by CK
- Le chœur a magnifiquement interprété le refrain de cette chansonThe chorus beautifully performed the refrain of this song
- Nous allons répéter le refrain trois foisWe will repeat the chorus three times
- Cet ensemble vocal est renommé pour l'interprétation des chœurs classiquesThis vocal ensemble is renowned for performing classical choruses
- J'adore le refrain de cette chanson, il me donne toujours envie de danserI love the chorus of this song, it always makes me want to dance
- Le refrain principal de cette chanson est si accrocheur, il reste dans la tête toute la journéeThe main chorus of this song is so catchy, it stays in your head all day long
- Le refrain de cette chanson est très entraînant.The chorus of this song is very catchy.
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are listening to music together.
- EmmaHugo, est-ce que tu aimes le refrain ?Hugo, do you like the chorus?
- HugoOui, je le trouve vraiment beau.Yes, I find it really beautiful.
- EmmaOn peut le chanter ensemble !We can sing it together!
- HugoC'est une excellente idée, Emma.That is an excellent idea, Emma.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chorus” translations and entries refrain, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries refrain, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
