tombe
/tɔ̃b/feminine
In French, the English noun 'grave' (an excavation for burial) is translated as tombe.
The word tombe refers to the physical grave or burial site. The formal term sépulcral(e) can also be used to describe things specifically related to graves or funerals.
Meaning: excavation for burial (noun)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between the noun tombe, which refers to the burial site and the French adjective grave, which describes a serious or solemn tone.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
tombe is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɔ̃b/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the French adjective grave to mean a burial site. Instead, use the noun tombe to refer to an excavation for burial.
Did you know?
- The word tombe is a homonym for the third person singular form of the verb tomber, which means 'to fall'.
- The word tombe is derived from the Ancient Greek word túmbos, which specifically referred to a burial mound.
- The adjective sépulcral can describe a voice that is deep, hollow and eerie, rather than just relating to a burial site.
Examples in context
- C'est la tombe de Tom.This is Tom's grave.This sentence is useful for identifying whose tombe it is.Tatoeba #5392645 by Aiji, translation #2647580 by CK
- Il creuse sa propre tombe.He is digging his own grave.This sentence uses tombe in a metaphorical sense regarding someone's own actions.Tatoeba #120045 by TRANG, translation #264418 by CM
- Tu creuses ta propre tombe.You're digging your own grave.Tatoeba #11944725 by RCendre, translation #11953805 by zogwarg
- C'est un silence sépulcralIt's a grave silence.
- Elle est enterrée dans cette tombeShe is buried in this grave.
- C'est vraiment grave ce qui s'est passéWhat happened is really serious.
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are visiting a cemetery.
- LucasOù est la tombe de ton grand-père ?Where is your grandfather's grave?
- ChloéElle est juste derrière ce grand arbre.It is right behind that big tree.
- LucasLa tombe est très bien entretenue.The grave is very well maintained.
- ChloéOui, ma famille vient ici chaque mois.Yes, my family comes here every month.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grave” translations and entries tombe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tombe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
