réveil
/ʁe.vɛj/masculine
In French, the English phrase 'reveille' can be expressed as réveil or diane.
Meaning: the sounding of a bugle or drum early in the morning to awaken soldiers (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| réveil | /ʁe.vɛj/ | masculine |
| diane | /djan/ | feminine |
The term refers to the sounding of a bugle or drum early in the morning to awaken soldiers.
Which one should you use?
diane refers specifically to the military bugle call used to wake soldiers, whereas réveil is the standard word used for an alarm clock or the general act of waking up.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word réveil is a masculine noun, often appearing as le réveil to mean 'the waking up' or 'the alarm clock'. The term diane is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁe.vɛj/
Did you know?
- The term diane is not just a military call, but is named after the Roman goddess of the hunt and the moon, Diana.
- While réveil is a common household object, in a historical or literary context, a réveil can also refer to a sudden political or social movement, such as a 'national awakening'.
- The verb éveiller, which shares a root with réveil, is frequently used to describe the act of sparking someone's curiosity or interest.
Examples in context
- Le commandant a ordonné la sonnerie de réveil à 6h du matin.The commander ordered reveille at 6 a.m.
- N'oublie pas de mettre le réveil pour demain matin !Don't forget to set the alarm clock for tomorrow morning!
- Le lever du soleil ici est si beau, il te réveille tout en douceur.The sunrise here is so beautiful, it gently wakes you up.
- Les soldats marchent après le réveil.The soldiers march after the reveille.
- Le réveil du tambour était très fort.The drum reveille was very loud.
Example conversation
Two soldiers are talking in the barracks.
- ChloéTu as entendu le réveil, Hugo ?Did you hear the reveille, Hugo?
- HugoOui, Chloé, je viens de me lever.Yes, Chloé, I just got up.
- ChloéOn doit être prêts rapidement.We have to be ready quickly.
- HugoJe sais, je m'habille tout de suite.I know, I'm getting dressed right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “reveille” translations and entries réveil, diane, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries diane, CC BY-SA 4.0.
