chapeau
/ʃa.po/masculine
The English word 'hat' is translated into French as chapeau. Wiktionary also lists couvre-chef.
Meaning: a head covering (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| chapeau | /ʃa.po/ | masculine |
| couvre-chef | /ku.vʁə.ʃɛf/ | masculine |
chapeau is the general word for a hat. It is also used idiomatically in the phrase Chapeau ! to mean 'Bravo!' or 'Kudos!' when someone does something impressive.
Which one should you use?
chapeau is the common word for a hat, whereas couvre-chef is a more formal or technical term meaning 'head covering'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both chapeau and couvre-chef are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃa.po/
When do people say it?
When someone does something impressive, you can say Chapeau ! to express your admiration, similar to saying 'Bravo!'
Did you know?
- The word chapeau is a linguistic relative of the English word 'chapel', as both descend from the Latin word cappa for a cloak.
- French uses the word chapeau to describe the 'header' or top part of various objects, such as the top of a mushroom.
- In French, the term chapeau is used in the expression mettre le chapeau à quelqu'un, meaning to shift the blame onto someone else.
Examples in context
- Ôte ton chapeau !Remove your hat.This sentence is useful for learning how to tell someone to remove their chapeau.Tatoeba #1991234 by sacredceltic, translation #321121 by Zifre
- Mets ton chapeau !Put on your hat.This sentence is useful for learning how to tell someone to put on their chapeau.Tatoeba #4947759 by sacredceltic, translation #2267677 by _undertoad
- Il mit son chapeau.He put on his hat.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe someone putting on their chapeau in the past tense.Tatoeba #4992565 by sacredceltic, translation #2439671 by Hybrid
- Elle porte un beau chapeau.She is wearing a beautiful hat.
- Il est nécessaire de porter un couvre-chef en période estivale.It is necessary to wear a hat in the summer season.
- Je vais mettre un béret rouge pour la fête.I'm going to wear a red beret for the party.
- Le béguin traditionnel est souvent porté pour les célébrations.The traditional headdress is often worn for celebrations.
- 381 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A sunny afternoon in a park.
- HugoIl fait très chaud, prends ton chapeau.It is very hot, take your hat.
- ManonMerci, j'ai oublié mon chapeau à la maison.Thanks, I forgot my hat at home.
- HugoTu peux porter ce chapeau bleu.You can wear this blue hat.
- ManonIl est très joli, merci Hugo.It is very pretty, thanks Hugo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hat” translations and entries chapeau, couvre-chef, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chapeau, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
