idée
/i.de/
The French word for idea is idée.
idée refers to any result of mental activity, such as a thought, a notion or a way of thinking. To express the act of having an idea or a thought, use the phrase avoir une idée.
Meaning: any result of mental activity, a thought, a notion, a way of thinking (noun)
Which one should you use?
While idée is the most straightforward translation for idea, other terms may be more precise depending on the context. Use la notion for an abstract or conceptual idea, la pensée for an intellectual concept and la conception for a notion or idea that has been formulated. If you are describing a brilliant find or discovery, use la trouvaille.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun idée is feminine, so it is used with the feminine indefinite article une (e.g., une idée).
How do you pronounce it?
/i.de/
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'idea' for a plan, a French speaker might say they have une idée derrière la tête, or 'an idea behind the head', to imply they have a secret motive.
- The word idée traces back to the Ancient Greek word ἰδέα, which originally meant a 'pattern' or an 'archetype' rather than just a random thought.
- When a French speaker uses the phrase se faire une idée about a person, it often implies they are forming a prejudice rather than a neutral first impression.
Examples in context
- Ce fut ton idée.This was your idea.This sentence shows how to attribute an idea to someone using idée.Tatoeba #2217234 by sacredceltic, translation #2216868 by Hybrid
- Tu n'as pas idée.You have no idea.This sentence demonstrates the use of idée in a negative context to mean having no idea.Tatoeba #4036139 by mouche, translation #2282934 by Hybrid
- Ce fut votre idée.It was your idea.Tatoeba #2217237 by sacredceltic, translation #2216869 by Hybrid
- J'ai une idéeI have an idea
- La notion d'égalité est importanteThe idea of equality is important
- J'ai une idée génialeI have a great idea
- J'ai un truc en têteI have an idea in mind
- Ce concept est vraiment originalThis idea/concept is really unique
- C'est une vraie trouvaille !That's a real gem of an idea!
- J'étais impatiente à l'idée de partir en vacancesI was excited at the idea of going on vacation
- 1242 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are discussing what to do for the weekend.
- ManonTu as une idée pour samedi ?Do you have an idea for Saturday?
- GabrielNon, je n'ai aucune idée.No, I have no idea.
- ManonEt si on allait au parc ?What if we went to the park?
- GabrielC'est une excellente idée !That is an excellent idea!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry idée, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries idée, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
