Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| rond-point | /ʁɔ̃.pwɛ̃/ | masculine |
| giratoire | /ʒi.ʁa.twaʁ/ | Switzerland, masculine |
The term refers to a road junction where traffic streams circularly around a central island.
What does it mean word for word?
The term rond-point is a compound of rond (round) and point (point), literally meaning "round-point".
Which one should you use?
While rond-point is the standard term, giratoire is a formal way to refer to a roundabout and carrefour giratoire translates to "roundabout intersection". In the specific context of official road signage or technical documents, you may also see the phrase carrefour à sens giratoire.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Geneva, the term rond-point is often replaced by carrousel. In Quebec, the term giratoire is less commonly used than rond-point.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun rond-point is masculine and is used with the masculine indefinite article, such as un rond-point.
How do you pronounce it?
rond-point is pronounced /ʁɔ̃.pwɛ̃/ and has two syllables.
Did you know?
- In France, a rond-point and a giratoire are technically different. A giratoire forces you to yield to traffic already in the circle, while a traditional rond-point can sometimes give priority to those entering.
- In Geneva, people often use the word carrousel to describe a roundabout, which is the same word used for a 'merry-go-round'.
- The word giratoire is derived from the Latin root gȳrātus, which means 'rotated'.
Examples in context
- Il y a un nouveau rond-point à l'entrée du village.There's a new roundabout as you enter the village.This sentence is useful for describing the location of a new rond-point at a village entrance.Tatoeba #10614852 by felix63, translation #11042027 by sundown
- La sortie se trouve après le giratoire.The exit is located after the roundabout.
- On se retrouve au rond-point vers 18h ?Shall we meet at the roundabout around 6 pm?
- Prenez la deuxième sortie après le rond-point.Take the second exit after the roundabout.
- Le rond-point est très grand et encombré.The roundabout is very large and crowded.
Example conversation
Nathan is giving Manon directions to a restaurant.
- NathanTourne à droite au prochain rond-point.Turn right at the next roundabout.
- ManonEst-ce que c'est le rond-point près de la banque ?Is it the roundabout near the bank?
- NathanOui, c'est exactement ça.Yes, that's exactly it.
- ManonD'accord, je vais faire attention.Okay, I will be careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “roundabout” translations and entries rond-point, giratoire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries giratoire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
