image
/i.maʒ/
The English word "picture" can be translated into French as image.
image is a broad term used to refer to a photograph, a digital image or even a mental image. When you want to speak about the action of taking a photo, you use the verb prendre. Common expressions include Prendre un selfie (to take a selfie), Partager une photo sur les réseaux sociaux (to share a picture on social media) and Faire développer des photos (to get pictures developed). You might also refer to Un album photo (a photo album).
Meaning: photograph (noun)
Which one should you use?
If the picture you are referring to is a piece of art, such as a painting, you should use the word tableau instead of image.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make this word plural, simply add an s to get images.
How do you pronounce it?
/i.maʒ/
Did you know?
- French has a specific word, cliché, which originally referred to a printing plate used to create a picture. In English, this word evolved to mean a tired or overused idea.
- To describe a 'picture-perfect' scenario, French speakers often use the word carte postale, which literally translates to 'postcard'.
- In French, the word tableau is used for a painting, but it also means 'board' or 'chart'. This means a teacher might point to a tableau that is a chalkboard rather than a piece of art.
Examples in context
- Peux-tu voir l'image ?Can you see the picture?This is useful for asking if someone can see the picture.Tatoeba #2992830 by Aiji, translation #49024 by CK
- L'image est de travers.The picture is askew.This is useful for describing a picture that is askew.Tatoeba #6155378 by Dr_herr, translation #6153313 by sundown
- C'est une vieille image.It's an old picture.This is useful for describing an old picture.Tatoeba #3514490 by sacredceltic, translation #3495017 by Hybrid
- La photographie est magnifique.The picture is magnificent.
- J'ai encadré cette image.I framed this picture.
- J'ai pris une photo de ce magnifique paysage.I took a picture of this beautiful landscape.
- J'ai pris une photo de cette magnifique œuvre d'art.I took a picture of this magnificent artwork.
- Cette photo est vraiment magnifique.This picture is truly magnificent.
- J'ai partagé une photo de vacances sur les réseaux sociaux.I shared a vacation picture on social media.
- 84 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are looking at a photo album together.
- NathanRegarde cette image de mes grands-parents.Look at this picture of my grandparents.
- EmmaC'est une très belle image, Nathan.It is a very beautiful picture, Nathan.
- NathanL'image date de l'année dernière.The picture is from last year.
- EmmaJe préfère l'image sur la page suivante.I prefer the picture on the next page.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry image, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
