école maternelle
/e.kɔl ma.tɛʁ.nɛl/feminine
The English phrase "nursery school" is translated into French as école maternelle. If unsure, use école maternelle. Wiktionary also lists jardin d'enfants and crèche.
Meaning: a school for pre-school children (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| école maternelle | /e.kɔl ma.tɛʁ.nɛl/ | feminine |
| jardin d'enfants | /ʒaʁ.dɛ̃ d‿ɑ̃.fɑ̃/ | masculine |
| crèche | /kʁɛʃ/ | feminine |
The term is used to describe a school for pre-school children. In everyday conversation, French speakers often shorten 'école maternelle' to just la maternelle.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase école maternelle literally translates to "maternal school", implying a nurturing or mother-like environment.
Which one should you use?
While école maternelle is the standard term for the official state nursery school system in France, jardin d'enfants is a more traditional or specific term for a kindergarten-style setting.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the term Garderie is commonly used to refer to daycare or nursery school.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make école maternelle plural, add an 's' to both the noun and the adjective: écoles maternelles.
How do you pronounce it?
/e.kɔl ma.tɛʁ.nɛl/
Did you know?
- The word crèche used for a nursery or daycare actually shares a linguistic ancestor with the word for a 'feeding trough' used for livestock.
- In France, école maternelle is an official part of the state education system and is often compulsory for children starting at age three.
Examples in context
- Ma petite sœur va à l'école maternelle.My little sister goes to nursery school.This sentence is useful for describing someone going to école maternelle.Tatoeba #8867340 by lbdx, translation #1458088 by CK
- Tom est le troisième plus jeune enfant de l'école maternelle.Tom is the third-youngest child at nursery school.This sentence is useful for describing a child's age ranking at école maternelle.Tatoeba #10137470 by Micsmithel, translation #9093305 by sundown
- Il semblerait que le père de Youkun soit parti avec sa maîtresse d'école maternelle.It looks like Yokkun's dad ran off with his nursery school teacher.This sentence is useful for mentioning a teacher at école maternelle.Tatoeba #12928731 by Rovo, translation #29896 by CN
- Je vais inscrire mon enfant en maternelle l'année prochaine.I will enroll my child in nursery school next year.
- Les crèches de mon quartier sont très réputées.The nurseries in my neighborhood are highly regarded.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their children's daily routines.
- ChloéEst-ce que ton fils va à l'école maternelle ?Does your son go to nursery school?
- NathanOui, il y va tous les matins.Yes, he goes there every morning.
- ChloéIl doit être très content de voir ses amis.He must be very happy to see his friends.
- NathanC'est vrai, il adore son école maternelle.That's true, he loves his nursery school.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nursery school” translations and entries école maternelle, jardin d'enfants, crèche, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries crèche, jardin, jardin d'enfants, école, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
