Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| emplacement | /ɑ̃.plas.mɑ̃/ | |
| position | /po.zi.sjɔ̃/ | |
| lieu | /ljø/ | masculine |
| localisation | /lɔ.ka.li.za.sjɔ̃/ | feminine |
The translation of 'location' depends on whether you are referring to a physical spot, a technical coordinate or an abstract setting.
Which one should you use?
Use lieu as a general or more abstract term for a place or a setting. Use emplacement when referring to a specific physical site, a designated spot or a slot, such as a parking space or a campsite. Use localisation in technical or digital contexts, specifically referring to the process of locating something or a specific GPS coordinate.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of France, you may hear dans le coin to mean 'around here'. In some French-speaking African countries, the phrase en brousse is used to mean 'in the countryside'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word lieu is a masculine noun. The word localisation is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of emplacement is /ɑ̃.plas.mɑ̃/. It has three syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the French word location to mean a place. In French, this is a false friend that actually means 'rental', such as renting a car.
When do people say it?
To ask where a location is situated in a formal manner, you can use the phrase Où se trouve [location]?
Did you know?
- The word lieu can refer to a place, but in another context, it is also the French word for 'pollock', a type of fish.
- The word lieu has two separate origins: one from the Latin 'locum' meaning 'place' and another from Old Norse 'lýr' referring to a fish.
Examples in context
- Pourriez-vous m'indiquer votre localisation ?Please tell me your location.This sentence is useful for asking someone to provide their digital or technical location using localisation.Tatoeba #647454 by qdii, translation #268476 by CK
- Ils ont refusé de divulguer l'emplacement des otages.They refused to disclose the location of the hostages.This sentence illustrates the use of emplacement to describe a specific physical site where hostages are held.Tatoeba #8823992 by Aiji, translation #6116189 by mailohilohi
- La position géographique de l'Algérie est d'une grande importance géostratégique.Algeria's location is of significant geostrategic importance.This sentence shows how position is used to describe a geographical location.Tatoeba #11840144 by Amastan, translation #10092165 by Amastan
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are looking for a construction site.
- ChloéTu connais l'emplacement exact de la nouvelle maison ?Do you know the exact location of the new house?
- NathanNon, je n'ai pas encore reçu le plan.No, I haven't received the plan yet.
- ChloéC'est dommage, car l'emplacement est magnifique.That's a shame, because the location is beautiful.
- NathanJ'espère qu'on le trouvera rapidement.I hope we find it quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “location” translations and entries emplacement, position, lieu, localisation, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries emplacement, lieu, localisation, position, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
