image
/i.maʒ/
The French word for picture is image.
image is a broad term that can refer to a photograph, a digital graphic or a mental concept.
Meaning: photograph (noun)
Which one should you use?
If the 'picture' is a piece of art like a painting, use tableau instead of image.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /i.maʒ/.
Did you know?
- If you want to say 'take a picture', French speakers use the verb prendre for 'take' and the word photo, never image. Saying prendre une image sounds unnatural to a native speaker.
- The word image comes from the Latin imaginem, which originally meant a copy or a likeness.
- In French, image can be used as a metaphor for a reputation or a public persona, similar to the English use of 'image', but it is used much more frequently in political and corporate contexts.
Examples in context
- Peux-tu voir l'image ?Can you see the picture?This sentence is useful for asking if someone can see the image.Tatoeba #2992830 by Aiji, translation #49024 by CK
- L'image est de travers.The picture is askew.This sentence is useful for describing an image that is crooked or askew.Tatoeba #6155378 by Dr_herr, translation #6153313 by sundown
- C'est une vieille image.It's an old picture.This sentence is useful for describing an image that is old.Tatoeba #3514490 by sacredceltic, translation #3495017 by Hybrid
- J'admire l'image de ce paysage magnifique.I admire the picture of this beautiful landscape.
- Cette photographie est vraiment captivante.This photograph is truly captivating.
- Les illustrations de ce livre sont incroyables.The pictures in this book are incredible.
- Montre-moi ta dernière photo de vacances.Show me your latest vacation picture.
- Tu as vu l'image que j'ai postée sur Instagram ?Did you see the picture I posted on Instagram?
- 84 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are looking at a photo on a phone.
- LéaRegarde cette image de mon voyage !Look at this picture from my trip!
- LucasL'image est vraiment magnifique, Léa.The picture is truly magnificent, Léa.
- LéaMerci, j'adore cette image.Thanks, I love this picture.
- LucasTu as pris une super image.You took a great picture.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry image, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries image, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
