régate
/ʁe.ɡat/feminine
The English word "regatta" is translated into French as régate.
régate is a feminine noun used to refer to a boat race.
Meaning: boat race (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec, Canada, you may also use course de bateaux for a boat race or compétition de voiliers for a sailboat competition. In Belgium, the term course à la voile can be used to mean a sailing race.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /ʁe.ɡat/.
Did you know?
- The word régate belongs to a small group of French nouns that were borrowed from an Italian dialect rather than standard Italian.
- While English speakers use 'regatta' for almost any organized boat race, a French speaker might find it slightly odd to use régate if the boats are motorized rather than sailing.
- While régate is the standard term, the most famous boat race in the world's inspiration, the Venetian 'Regata Storica', uses the same root word that French borrowed.
Examples in context
- J'ai participé à une régate la semaine dernière.I participated in a regatta last week.
- La régate commence demain matin.The regatta starts tomorrow morning.
- Nous regardons la régate sur la plage.We are watching the regatta on the beach.
- Il y a une grande régate cet été.There is a big regatta this summer.
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are standing by the harbor watching the boats.
- HugoEst-ce que tu aimes cette régate ?Do you like this regatta?
- EmmaOui, elle est magnifique !Yes, it is magnificent!
- HugoLa régate va durer longtemps.The regatta is going to last a long time.
- EmmaC'est parfait pour l'après-midi.It is perfect for the afternoon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “regatta” translations and entries régate, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries régate, CC BY-SA 4.0.
