oreille
/ɔ.ʁɛj/feminine
The French word for ear is oreille.
oreille refers to the organ of hearing. In formal or medical contexts, the external part of the ear is specifically called the Pavillon de l'oreille. The phrase avoir l'oreille musicale is a common way to say that someone has a good ear for music.
Meaning: organ of hearing (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is a feminine noun. The plural form is oreilles.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɔ.ʁɛj/
Did you know?
- If someone is described as having 'les oreilles qui sifflent', it often implies they are being spoken about in their absence.
- In certain culinary contexts, the term oreilles de chat (literally 'ears of a cat') refers to a specific type of small, thin, crunchy biscuit.
- The word oreille is a diminutive form, descending from the Latin auricula which means 'little ear'.
Examples in context
- Mon oreille me gratte.My ear is itching.This sentence shows how to express that an oreille is itching.Tatoeba #128164 by TRANG, translation #332214 by TRANG
- Tom a l'oreille musicale.Tom has a good ear for music.This sentence uses oreille to describe having a musical ear.Tatoeba #4815286 by Rovo, translation #4700069 by CK
- J'ai l'oreille qui brûle.My ear is burning.This sentence describes an oreille that is burning.Tatoeba #8738952 by Micsmithel, translation #6576971 by Eccles17
- Excusez-moi, monsieur, j'ai mal à l'oreille. Est-ce que vous pouvez me recommander un médecin ?Excuse me, sir, I have an earache. Could you recommend a doctor?
- 83 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé is helping Nathan with a small injury.
- ChloéQu'est-ce qui se passe, Nathan ?What is happening, Nathan?
- NathanJ'ai mal à l'oreille droite.My right ear hurts.
- ChloéLaisse-moi regarder ton oreille.Let me look at your ear.
- NathanMerci, Chloé, c'est gentil.Thanks, Chloé, that is kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ear” translations and entries oreille, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries oreille, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
