Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| gymnase | /ʒim.naz/ | masculine |
| salle de gymnastique | feminine | |
| salle de sport | masculine |
These terms refer to a place for indoor sports. Depending on the context, you might be referring to a large multi-purpose sports hall, a specific room for gymnastics or a commercial fitness center.
Which one should you use?
The form gymnase is a formal or technical term often used for a large, multi-purpose indoor sports hall, such as those found in schools or municipalities. In contrast, salle de gymnastique is more specific and often implies a room dedicated specifically to the sport of gymnastics. Salle de sport is the most common way to refer to a commercial gym or fitness center where people go to exercise.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Salle de sport is predominantly used in France and Belgium. In Quebec, Canada, the term Centre de conditionnement physique is commonly used.
How do you pronounce it?
gymnase is pronounced /ʒim.naz/ and has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word gymnase comes from the Ancient Greek word for 'being naked', which refers to the tradition of exercising without clothes in Greek antiquity.
Examples in context
- Où se trouve le gymnase ?Where is the gymnasium?This sentence is useful for asking for the location of the gymnase.Tatoeba #7015023 by Micsmithel, translation #7010880 by Eccles17
- Le gymnase de l'école a été agrandi.The school gymnasium was enlarged.This sentence is useful for describing how the school's gymnase was enlarged.Tatoeba #585595 by sacredceltic, translation #21556 by Eldad
- Le gymnase du lycée Victor HugoThe gymnasium of Victor Hugo High School
- Le gymnase est fermé le dimancheThe gymnasium is closed on Sundays
- Je joue au basketball dans le gymnaseI play basketball in the gymnasium
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are meeting at school.
- HugoLéa, on se retrouve au gymnase ?Léa, shall we meet at the gymnasium?
- LéaOui, je vais y aller maintenant.Yes, I am going there now.
- HugoLe gymnase est fermé pour travaux.The gymnasium is closed for renovations.
- LéaAh, on doit aller au parc alors !Oh, we have to go to the park then!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gymnasium” translations and entries gymnase, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, gymnase, gymnastique, salle, sport, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
