carte
/kaʁt/feminine
In French, the English phrase 'map' is translated as carte or plan.
Meaning: visual representation of an area (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| carte | /kaʁt/ | feminine |
| plan | /plɑ̃/ | masculine |
Both carte and plan refer to a visual representation of an area. You can use the expression carte numérique to say 'digital map' and carte interactive for 'interactive map'. When referring to the scale of a map, the term is L'échelle.
Which one should you use?
The choice between the two words depends on the scale and scope of the area being represented. Use carte for large-scale geographical maps, such as a road map or a world map. Use plan when referring to small-scale layouts or detailed diagrams of a specific area, such as a city map, a street map or a building blueprint.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
carte is a feminine noun, while plan is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaʁt/
Did you know?
- In French, the phrase carte blanche literally means 'white map' or 'white card', referring to having complete freedom to act.
- The word plan shares a common ancestor with the English word 'piano', as both derive from the Latin plānus, meaning 'flat'.
- The French word for 'map', carte, is also the word used for a playing 'card' or a credit 'card'.
Examples in context
- Voici la carte !Here is the map.This sentence is useful for pointing out a carte.Tatoeba #1968223 by sacredceltic, translation #1761751 by Tereza
- Où est le plan ?Where's the map?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of a plan.Tatoeba #5306742 by Aiji, translation #1886596 by CK
- Vérifions la carte !Let's check the map.This sentence is useful for suggesting a check of the carte.Tatoeba #4957404 by sacredceltic, translation #3008612 by CK
- Pouvez-vous me montrer la carte de la région?Can you show me the map of the region?
- Pouvez-vous me donner le plan du musée?Can you give me the map of the museum?
- Veuillez consulter l'atlas pour localiser les pays alentourPlease consult the atlas to locate the neighboring countries
- Je t'enverrai le plan de la ville pour que tu trouves le restaurantI'll send you the city map so you can find the restaurant
- J'ai la carte des randonnées, on peut planifier notre prochaine aventureI have the hiking map, we can plan our next adventure
- Tu as le topo de cette montagne?Do you have the topographic map of this mountain?
- Pourriez-vous me dessiner un itinéraire sur le plan?Could you draw me a route on the map?
- Je vais consulter la carte numérique pour trouver le meilleur itinéraireI'll check the digital map to find the best route
- 161 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are hiking in the mountains.
- LéaRegarde cette carte, Gabriel.Look at this map, Gabriel.
- GabrielEst-ce que la carte est précise ?Is the map accurate?
- LéaOui, elle semble très bonne.Yes, it seems very good.
- GabrielParfait, suivons le chemin.Perfect, let's follow the path.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “map” translations and entries carte, plan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carte, plan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
