sapin de Noël
/sa.pɛ̃ d(ə) nɔ.ɛl/masculine
The English phrase "Christmas tree" is translated into French as sapin de Noël. Wiktionary also lists arbre de Noël.
Meaning: evergreen tree used as a decoration during the Christmas holiday season (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sapin de Noël | /sa.pɛ̃ d(ə) nɔ.ɛl/ | masculine |
| arbre de Noël | /aʁ.bʁə d(ə) nɔ.ɛl/ | masculine |
Both forms refer to the evergreen tree used as a decoration during the Christmas holiday season. When you want to say "decorate the Christmas tree", you use the verb décorer. Common items associated with the tree include the guirlande (garland) and the cadeau (gift).
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase sapin de Noël, the word sapin literally means "fir tree".
Which one should you use?
While arbre de Noël is a general term for a Christmas tree, sapin de Noël is more common because it specifically identifies the type of tree (a fir) typically used for the holiday.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, add an s to the noun sapin but do not add an s to the phrase de Noël (e.g., sapins de Noël).
How do you pronounce it?
/sa.pɛ̃ d(ə) nɔ.ɛl/
Did you know?
- In France, the tradition of the sapin de Noël is strongly linked to the Alsace region, where the custom is said to have originated in the 16th century.
- The word sapin is a linguistic hybrid, combining the Gaulish word sappos with the Latin pinus.
- While sapin refers to a fir tree, French speakers often use it as a general term for any coniferous tree, including pines and spruces.
Examples in context
- As-tu un sapin de Noël ?Do you have a Christmas tree?This sentence uses sapin de Noël to ask about ownership of a tree.Tatoeba #9520158 by Micsmithel, translation #7653923 by CK
- Décorons l'arbre de Noël !Let's decorate the Christmas tree.This sentence uses arbre de Noël to suggest decorating the tree.Tatoeba #3644811 by sacredceltic, translation #2007313 by CK
- Plaçons l'arbre de Noël ici.Let's put the Christmas tree here.This sentence uses arbre de Noël to suggest placing the tree in a specific location.Tatoeba #11322859 by aleUCY, translation #703153 by papabear
- Nous avons décoré le sapin de Noël en famille.We decorated the Christmas tree as a family.
- 68 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are shopping for holiday decorations.
- EmmaOù est le sapin de Noël ?Where is the christmas tree?
- HugoIl est au fond du magasin.It is at the back of the store.
- EmmaCe sapin de Noël est très grand !This christmas tree is very big!
- HugoOui, il est magnifique.Yes, it is magnificent.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “Christmas tree” translations and entries sapin de Noël, arbre de Noël, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Noël, arbre, de, noël, sapin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
