école maternelle
/e.kɔl ma.tɛʁ.nɛl/feminine
The English word kindergarten is translated into French as école maternelle. Wiktionary also lists maternelle and jardin d'enfants.
Meaning: educational institution for young children, usually between ages 4 and 6 (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| école maternelle | /e.kɔl ma.tɛʁ.nɛl/ | feminine |
| maternelle | /ma.tɛʁ.nɛl/ | feminine |
| jardin d'enfants | /ʒaʁ.dɛ̃ d‿ɑ̃.fɑ̃/ | masculine |
This term refers to an educational institution for young children, usually between ages 4 and 6. It is the standard way to refer to this level of the French education system.
Which one should you use?
While jardin d'enfants is a literal translation of 'kindergarten', école maternelle is the standard term used in the French education system. École préprimaire is a formal way to refer to the first level of education before primary school.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Canada, la garderie is often used to refer to daycare centers or preschools.
How does it change in a sentence?
When saying a child is 'in kindergarten', use the preposition en followed by maternelle (e.g., 'Il est en maternelle').
How do you pronounce it?
/e.kɔl ma.tɛʁ.nɛl/
Did you know?
- The word école comes from the Ancient Greek word skholḗ, which originally meant 'leisure' or 'spare time'. This reflects the ancient idea that only those with leisure could afford to study.
- The adjective maternelle refers to the 'motherly' nature of the care provided. This emphasizes a nurturing environment over a strictly academic one for children under six.
- In France, école maternelle is not just a school but is legally part of the primary education system. This differs from many English-speaking systems where kindergarten is considered separate or optional.
Examples in context
- La cour de l'école maternelle est ombragée.The kindergarten yard is shaded.This sentence uses maternelle to describe the yard of a kindergarten.Tatoeba #11764655 by lbdx, translation #4517123 by Joseph
- Je suis amoureux de toi depuis l'école maternelle.I've been in love with you since kindergarten.This sentence uses maternelle to describe the time period of being in kindergarten.Tatoeba #5381180 by Aiji, translation #2359166 by CK
- Vous vous comportez comme des enfants en maternelle.You act like children in kindergarten.This sentence uses maternelle to compare behavior to that of children in kindergarten.Tatoeba #11460289 by lbdx, translation #11419388 by ToxicFriu
- Mon enfant va à l'école maternelle.My child goes to kindergarten.
- J'ai inscrit mon fils à la maternelle cette année.I enrolled my son in kindergarten this year.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two parents are talking about their children at a local park.
- GabrielEst-ce que ton fils va à l'école maternelle ?Does your son go to kindergarten?
- ChloéOui, il est très content de son école maternelle.Yes, he is very happy with his kindergarten.
- GabrielC'est une très bonne école pour les petits.It is a very good school for little ones.
- ChloéC'est vrai, il apprend beaucoup de choses.That's true, he is learning many things.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kindergarten” translations and entries école maternelle, maternelle, jardin d'enfants, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jardin, jardin d'enfants, école, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
