héritage
/e.ʁi.taʒ/masculine
The English word heritage is translated into French as héritage.
The word héritage refers to a tradition. While 'héritage' is used for things passed down (often in a personal or biological sense), 'patrimoine' is the preferred term for cultural, historical or natural heritage in a formal or institutional context.
Meaning: tradition (noun)
Which one should you use?
While héritage often describes things passed down personally, the term patrimoine is the preferred choice when discussing cultural, historical or natural heritage in a formal or institutional context. To specifically refer to cultural heritage in a formal way, you can use the expression héritage culturel.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions, the term le terroir is used to express heritage specifically in relation to local products, such as food or wine.
How does it change in a sentence?
Héritage is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables: /e.ʁi.taʒ/.
Did you know?
- The term patrimoine is used in French law to describe the totality of a person's assets and liabilities. In this sense, your 'heritage' can actually include your debts as well as your riches.
- In France, the term terroir is often treated as a form of heritage that is physically tied to the soil. It implies that the 'heritage' of a wine or cheese is not just a recipe, but the specific geology and climate of a plot of land.
- While 'heritage' in English can be quite broad, the French distinction between héritage and patrimoine forces you to decide if you are talking about a personal family legacy or a collective national treasure.
Examples in context
- Il faut préserver cet héritage.We must preserve this heritage.This sentence shows how to use héritage in the context of preservation.Tatoeba #8689705 by Julien_PDC, translation #12198152 by Miktsoanit
- Ils chérissent leur propre identité, leur propre langue et leur propre héritage culturel.They cherish their own identity, their own language and their own cultural heritage.This sentence demonstrates the use of héritage when discussing identity and culture.Tatoeba #9701887 by Micsmithel, translation #11850391 by calypsow
- Le plus bel héritage que m'ont laissé mes ancêtres, c'est un nom irréprochable, respecté de tous.The most beautiful heritage my ancestors had left me is an impeccable name, respected by all.This sentence illustrates how héritage can refer to something left behind by ancestors.Tatoeba #2213345 by Rovo, translation #2213372 by Eldad
- Le patrimoine français est riche et varié, comprenant des monuments historiques et une grande diversité culturelle.French heritage is rich and diverse, including historical monuments and a great cultural diversity.
- La boulangerie artisanale fait partie du patrimoine français.Artisanal bakery is part of French heritage.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are visiting a museum.
- EmmaC'est un héritage magnifique, n'est-ce pas ?It is a magnificent heritage, isn't it?
- NathanOui, on sent l'histoire dans chaque salle.Yes, you can feel the history in every room.
- EmmaNous devons protéger cet héritage pour le futur.We must protect this heritage for the future.
- NathanJe suis tout à fait d'accord avec toi, Emma.I completely agree with you, Emma.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “heritage” translations and entries héritage, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
