ciel
/sjɛl/
The word ciel in French means ciel (phrase).
As a noun, ciel refers to the sky or the concept of heaven. It can also be used as an interjection to express surprise, shock or dismay, similar to the English expression 'Heavens!'
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to the sky or heaven, the noun ciel is masculine and is preceded by the definite article le to form le ciel.
How do you pronounce it?
/sjɛl/
Did you know?
- The word ciel is the root of the English word 'ceiling'. Originally, a 'ceiling' was simply a 'sky' or a canopy created to look like one.
- The interjection Mon Dieu ! is more common today, but Ciel ! was the standard way for polite society to express shock without explicitly naming God in the 19th century.
- The expression à ciel ouvert means 'open-air' or 'under the open sky' and is used for everything from prisons to swimming pools.
Examples in context
- Les oiseaux volent dans le ciel.The birds fly in the sky.
- Nous marchions sous un ciel étoilé.We were walking under a starry sky.
- Aujourd'hui, le ciel est bleu et le soleil brille.Today, the sky is blue, and the sun is shining.
- Apporte ton parapluie, le ciel est couvert.Bring your umbrella, the sky is overcast.
- Le ciel est très bleu aujourd'hui.The sky is very blue today.
- Regarde les étoiles dans le ciel.Look at the stars in the sky.
- Il y a des nuages dans le ciel.There are clouds in the sky.
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are sitting in a park on a clear evening.
- LucasLe ciel est magnifique ce soir.The sky is magnificent this evening.
- LéaOui, Lucas, il est vraiment beau.Yes, Lucas, it is truly beautiful.
- LucasOn peut voir la lune dans le ciel.We can see the moon in the sky.
- LéaC'est très romantique, n'est-ce pas ?It is very romantic, isn't it?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ciel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
