maison
/mɛ.zɔ̃/feminine
The French word for house is maison.
maison is used to refer to a human abode or a physical building.
Meaning: human abode (noun)
Which one should you use?
While maison refers to the physical building, the word demeure is a more literary or formal way to say 'dwelling' or 'abode'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Provence region, mas is the term for a traditional farmhouse. In certain rural areas of France, cabane can be used to describe a small cottage or hut-like house.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
maison is a feminine noun, so it takes the feminine article la (as in la maison). The plural form of maison is maisons.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables: /mɛ.zɔ̃/.
Did you know?
- The English word 'mansion' is actually a linguistic cousin to the French 'maison'. Both words evolved from the same Latin root 'mansio', meaning a place to stay or remain.
- In French, the word 'maison' can refer to a specific company or a 'House' of business, such as a fashion house. You might see 'la Maison Chanel' instead of using a word for a commercial brand.
- The term maison is used in the expression maison close to refer to a brothel. In this specific idiomatic use, the word describes a 'closed house' for privacy and legality.
Examples in context
- Tom a une maison.Tom has a house.This sentence shows the use of maison to indicate ownership.Tatoeba #5367317 by alexisslay, translation #5190903 by CK
- Je vois ta maison.I see your house.This sentence shows the use of maison with a possessive adjective.Tatoeba #2024876 by sacredceltic, translation #871801 by CK
- Quitte ma maison !Leave my house.This sentence shows the use of maison in an imperative command.Tatoeba #3642046 by sacredceltic, translation #2249517 by CK
- Je vis dans une maison moderne.I live in a modern house.
- Cette demeure historique est superbe!This historic house is superb!
- Ils ont acheté une jolie maisonnette à la campagne.They bought a lovely little house in the countryside.
- On se retrouve chez moi, dans ma baraque.Let's meet at my place, in my house.
- Nous avons passé nos vacances dans une charmante cabane près de la plage.We spent our vacation in a lovely cottage near the beach.
- Ce mas provençal est un véritable bijou.This Provençal farmhouse is a real gem.
- J'habite une maison avec un grand jardin.I live in a house with a large garden.
- Elle a hérité d'une demeure magnifique.She inherited a magnificent residence.
- Ce cottage est une maisonnette charmante et pittoresque.This cottage is a charming and picturesque little house.
- J'adore ta nouvelle baraque, elle est super cool!I love your new place, it's really cool!
- Le mas provençal est entouré de champs de lavande.The Provençal farmhouse is surrounded by lavender fields.
- 2140 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are talking about where she lives.
- HugoOù est ta maison ?Where is your house?
- LéaC'est juste à côté du parc.It is right next to the park.
- HugoTa maison est très belle.Your house is very beautiful.
- LéaMerci beaucoup, Hugo !Thank you very much, Hugo!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “house” translations and entries maison, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries maison, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
