poésie
/pɔ.e.zi/feminine
Poetry in French is poésie.
poésie refers to literature composed in verse, the art form itself or the quality of being poetic.
Meaning: literature composed in verse (noun)
Which one should you use?
While poésie refers to the art form or the quality of being poetic, the word poète refers to the person (the poet). Additionally, if you wish to use the adjective form, use poétique.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the southern United States, La poésie cajun is the term used to describe Cajun poetry.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun poésie is feminine and requires the feminine article la (e.g., la poésie).
How do you pronounce it?
poésie has 3 syllables and is pronounced /pɔ.e.zi/.
Did you know?
- In French, if you call a person a poète, you are not just describing their job, but can also be used as a playful or even slightly condescending way to call someone a 'dreamer' or 'idealist'.
- The word poésie shares the same Greek root as 'to make' or 'to create', implying that a poet is more of a 'maker' than just a writer.
- The French term poésie can also refer to the 'soul' or 'essence' of a thing, such as the 'poésie d'un lieu' (the essence of a place), which goes beyond mere written verses.
Examples in context
- Vos yeux sont poésie.Your eyes are poetry.This sentence is useful for describing eyes as poetry using poésie.Tatoeba #11472691 by Rovo, translation #11472684 by carlosalberto
- Ta poésie est géniale.Your poetry is great.This sentence is useful for expressing that someone's poetry is great using poésie.Tatoeba #6697453 by felix63, translation #6698086 by Eccles17
- Je me fous de la poésie.I don't give a damn about poetry.This sentence is useful for expressing a lack of interest in poetry using poésie.Tatoeba #1035243 by sacredceltic, translation #263387 by shekitten
- 48 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are discussing their favorite subjects in school.
- NathanTu aimes la poésie, Manon ?Do you like poetry, Manon?
- ManonOui, j'adore lire de la poésie.Yes, I love reading poetry.
- NathanC'est difficile pour moi.It is difficult for me.
- ManonJe peux t'aider avec la poésie.I can help you with poetry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “poetry” translations and entries poésie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries poésie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
