cirque
/siʁk/masculine
The French word for circus is cirque.
Meaning: company that travels (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When saying 'of the circus' or 'from the circus', the masculine article 'le' contracts with 'de' to form 'du'.
How do you pronounce it?
/siʁk/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the word 'cirque' as a feminine noun, but it is always masculine.
Did you know?
- In French, the word cirque is used to describe a specific geological formation, such as a bowl-shaped valley carved by glaciers.
- The phrase faire le cirque is an idiom used to describe someone who is making a scene or acting foolishly to attract attention.
- In the world of French sports, a cirque can refer to the complex layout or the specific physical structure of a racing track.
Examples in context
- Le cirque est en ville.The circus is in town.This sentence is useful for stating that the cirque is in town.Tatoeba #5396530 by Aiji, translation #3725911 by CM
- Je n'ai jamais été au cirque.I've never been to a circus.This sentence is useful for expressing that you have never been to a cirque.Tatoeba #8354449 by zarisi, translation #2360017 by CK
- Tom n'est jamais allé au cirque.Tom has never been to a circus.This sentence is useful for stating that Tom has never been to a cirque.Tatoeba #5490118 by Aiji, translation #2541703 by CK
- Le cirque est un spectacle incroyable qui allie prouesses physiques, équilibre et magie.The circus is an incredible show that combines physical feats, balance, and magic.
- J'ai assisté à un magnifique spectacle de cirque traditionnel hier soir.I attended a magnificent traditional circus show last night.
- On devrait aller voir un spectacle de cirque ce week-end, ça serait amusant !We should go see a circus show this weekend, it would be fun!
- Les enfants adorent quand le cirque itinérant s'installe près de chez nous !Children love it when the traveling circus sets up near us!
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are walking in the city center.
- GabrielRegarde, le cirque est arrivé sur la place.Look, the circus has arrived in the square.
- EmmaC'est un cirque très célèbre, n'est-ce pas ?It is a very famous circus, isn't it?
- GabrielOui, Emma, ils sont très connus ici.Yes, Emma, they are very well known here.
- EmmaOn devrait aller voir leur spectacle.We should go see their show.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “circus” translations and entries cirque, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
