rayon
/ʁɛ.jɔ̃/masculine
The French word for ray is rayon.
The primary meaning of rayon is a beam of light or radiation. For example, you can use it to speak about a sunbeam by using the phrase rayon de soleil. In a retail environment, such as a supermarket, rayon also refers to a specific aisle or department.
Meaning: beam of light or radiation (noun)
Which one should you use?
While rayon refers to a single beam, the word rayonnement is used to describe the phenomenon of radiation or a general glow.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word rayon is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁɛ.jɔ̃/
Did you know?
- The word rayon originally referred to a 'honeycomb' in Old French, coming from the Frankish word *hrātu.
- The word rayonnement can describe physical radiation but also a person's 'influence' or 'prestige' that spreads to others.
- The word rayon is also used in geometry to describe the 'radius' of a circle, as both are viewed as lines extending from a center point.
Examples in context
- Dans le ciel apparut un rayon de lumière.In the sky appeared a ray of light.This sentence shows how to use rayon to describe a beam of light in the sky.Tatoeba #8485708 by Aiji, translation #7738750 by AlanF_US
- Dans le ciel, un rayon de lumière apparut.In the sky, a ray of light appeared.This sentence provides another way to describe a beam of light appearing in the sky using rayon.Tatoeba #8495770 by Aiji, translation #7738743 by AlanF_US
- Selon les rayons X, vous n'avez pas de problèmes.According to the X-ray, everything is all right.This sentence demonstrates the use of rayon in the context of X-rays.Tatoeba #13792 by nimfeo, translation #29478 by CM
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are sitting on a park bench on a sunny day.
- LéaRegarde ce beau rayon de soleil sur l'eau.Look at that beautiful beam of sunlight on the water.
- LucasOui, il fait vraiment chaud aujourd'hui.Yes, it is really hot today.
- LéaUn seul rayon suffit à nous réchauffer.Just one ray is enough to warm us up.
- LucasC'est vrai, profitons-en !That's true, let's enjoy it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ray” translations and entries rayon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rayon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
