centre commercial
/sɑ̃.tʁə kɔ.mɛʁ.sjal/masculine
The English word "mall" is translated into French as centre commercial. Wiktionary also lists mail.
Meaning: enclosed shopping centre (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| centre commercial | /sɑ̃.tʁə kɔ.mɛʁ.sjal/ | masculine |
| /maj/ /mɛl/ |
Quebec, masculine |
The term refers to an enclosed shopping centre.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase centre commercial literally translates to "commercial center".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, you might hear mail when discussing shopping malls. In France, you might encounter the variation centre de shopping for mall.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of centre commercial is centres commerciaux.
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, the word mail refers to a hammer. This is because it descends from the Latin word malleus, meaning hammer.
- The Quebecois term mail is a linguistic double agent. While it sounds like the English word for a shopping centre, it is also the common French word for 'email'.
- In France, large centres commerciaux are often located on the outskirts of cities to avoid destroying historic city centers.
Examples in context
- On va au centre commercial.We're going to the mall.This sentence is useful for saying you are going to the mall using centre commercial.Tatoeba #11576559 by Aiji, translation #2929335 by Hybrid
- Allons au centre commercial ce soir.Let's go to the mall tonight.This sentence is useful for suggesting a trip to the mall tonight using centre commercial.Tatoeba #5331709 by Aiji, translation #2953177 by CK
- J'aimerais me rendre au centre commercial.I'd like to go to the mall.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to go to the mall using centre commercial.Tatoeba #1936851 by sacredceltic, translation #1936463 by CK
- Le centre commercial est situé au centre-ville.The mall is located downtown.
- Je vais au complexe commercial pour faire du shopping.I'm going to the mall to go shopping.
- J'ai passé toute la journée dans le grand magasin.I spent the entire day at the mall.
- On se retrouve au centre commercial tout à l'heure?Shall we meet at the mall later?
- Je vais magasiner dans le centre d'achat cet après-midi.I'm going shopping at the mall this afternoon.
- Je vais au centre commercial pour faire les magasins.I'm going to the mall to do some shopping.
- Nous nous retrouvons au centre d'achat à midi.We are meeting at the mall at noon.
- Il y a une nouvelle galerie marchande près de chez moi.There is a new shopping center near my house.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are planning their weekend in the city.
- LucasOn cherche un centre commercial ?Are we looking for a mall?
- LéaOui, je veux acheter des chaussures.Yes, I want to buy some shoes.
- LucasLe centre commercial est trop loin.The mall is too far.
- LéaAlors, on prend la voiture.Then, we will take the car.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mall” translations and entries centre commercial, mail, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries centre, commercial, mail, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
