dessin
/de.sɛ̃/
The English phrase "drawing" is translated into French as dessin.
dessin is the noun used for the act of producing a picture. In formal contexts, you may use the phrase Représentation graphique to emphasize the graphical representation aspect of a drawing.
Meaning: act of producing a picture (noun)
Which one should you use?
While English often distinguishes between the act of drawing and the finished product (a drawing), the French word dessin refers to both the finished product and the act itself.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /de.sɛ̃/.
Did you know?
- The phrase faire un dessin can sometimes be used as a euphemism or a sarcastic way to say 'let me explain it simply' when someone is not understanding a point.
- The word dessin is a 'doublet' of the English word 'design'. While dessin focuses on the visual art, its sibling dessein refers to a plan or a purpose.
- The French word dessiner can be used metaphorically to mean 'to outline' or 'to define' a shape, such as when a dress dessine the silhouette of a person.
Examples in context
- Aimez-vous ce dessin ?Do you like this drawing?This sentence is useful for asking if someone likes a specific dessin.Tatoeba #7785841 by Aiji, translation #1347541 by CM
- Je suis mauvais en dessin.I am poor at drawing.This sentence is useful for stating that one is poor at the act of dessin.Tatoeba #6716 by Cocorico, translation #256601 by CC
- Tom dessine quelque chose.Tom is drawing something.This sentence is useful for describing someone currently performing the action of dessin.Tatoeba #8609253 by Micsmithel, translation #1662337 by Amastan
- J'adore faire des dessinsI love making drawings
- Je fais souvent des petits dessins pour me détendreI often make little drawings to relax
- J'ai récemment réalisé un magnifique dessin à l'aquarelleI recently made a beautiful watercolor drawing
- 50 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are looking at a piece of art in a studio.
- HugoRegarde ce dessin, Chloé.Look at this drawing, Chloé.
- ChloéIl est superbe, Hugo.It is superb, Hugo.
- HugoTu veux essayer de faire un dessin ?Do you want to try to make a drawing?
- ChloéOui, j'aimerais beaucoup.Yes, I would love to.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dessin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dessin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
