école maternelle
/e.kɔl ma.tɛʁ.nɛl/
The English phrase preschool is translated into French as école maternelle.
The term école maternelle is the most common way to refer to the years before primary school. To emphasize an even younger age group, you can use the phrase L'école des tout-petits.
Meaning: relating to years before primary school (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The term école maternelle literally translates to 'maternal school', which refers to the nurturing environment provided for young children.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Canada, preschool is known as garderie. In Belgium, the term école enfantine may be used.
How does it change in a sentence?
When stating that a child is 'in preschool', use the preposition en (as in en école maternelle) rather than dans l'école'.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of école maternelle is /e.kɔl ma.tɛʁ.nɛl/. It consists of 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word école comes from the Ancient Greek word skholḗ, which originally meant 'leisure' or 'spare time'.
- In France, école maternelle is part of the official compulsory education system for children starting at age three.
- France was one of the first countries to institutionalize écoles maternelles in the 19th century to provide a structured environment for the children of the working class.
Examples in context
- Ta petite est en école maternelle ?Is your little one in preschool?This sentence is useful for asking if a child is in école maternelle.Tatoeba #12963900 by menaud, translation #12963891 by menaud
- Mon fils va à l'école maternelle.My son goes to preschool.
- L'école maternelle est une étape cruciale dans l'éducation des jeunes enfants.Preschool is a crucial stage in young children's education.
- Ma fille va à la maternelle.My daughter goes to preschool.
- Il y a une école maternelle près d'ici.There is a preschool near here.
- L'école maternelle commence à huit heures.Preschool starts at eight o'clock.
- 1 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are discussing childcare options.
- HugoTu cherches une école maternelle pour ton fils ?Are you looking for a preschool for your son?
- LéaOui, je veux qu'il commence bientôt.Yes, I want him to start soon.
- HugoL'école maternelle du quartier est très bonne.The neighborhood preschool is very good.
- LéaC'est une excellente idée, merci Hugo.That is an excellent idea, thanks Hugo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry école maternelle, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries école, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
