tilleul
/ti.jœl/
The English phrase "lime tree" is translated into French as tilleul.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /ti.jœl/.
Did you know?
- In France, tilleul refers to a herbal tea made from the dried flowers and leaves of the tree. If someone offers you a tilleul in the evening, they are offering a calming drink, not a piece of wood.
- In French folklore, the tilleul was once considered a symbol of purity and fidelity. It was common for couples to plant one together to ensure a lasting marriage.
- The word tilleul is a cognate of the English 'linden'. While English speakers say 'lime tree', the French word shares a deeper botanical root with the German 'Linde'.
Examples in context
- Les enfants jouent sous le tilleul.The children are playing under the lime tree.This sentence shows how to use tilleul when describing children playing under a tree.Tatoeba #11447771 by lbdx, translation #4306295 by jshholland
- Le parc est orné de magnifiques tilleuls centenaires.The park is adorned with magnificent century-old lime trees.
- Il y a un vieux tilleul dans le jardin.There is an old lime tree in the garden.
- Le tilleul dégage une odeur très agréable.The lime tree gives off a very pleasant scent.
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are walking through a public park.
- NathanRegarde ce grand tilleul, Manon.Look at this big lime tree, Manon.
- ManonOui, il est magnifique.Yes, it is magnificent.
- NathanOn pourrait s'asseoir sous le tilleul ?Could we sit under the lime tree?
- ManonC'est une excellente idée.That is an excellent idea.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tilleul, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
