horizon
/ɔ.ʁi.zɔ̃/masculine
The English word 'horizon' translates to French as horizon. If unsure, use horizon. Wiktionary also lists ligne d'horizon.
Meaning: line that appears to separate the Earth from the sky (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| horizon | /ɔ.ʁi.zɔ̃/ | masculine |
| ligne d'horizon | /liɲ d‿ɔ.ʁi.zɔ̃/ | feminine |
The term refers to the line that appears to separate the Earth from the sky.
Which one should you use?
While horizon refers to the concept or the area, ligne d'horizon is used specifically to refer to the physical line itself, such as in art or geometry.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of horizon is horizons.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and is pronounced /ɔ.ʁi.zɔ̃/.
Did you know?
- In French, the term à l'horizon can be used to describe an event that is likely to happen in the near future, rather than just a physical object in the distance.
- The word horizon comes from the Ancient Greek word hóros, which means 'boundary'.
- In French literature, the horizon is often used as a symbol of longing or the unreachable, particularly in poems describing the sea.
Examples in context
- Le soleil se lève à l'horizon.The sun is rising above the horizon.This sentence is useful for describing the sun rising relative to the horizon.Tatoeba #1503933 by martin9, translation #2940761 by Hakaku
- Le navire apparut à l'horizon.The ship appeared on the horizon.This sentence is useful for describing a ship appearing on the horizon.Tatoeba #6537798 by GB3, translation #273392 by CK
- À l'horizon, je vois la terre.On the horizon, I see land.This sentence is useful for describing seeing land at the horizon.Tatoeba #8487398 by Aiji, translation #5050414 by AlanF_US
- L'horizon était parfaitement clair.The horizon was perfectly clear.
- Les nuages s'étendaient à l'horizon.The clouds extended to the horizon.
- Le soleil se couche là-bas, à l'horizon.The sun is setting over there, on the horizon.
- Les champs s'étendent à perte de vue.The fields stretch as far as the eye can see.
- Le soleil se couchait, teintant l'horizon de teintes dorées.The sun was setting, tinting the horizon with golden hues.
- Quand j'arrive en haut de la montagne, je suis émerveillé par la vue sur l'horizon.When I reach the top of the mountain, I am amazed by the view of the horizon.
- 38 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are standing on a beach looking at the sea.
- NathanRegarde comme l'horizon est dégagé aujourd'hui !Look how clear the horizon is today!
- LéaC'est vrai, on voit très loin.It's true, we can see very far.
- NathanEst-ce que tu vois un bateau à l'horizon ?Do you see a boat on the horizon?
- LéaOui, je crois en voir un là-bas.Yes, I think I see one over there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “horizon” translations and entries horizon, ligne d'horizon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries horizon, ligne, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
