ensemble
/ɑ̃.sɑ̃bl/masculine
The French word ensemble means ensemble.
The noun refers to a group of musicians, dancers or other performers who perform together, such as the chorus of a ballet company.
Meaning: group of musicians, dancers etc. who perform together, the chorus of a ballet company (noun)
Which one should you use?
While the noun refers to a group of performers, the adverbial use of ensemble means 'together', as in the phrase Ils travaillent ensemble (They work together).
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun ensemble is masculine, so you would say un ensemble for an ensemble.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ɑ̃.sɑ̃bl/.
Did you know?
- In French mathematics, un ensemble is the standard term for a 'set' of elements.
- While ensemble refers to a musical group, in a fashion context un ensemble describes a matching outfit where the pieces are designed to be worn together.
- The word ensemble is a direct relative of the Italian word insieme, which is frequently used in musical scores to tell performers to play together.
Examples in context
- Je joue de la basse dans un ensemble de guitares.I play bass guitar in a guitar ensemble.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use the word ensemble when talking about playing an instrument.Tatoeba #7752022 by Katastrauff, translation #1112559 by CK
- Allons-y, tous ensemble!Let's go, all together!
- On peut aller au cinéma ensemble, en même temps.We can go to the cinema together, at the same time.
- Cet ensemble de chambre est très talentueux.This chamber ensemble is very talented.
- L'ensemble de jazz joue ce soir au club.The jazz ensemble is playing at the club tonight.
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are discussing a music performance.
- LéaAs-tu entendu l'ensemble ce soir ?Did you hear the ensemble tonight?
- GabrielOui, l'ensemble était vraiment talentueux.Yes, the ensemble was really talented.
- LéaJe veux rejoindre cet ensemble.I want to join this ensemble.
- GabrielJe pense que c'est une bonne idée.I think that is a good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ensemble” translations and entries ensemble, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ensemble, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
