tombes
The English phrase "graves" is translated into French as tombes.
The word refers to the places where dead people are buried in the ground. When referring specifically to a family vault, the phrase Le caveau familial is used.
Did you know?
- In France, some cemeteries use 'concessions' which are essentially leases on tombes. If a family stops paying the fee, the municipality can legally exhume the remains and reuse the plot.
- The word tombe is closely related to the French verb tomber, meaning 'to fall'. This reflects an ancient conceptual link between the act of falling and the finality of death.
- The word tombeau describes a monument or an above-ground structure, distinguishing it from the simple hole in the ground known as a tombe.
Examples in context
- Tu creusais des tombes.You were digging graves.This sentence shows the use of tombes in the context of digging.Tatoeba #2232402 by Amastan, translation #13864244 by tieguy
- En Chine aussi, du verre est extrait des tombes de la période des royaumes combattants.In China too glass is being excavated out of graves from the Era of Warring States.This sentence illustrates tombes being used in an archaeological context.Tatoeba #537741 by sacredceltic, translation #537731 by blay_paul
- Autrefois, le fossoyeur creusait à la main les fosses, transportait les corps avec des chariots tirés par des bœufs et entretenait les tombes.In the past, the gravedigger would dig graves by hand, transport bodies with ox-drawn carts, and maintain the tombs.This sentence demonstrates how a gravedigger would maintain tombes in the past.Tatoeba #13585517 by Myrano_, translation #13585519 by Myrano_
- Dans ce cimetière, vous trouverez de nombreuses tombes historiques.In this cemetery, you will find many historic graves.
- Mon grand-père est enterré dans la tombe juste à côté de celle de ma grand-mère.My grandfather is buried in the grave right next to my grandmother's.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are visiting a cemetery.
- NathanIl y a tellement de tombes ici.There are so many graves here.
- LéaOui, c'est un très vieux cimetière.Yes, it is a very old cemetery.
- NathanRegarde, certaines tombes sont très anciennes.Look, some graves are very old.
- LéaC'est vrai, elles sont très abîmées.That's true, they are very damaged.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
