cadeau
/ka.do/masculine
The English word 'gift' can be translated into French as cadeau, présent or don.
Meaning: something given to another voluntarily, without charge (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cadeau | /ka.do/ | masculine |
| présent | /pʁe.zɑ̃/ | masculine |
| don | /dɔ̃/ | masculine |
In French, the word you choose depends on whether you are referring to a physical object, a formal donation or an innate talent. To express the action of giving a gift, the most natural verb to use is offrir rather than donner.
Which one should you use?
Cadeau refers to a physical object given to someone. Présent is a more formal or elegant synonym for cadeau and is often used in the context of formal ceremonies or written descriptions. Don refers to a formal donation or a natural talent/gift.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of cadeau is cadeaux, formed by adding an 'x' instead of an 's'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word cadeau is pronounced /ka.do/ and has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word cadeau is a linguistic relative of the English word 'cadet' and the Spanish word caudillo. All three share a common ancestor in the Latin word capitellum, meaning 'little head'.
- There is a specific cultural practice in France called le cadeau de mariage where guests give money in a formal envelope rather than a physical object.
- The verb offrir is so central to the concept of giving that French speakers use it for things that are not gifts, such as 'offering' a seat on a bus.
Examples in context
- Yanni a un don.Yanni has got a gift.This sentence uses don to show that someone possesses a natural talent.Tatoeba #12184974 by always, translation #10030707 by Amastan
- Un cadeau pour toi.A gift for you.This sentence uses cadeau to indicate a gift intended for someone.Tatoeba #7730433 by lbdx, translation #6815254 by Eccles17
- Il a aimé le cadeau.He was pleased with the gift.This sentence uses cadeau to show someone's reaction to a gift.Tatoeba #12185029 by always, translation #8792195 by Amastan
- Voici un petit souvenir de notre séjour en FranceHere is a little gift to remember our trip to France
- J'ai un présent pour vous en remerciement de votre collaborationI have a gift for you as a thank you for your collaboration
- J'ai un cadeau pour toi, j'espère que ça te plairaI have a gift for you, I hope you'll like it
- Je t'ai acheté un cadeau pour Noël.I bought you a gift for Christmas.
- Il m'a offert un joli souvenir de son voyage.He gave me a nice gift from his trip.
- Nous avons préparé un présent pour nos clients les plus fidèles.We have prepared a gift for our most loyal customers.
- Hey, j'ai trouvé le cadeau parfait pour toi !Hey, I found the perfect gift for you!
- 308 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are at a birthday party.
- GabrielC'est un beau cadeau.It is a beautiful gift.
- EmmaMerci beaucoup, Gabriel.Thank you very much, Gabriel.
- GabrielJe suis heureux que tu l'aimes.I am happy that you like it.
- EmmaTu es très gentil.You are very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gift” translations and entries cadeau, présent, don, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cadeau, don, présent, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
