domaine
/dɔ.mɛn/
The English phrase estate can be translated into French using domaine or propriété.
Meaning: (extensive) area of land under single ownership (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| domaine | /dɔ.mɛn/ |
| propriété | /pʁɔ.pʁi.je.te/ |
In French, the translation of estate depends on whether you are referring to a physical territory or a legal concept. You might use terms related to a maison de campagne (country house) or a manoir (manor house) when describing a landed estate. When discussing the total assets and debts left by a deceased person, the term succession is often used instead of domaine or propriété.
Which one should you use?
domaine is used when referring to a large, often rural, landed estate or a specific territory consisting of land and buildings. In contrast, propriété is used when referring to the property itself or the legal ownership of an estate.
How do you pronounce it?
/dɔ.mɛn/
Did you know?
- France has a specific legal tradition called droit de succession that strictly limits how a deceased person's estate can be divided among heirs, regardless of what is written in a will.
- When talking about wine, the term domaine specifically implies that the wine is produced and bottled on the same estate where the grapes were grown.
- The word propriété is an unexpected linguistic cousin to the French word propreté, which means 'cleanliness'.
Examples in context
- J'ai hérité de son domaine.I inherited his estate.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of domaine.Tatoeba #1727977 by sacredceltic, translation #644912 by blay_paul
- Ma tante a hérité de l'immense propriété.My aunt inherited the huge estate.This sentence shows how to use propriété to describe a large estate.Tatoeba #1036976 by sacredceltic, translation #250271 by CK
- Elle a un droit sur la propriété de son défunt mari.She has a claim on her deceased husband's estate.This sentence illustrates the use of propriété in a legal context regarding a deceased person.Tatoeba #1366431 by sacredceltic, translation #314029 by CM
- Nous avons visité un magnifique domaine en Bourgogne.We visited a magnificent estate in Burgundy.
- Il est propriétaire d'une vaste propriété dans la campagne française.He owns a vast estate in the French countryside.
- Le bien immobilier comprend une grande maison principale et plusieurs dépendances.The estate includes a large main house and several outbuildings.
- J'adore passer du temps dans ma petite propriété.I love spending time at my little estate.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are visiting a historic vineyard.
- LucasCe domaine est vraiment magnifique.This estate is truly magnificent.
- ChloéOui, c'est un très grand domaine.Yes, it is a very large estate.
- LucasEst-ce qu'ils produisent du vin ici ?Do they produce wine here?
- ChloéOui, tout le domaine est dédié à la vigne.Yes, the whole estate is dedicated to the vines.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “estate” translations and entries domaine, propriété, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries domaine, propriété, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
