planète Terre
The English phrase "planet earth" is translated into French as planète Terre.
planète Terre is used to refer specifically to our planet as a celestial body.
Meaning: Translations (name)
Which one should you use?
While planète Terre refers specifically to the celestial body, the shorter form la Terre is also very common. However, be aware that la Terre can also mean "the ground" or "the soil" depending on the context.
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, the phrase is almost always preceded by the definite article la, resulting in la planète Terre. Additionally, when referring to the planet as a proper noun, it is common to omit the word planète and simply use la Terre.
Did you know?
- French uses la Terre to describe the planet, while the word monde is used when referring to 'the world' as a place of human civilization and society.
- The root of the word Terre is the Proto-Indo-European *ters-, which means 'dry'.
- In French, la Terre is used for the planet, the soil and the ground, but it also appears in the phrase terre ferme to mean 'dry land' when sailors return from sea.
Examples in context
- Nous vivons sur la planète Terre.We live on planet Earth.This sentence shows how to use planète Terre when stating where we live.Tatoeba #4947812 by sacredceltic, translation #1548359 by _undertoad
- Nous vivons tous sur la planète Terre.We all live on planet Earth.This sentence demonstrates the use of planète Terre when emphasizing that everyone lives on it.Tatoeba #4550457 by Whidou, translation #681737 by Source_VOA
- La Terre est notre unique foyer, il est de notre responsabilité de la préserver.Planet Earth is our only home, it is our responsibility to preserve it.
- Prêts pour une nouvelle aventure sur La Planète Bleue?Ready for a new adventure on the Blue Planet?
- La planète Terre est magnifique vue de l'espace.Planet Earth is beautiful when viewed from space.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are looking at a telescope.
- GabrielRegarde la planète Terre là-bas !Look at planet Earth over there!
- LéaElle est vraiment petite d'ici.It is really small from here.
- GabrielC'est incroyable de la voir ainsi.It's incredible to see it like this.
- LéaOui, c'est notre seule maison.Yes, it is our only home.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries planète, terre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
