mat
/mat/
The French word for 'matte' is mat.
The adjective mat is used to describe surfaces or objects that are not reflective of light.
Meaning: not reflective of light (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective changes depending on the gender and number of the noun it describes: use mat for masculine singular, mate for feminine singular, mats for masculine plural and mates for feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/mat/
Did you know?
- The chess term mat is not originally French but comes from the Persian phrase šâh mât, meaning 'the king is ambushed'.
- The adjective mat is often used in French to describe a complexion that is 'dark' or 'olive-toned' rather than just a lack of shine.
- While mat describes a dull surface, the French word mat can also describe a voice that lacks resonance or clarity.
Examples in context
- J'ai pris un ordinateur avec un écran mat car je trouve que cela me fatigue moins les yeux.I got a computer with a matte screen, since I find that it doesn't strain my eyes as much.This sentence shows the use of mat when describing a computer screen.Tatoeba #1036730 by sysko, translation #11863317 by Lebensfreude
- Cette photo a un rendu mat très élégant.This photo has a very elegant matte finish.
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are choosing a new lipstick in a store.
- HugoTu veux ce rouge à lèvres mat ?Do you want this matte lipstick?
- ChloéOui, j'aime beaucoup ce fini mat.Yes, I really like this matte finish.
- HugoIl est très beau sur toi, Chloé.It looks very beautiful on you, Chloé.
- ChloéMerci, je vais le prendre.Thanks, I am going to buy it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
