arc-en-ciel
/aʁ.kɑ̃.sjɛl/masculine
The French word for rainbow is arc-en-ciel.
The noun arc-en-ciel refers to a multicolored arch in the sky. You may also encounter the related verb polychromer, which means to pattern something with many colors, much like a rainbow.
Meaning: multicoloured arch in the sky (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine, so when referring to a single rainbow, you use the masculine article un arc-en-ciel. To form the plural, only the first part of the word changes: the plural of arc-en-ciel is arcs-en-ciel, meaning the 's' is added only to arc.
How do you pronounce it?
/aʁ.kɑ̃.sjɛl/
Did you know?
- In certain poetic contexts, a rainbow is referred to as an iris, borrowing the name of the Greek goddess of the rainbow.
- Because the word arc is shared with architecture, French speakers use the same root for arc-en-ciel and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
- The word arc refers to both a rainbow and the bow used in archery, reflecting the shape of a hunter's weapon.
Examples in context
- Quel bel arc-en-ciel !What a beautiful rainbow!This sentence is useful for admiring the beauty of an arc-en-ciel.Tatoeba #460622 by sacredceltic, translation #24877 by CK
- Un arc-en-ciel a sept couleurs.A rainbow has seven colors.This sentence is useful for stating how many colors an arc-en-ciel has.Tatoeba #8469573 by Aiji, translation #4753134 by AlanF_US
- Je n'ai jamais vu d'arc-en-ciel.I've never seen a rainbow.This sentence is useful for expressing that you have never seen an arc-en-ciel.Tatoeba #6186129 by Aiji, translation #2360078 by CK
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are looking out the window after a rainstorm.
- GabrielRegarde cet arc-en-ciel !Look at that rainbow!
- LéaIl est magnifique, Gabriel.It is magnificent, Gabriel.
- GabrielIl y a un arc-en-ciel dans les nuages.There is a rainbow in the clouds.
- LéaC'est très beau à voir.It is very beautiful to see.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rainbow” translations and entries arc-en-ciel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
