motif
/mɔ.tif/
The English word "pattern" can be translated into French as motif.
The term motif is used to describe an intelligible arrangement that possesses a mathematical, geometric or statistical relationship, such as a repeating visual design.
Meaning: intelligible arrangement which has a mathematical, geometric, statistical etc. relationship (noun)
Which one should you use?
While motif refers to a repeating visual or mathematical pattern, you should use schéma when referring to a scheme, diagram or conceptual outline. If you mean a pattern in the sense of a template, a prototype or a standard to be followed, use modèle instead.
How do you pronounce it?
/mɔ.tif/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using modèle when you are actually referring to a repeating visual design or a statistical pattern. In these cases, the correct word is motif.
Did you know?
- The French word motif can also mean a 'motive' in a criminal sense, such as a reason for a crime, which can cause confusion in spoken dialogue.
- The word motif is a direct relative of the English word 'motive', both originating from the Latin word for 'movement'.
- The word motif is frequently used in French musicology to describe a short musical fragment that repeats, much like a visual pattern.
Examples in context
- Ce tapis a un joli motif.This rug has a nice pattern.This sentence shows how to describe a pattern on a rug using motif.Tatoeba #8641378 by lbdx, translation #2820979 by sharptoothed
- Ne voyez-vous pas le motif ?Don't you see the pattern?This sentence is useful for asking if someone perceives a specific motif.Tatoeba #5959556 by Aiji, translation #2275401 by CK
- Je vois un motif qui se répète.I see a pattern.This sentence illustrates how to describe a motif that repeats.Tatoeba #4403967 by sacredceltic, translation #4401054 by CK
- Les couturiers utilisent souvent des modèles de vêtements pour créer de nouvelles collections.Fashion designers often use clothing patterns to create new collections.
- L'artiste a créé un motif géométrique complexe sur sa toile.The artist created a complex geometric pattern on their canvas.
- J'adore ce tissu à fleurs, il est si joli !I love this flower-patterned fabric, it's so pretty!
- Regardez les dessins sur ce tapis, ils sont très originaux.Look at the patterns on this carpet, they are very unique.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are looking at a designer's fabric samples in a studio.
- EmmaRegarde ce motif sur le tissu.Look at this pattern on the fabric.
- NathanIl est très complexe, n'est-ce pas ?It is very complex, isn't it?
- EmmaOui, le motif est géométrique.Yes, the pattern is geometric.
- NathanC'est une très belle création.It is a very beautiful creation.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry motif, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries motif, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
