maquette
/ma.kɛt/masculine
The English word 'model' (meaning a miniature) can be translated into French using maquette or modèle réduit.
Meaning: miniature (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| maquette | /ma.kɛt/ | masculine |
| modèle réduit | /mɔ.dɛl ʁe.dɥi/ | masculine |
maquette is commonly used for physical scale models or prototypes, such as an architectural model or a model airplane. modèle réduit is used to emphasize that the object is a scaled-down version of a full-sized object.
Which one should you use?
Use maquette when referring to a physical scale model or a prototype. In contrast, use modèle réduit to specifically emphasize that the object is a miniature or a scaled-down version of a full-sized item.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Note that maquette is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ma.kɛt/
Did you know?
- In French music production, a maquette is the term used for a 'demo tape' or a rough recording of a song.
- The word maquette shares its roots with the word 'stain' or 'spot', as it originally referred to a small sketch or a 'little spot' of color in an artwork.
- The term maquette is used in French publishing to describe the 'layout' or 'dummy' of a magazine or book page.
Examples in context
- Je fabriquais une maquette d'avion.I made a model plane.This sentence shows the use of maquette in the context of making a model plane.Tatoeba #127965 by Micsmithel, translation #261960 by CK
- Réaliser une maquette d'avion est intéressant.Making a model plane is interesting.This sentence demonstrates the use of maquette when discussing the interest of making a model plane.Tatoeba #1014399 by sacredceltic, translation #323535 by CK
- Il fixa cette maquette miniature détaillée d'un dinosaure.He stared at that detailed miniature model of a dinosaur.This sentence illustrates the use of maquette when describing a detailed miniature model of a dinosaur.Tatoeba #1012999 by sacredceltic, translation #1008894 by AOCinJAPAN
- La célèbre mannequin a défilé à la Fashion Week de Paris.The famous model walked the runway at Paris Fashion Week.
- Elle est un modèle de réussite.She is a role model for success.
- Il a passé des heures à construire son modèle réduit d'avion.He spent hours building his scale model airplane.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are looking at a hobby store window.
- EmmaRegarde cette belle maquette de bateau.Look at this beautiful model boat.
- NathanElle est très complexe, cette maquette.This model is very complex.
- EmmaNathan, tu veux l'acheter pour ton anniversaire ?Nathan, do you want to buy it for your birthday?
- NathanNon, c'est trop cher pour moi.No, it is too expensive for me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “model” translations and entries maquette, modèle réduit, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries maquette, modèle, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
