gamme
/ɡam/
The English word range can be translated into French as gamme.
In a commercial context, gamme is commonly used to refer to a variety or range of products. However, in a musical context, gamme specifically refers to a musical scale. When you need to describe the quality or price level of products, you can use several fixed phrases: bas de gamme for low-end or budget products, milieu de gamme for mid-range products and haut de gamme for high-end or premium products.
Meaning: extent of excursion, reach, scope (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡam/
Did you know?
- When referring to the vocal range of a singer, French uses tessiture rather than gamme, as gamme refers to the set of notes rather than the physical capability of the voice.
- The word gamme is a doublet of the word gamma, meaning they both entered French from the same Latin root but evolved into different words.
- In French music theory, the expression faire ses gammes means to practice scales, but it is also used colloquially to mean rehearsing or preparing for a task.
Examples in context
- Nous vendons une large gamme de produits.We sell a wide range of products.This sentence shows how to use gamme when discussing a wide variety of products.Tatoeba #11937024 by lbdx, translation #3214115 by sundown
- Nassim a acheté un bon téléphone milieu de gamme.Nassim bought a good mid range smartphone.This sentence illustrates the use of gamme in the phrase milieu de gamme to describe a mid-range product.Tatoeba #13338884 by genes1s, translation #8221262 by TheBahi
- La large gamme de produits proposés signifie que tout le monde trouve son compte.The wide range of products on offer really means that there is something for everyone.This sentence demonstrates using gamme to describe a wide range of products available to consumers.Tatoeba #1596575 by sacredceltic, translation #1596507 by LittleBoy
- Cette marque propose une large gamme de produits.This brand offers a wide range of products.
- Elle a une vaste gamme de compétences professionnelles.She has a broad range of professional skills.
- J'ai un large choix de vêtements dans mon placard.I have a wide range of clothes in my wardrobe.
- On a un choix incroyable de films à regarder ce soir.We have an incredible range of movies to watch tonight.
- Mon supermarché préféré propose un bel assortiment de fromages.My favorite supermarket offers a nice range of cheeses.
- Le nouveau magasin a un assortiment impressionnant de jouets pour enfants.The new store has an impressive range of toys for kids.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are shopping for a new vacuum cleaner.
- EmmaJe cherche un aspirateur dans une gamme abordable.I am looking for a vacuum cleaner in an affordable range.
- LucasRegarde cette gamme, elle est très populaire.Look at this range, it is very popular.
- EmmaEst-ce que cette gamme inclut des accessoires ?Does this range include accessories?
- LucasOui, Lucas, tout est inclus dans le pack.Yes, Lucas, everything is included in the pack.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry gamme, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gamme, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
