placard
/pla.kaʁ/masculine
The English word "closet" is translated to French as placard.
placard is typically used for built-in storage or cupboards integrated into a wall or kitchen.
Meaning: furniture (noun)
Which one should you use?
While placard refers to a built-in closet or cupboard, armoire is used for a freestanding piece of furniture like a wardrobe.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word placard is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/pla.kaʁ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use 'placard' to mean a poster or sign, but in French, placard refers to the storage furniture itself.
Did you know?
- In a professional context, mettre au placard refers to 'benching' an employee by giving them no real work or responsibilities.
- Historically, a placard was a legal decree or official announcement posted in a public place to inform the illiterate population.
- The word placard comes from the Old French verb plaquer, which means 'to stick' or 'to affix'.
Examples in context
- Il nettoie son placard.He's cleaning out his closet.Tatoeba #1672988 by sacredceltic, translation #1664366 by Spamster
- Il est dans le placard.He's in the closet.Tatoeba #1832523 by sacredceltic, translation #1832129 by Spamster
- Mets-le dans le placard.Put it in the closet.Tatoeba #6743358 by Aiji, translation #5134100 by Joseph
- Ouvre l'armoire pour prendre un pull.Open the closet to get a sweater.
- 43 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are tidying up their bedroom.
- ChloéRange tes chaussures dans le placard.Put your shoes in the closet.
- LucasLe placard est déjà plein.The closet is already full.
- ChloéOù est-ce que je les mets ?Where should I put them?
- LucasMets-les sur l'étagère.Put them on the shelf.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “closet” translations and entries placard, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries placard, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
