toit
/twa/masculine
The French word for the English phrase "roof" is toit.
The term is used to describe the cover at the top of a building.
Meaning: the cover at the top of a building (noun)
Which one should you use?
While toit is the standard word, toiture is used when referring to the roof of a building as a whole, particularly in technical or architectural contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
/twa/
Did you know?
- The word toit is a cognate of the English word 'tectonic', as both derive from the Latin tēctum meaning 'covered'.
- The French phrase on a trouvé un toit is a common colloquial way to say someone has found a place to stay or a new apartment.
- While toit refers to the surface, the word charpente is used to describe the wooden frame or skeleton that supports the roof.
Examples in context
- Le toit est en feu.The roof is on fire.This sentence shows how to describe a roof that is on fire using toit.Tatoeba #6671675 by GB3, translation #6670001 by CK
- Tom est sur le toit.Tom is on the roof.This sentence shows someone being on the roof using toit.Tatoeba #2449810 by Micsmithel, translation #1461958 by Spamster
- Je suis sur le toit.I'm on the roof.This sentence shows the speaker being on the roof using toit.Tatoeba #7060850 by Aiji, translation #2549502 by CK
- La neige est tombée sur le toit.The snow fell on the roof.
- La toiture de cette maison est en tuiles.The roof of this house is made of tiles.
- 140 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are looking at a new house.
- HugoRegarde ce beau toit rouge.Look at this beautiful red roof.
- EmmaOui, le toit est très élégant.Yes, the roof is very elegant.
- HugoEst-ce que le toit est neuf ?Is the roof new?
- EmmaNon, il est ancien mais solide.No, it is old but sturdy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “roof” translations and entries toit, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries toit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
