allumé
/a.ly.me/
The English word "lit" is translated into French as allumé.
allumé is used to describe something that has been lit, such as a fire, an oven or candles. While allumé refers to being lit, you might use the formal expression en flammes to convey that something is specifically aflame or étincelant(e) to describe a scene that is sparkling or glittering.
Meaning: Lighted (adj)
Which one should you use?
The opposite of allumé (lit/on) is éteint (extinguished/off).
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, allumé must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. Use allumée for feminine singular nouns, allumés for masculine plural nouns and allumées for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and is pronounced /a.ly.me/.
Did you know?
- In modern French slang, allumé can be used to describe someone who is acting crazy, eccentric or is 'tripping' on drugs.
- In French, the phrase avoir le feu au derrière literally means to have a fire 'lit' on one's backside, but it is used to describe someone who is in a huge hurry.
- While allumé describes a lit fire, the French use the same word to say a light switch or an electronic device is 'on'.
Examples in context
- J'ai allumé le feu.I lit the fire.This sentence demonstrates the use of allumé with a fire.Tatoeba #6365665 by Aiji, translation #5851852 by CK
- J'ai allumé le four.I lit the oven.This sentence shows how to use allumé in the context of an oven.Tatoeba #6285851 by Aiji, translation #5851838 by CK
- Il a allumé les cierges.He lit the candles.This sentence illustrates allumé being used with candles.Tatoeba #3643154 by sacredceltic, translation #1828387 by Amastan
- La pièce est bien éclairéeThe room is well-lit.
- Ce spectacle était du feu !That show was lit!
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are in the living room in the evening.
- LéaLucas, est-ce que le voyant est allumé ?Lucas, is the indicator light lit?
- LucasOui, il est bien allumé.Yes, it is indeed lit.
- LéaD'accord, alors je peux éteindre.Okay, then I can turn it off.
- LucasMerci, Léa.Thanks, Léa.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lit” translations and entries allumé, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
