timbre
/tɛ̃bʁ/masculine
The English phrase "postage stamp" is translated into French as timbre. Wiktionary also lists timbre postal.
Meaning: piece of paper indicating postage has been paid (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| timbre | /tɛ̃bʁ/ | masculine |
| timbre postal | /tɛ̃.bʁə pɔs.tal/ | masculine |
The word timbre refers to the piece of paper used to indicate that postage has been paid. In everyday conversation, the word 'timbre' is used alone to mean a postage stamp.
Which one should you use?
The word timbre can also mean 'timbre' or 'tone' in a musical context, so context is necessary to distinguish it from a postage stamp.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word timbre is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɛ̃bʁ/
Did you know?
- The word timbre originally referred to a drum, coming from the Ancient Greek word túmpanon.
- French speakers use the word timbre to describe the 'color' of a voice, a concept that English typically describes using 'tone' or 'quality'.
- In some historical French contexts, timbre referred to a tax stamp used on legal documents rather than just letters.
Examples in context
- Je vais acheter un timbre-poste pour envoyer cette lettre.I'm going to buy a postage stamp to send this letter.
- Tu peux me passer un timbre s'il te plaît ?Could you pass me a postage stamp, please?
- Il manque un timbre sur cette enveloppe.There is a stamp missing from this envelope.
- Je dois acheter un timbre pour cette lettre.I need to buy a stamp for this letter.
- Le timbre est collé au milieu.The stamp is glued in the middle.
Example conversation
Lucas is getting ready to mail a letter at home.
- ManonLucas, as-tu un timbre ?Lucas, do you have a stamp?
- LucasNon, je n'en ai plus.No, I don't have any left.
- ManonJe vais en chercher un à la poste.I am going to look for one at the post office.
- LucasD'accord, merci beaucoup.Okay, thank you very much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “postage stamp” translations and entries timbre, timbre postal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries postal, timbre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
