peintures
The English phrase "paintings" is translated into French as peintures.
peintures refers to works of art created by applying paint to a surface. It can also refer to the substance of paint used for decorating walls or objects when used in the singular form.
What does it mean word for word?
The word comes from the verb peindre, meaning "to paint".
Which one should you use?
While peintures refers to the works of art themselves, the singular peinture can also refer to the material of paint used for decorating objects or walls. In the specific context of art galleries or museums, the word tableaux is often used as a more common synonym for framed paintings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form peinture is a feminine noun.
Did you know?
- While peintures describes the medium, the word tableau literally means 'table' or 'board'. This reflects the historical shift from painting on wooden panels to using canvas.
- The French have a specific term trompe-l'œil, meaning 'deceive the eye', to describe a style of peinture that creates a three-dimensional optical illusion.
- The word peinture can be used to describe a person's makeup or cosmetics in a poetic or old-fashioned sense, treating the face as a canvas.
Examples in context
- Je n'aime aucune de ces peintures.I don't like any of these paintings.This sentence is useful for expressing a dislike for any of the peintures.Tatoeba #7290520 by Aiji, translation #1543442 by Chevere33
- Les peintures datent du XVIe siècle.The paintings date back to the 16th century.This sentence is useful for stating the historical period of the peintures.Tatoeba #3356466 by Blabla, translation #13807131 by tieguy
- Tu ne dois pas toucher les peintures.You must not touch the paintings.This sentence is useful for giving a prohibition against touching the peintures.Tatoeba #1359011 by sacredceltic, translation #22077 by CK
- Le musée possède une immense collection de tableaux impressionnistes.The museum has an extensive collection of impressionist paintings.
- Cet artiste est célèbre pour ses peintures à l'huile.This artist is famous for his oil paintings.
- J'ai acheté une superbe toile dans une galerie d'art.I bought a magnificent painting at an art gallery.
- Ce tableau est un véritable chef-d'œuvre de la Renaissance.This painting is a true Renaissance masterpiece.
- J'ai accroché un joli tableautin dans mon bureau.I hung a lovely little painting in my office.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are walking through a local art gallery.
- NathanRegarde ces magnifiques peintures sur le mur.Look at these magnificent paintings on the wall.
- EmmaElles sont vraiment très impressionnantes.They are truly very impressive.
- NathanEst-ce que tu préfères les peintures modernes ?Do you prefer modern paintings?
- EmmaOui, j'adore ce style.Yes, I love this style.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
