drame
/dʁam/masculine
The English phrase 'drama' translates to the French noun drame.
drame is used to describe a dramatic situation. In a literary or artistic context, it often refers to a play that is serious in tone, though it may not necessarily be a classical tragedy. If you are referring specifically to a theater play, you might use the term pièce de théâtre.
Meaning: dramatic situation (noun)
Which one should you use?
In a literary or theatrical setting, drame describes a serious play that differs from a classical tragedy.
How does it change in a sentence?
drame is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/dʁam/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the English spelling 'drama' instead of the French drame.
Did you know?
- While English uses 'drama' for any exciting event, French speakers often use drame to specifically describe a tragedy or a disaster, such as a fatal car accident.
- The adjective form dramatique in French is often used to mean 'disastrous' or 'calamitous' rather than just 'theatrical'.
- The word drame comes from the Ancient Greek δρᾶμα, which literally means 'an action' or 'something done'.
Examples in context
- Pourquoi tout ce drame ?Why all the drama?This sentence is useful for questioning the reason behind a dramatic situation using drame.Tatoeba #4139931 by sacredceltic, translation #3730296 by CM
- J'ai regardé un drame américain.I watched an American drama.This sentence is useful for describing an American drama using drame.Tatoeba #432199 by chtof, translation #252999 by CM
- Tous les personnages de ce drame sont fictifs.All the characters in this drama are fictional.This sentence is useful for discussing the fictional characters within a drama using drame.Tatoeba #9931444 by Rovo, translation #12317377 by Miktsoanit
- Le drame familial a bouleversé leur vieThe family drama has turned their lives upside down
- La pièce de théâtre était une véritable tragédieThe play was a true tragedy
- J'ai adoré la pièce de théâtre. Quel drame incroyable!I loved the play. What an incredible drama!
- Ils se sont encore embrouillés hier soirThey had another drama last night
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a recent film they saw.
- ChloéC'est un drame très poignant.It is a very moving drama.
- NathanOui, l'histoire est tragique.Yes, the story is tragic.
- ChloéJe n'ai pas aimé ce drame.I did not like this drama.
- NathanC'est dommage, Chloé.That's a shame, Chloé.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “drama” translations and entries drame, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries drame, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
