Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| salon | /sa.lɔ̃/ | masculine |
| séjour | /se.ʒuʁ/ | masculine |
| salle de séjour | /sal də se.ʒuʁ/ | feminine |
In a domestic context, salon refers to the living room of a house. Note that the word can also refer to a formal gathering or an exhibition, such as a trade show. The phrase Le coin salon can be used informally to refer to a sitting area or the lounge.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase salle de séjour literally translates to 'room of stay' or 'staying room'.
Which one should you use?
The word salon is the most common way to refer to a living room in everyday conversation. In contrast, séjour often refers to the space or the concept of a living or staying area, which is frequently used in real estate or architectural floor plans. While salon refers to the room itself, séjour is more conceptual.
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms séjour and salon are masculine nouns, while salle de séjour is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/sa.lɔ̃/
Did you know?
- The term salon was historically used to describe intellectual and cultural gatherings hosted by prominent women in Paris.
- The French word salon shares an ancient ancestor with the Old English word 'sæl', which referred to a 'hall' or 'castle'.
- In French, the word salon is also used to describe a hair salon or a beauty parlor.
Examples in context
- Tom est dans le salon.Tom is in the living room.This sentence shows the use of salon to indicate a person's location.Tatoeba #5724300 by Aiji, translation #3410703 by CK
- Je suis dans le salon.I'm in the living room.Tatoeba #11803444 by lbdx, translation #8253684 by francaisr0wlet
- Le séjour est à droite.The living room is to the right.This sentence shows the use of séjour to indicate the direction of a room.Tatoeba #12911391 by lbdx, translation #8464480 by shekitten
- La réception est dans le salonThe reception is in the living room
- Nous nous retrouverons dans le séjour à 19hWe will meet in the living room at 7 p.m.
- Le piano se trouve dans la salle de séjourThe piano is in the living room
- Allons regarder un film dans le salonLet's watch a movie in the living room
- 79 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are in their new apartment.
- LucasLe salon est magnifique !The living room is magnificent!
- ChloéMerci, j'aime beaucoup cette pièce.Thank you, I like this room a lot.
- LucasEst-ce que tu veux installer le tapis dans le salon ?Do you want to put the rug in the living room?
- ChloéOui, c'est une bonne idée, Lucas.Yes, that's a good idea, Lucas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “living room” translations and entries salon, séjour, salle de séjour, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, salle, salon, séjour, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
