objet
/ɔb.ʒɛ/
The English phrase 'object' translates to French as objet.
In French, objet can refer to a physical thing or the abstract purpose or goal of an action (e.g., 'l'objet de la réunion' – the purpose of the meeting).
Meaning: (obsolete in English) to set before or against, to bring into opposition, to oppose (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the noun objet plural, add an 's' to form objets.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ɔb.ʒɛ/ and consists of two syllables.
Did you know?
- In French, objet is used to describe the 'subject line' of an email or a formal letter, which is typically labeled as Objet :.
- The French word objet comes from the Medieval Latin obiectum, which literally describes something 'thrown in the way'.
- While objet usually means a thing, the phrase sans objet is used in French administration to mean 'not applicable' or 'irrelevant'.
Examples in context
- C’est un objet ancien.It's an ancient object.This sentence shows how to describe an objet as being ancient.Tatoeba #10491603 by pkill, translation #10493064 by DJ_Saidez
- Pouvez-vous décrire l'objet ?Can you describe the object?This sentence is useful for asking someone to describe an objet.Tatoeba #136216 by TRANG, translation #44133 by CK
- Faites-moi part de l'objet de votre plan.Tell me the object of your plan.This sentence demonstrates using objet to mean the purpose of a plan.Tatoeba #474398 by sacredceltic, translation #17257 by BraveSentry
- J'ai trouvé un objet intéressant dans la rue.I found an interesting object on the street.
- J'ai oublié mon truc préféré à la maison.I forgot my favorite thing at home.
- J'ai besoin de ce machin pour réparer l'ordinateur.I need this thingamajig to fix the computer.
- Elle collectionne toutes sortes de babioles qu'elle trouve en vacances.She collects all sorts of trinkets she finds on vacation.
- Pouvez-vous mettre l'objet sur la table, s'il vous plaît?Can you put the object on the table, please?
- Je te prête mon truc de magie pour le spectacle.I'm lending you my magic thing for the show.
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are discussing a disagreement in a meeting.
- HugoJe m'oppose à cet objet.I object to this matter.
- EmmaPourquoi objectez-vous, Hugo ?Why do you object, Hugo?
- HugoJe trouve que c'est injuste.I find it unfair.
- EmmaJe comprends votre point de vue.I understand your point of view.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry objet, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries objet, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
