ruines
The English phrase "ruins" is translated into French as ruines.
The word ruines refers to the remains of a building or city that has been destroyed over time. When you are talking about archaeological or historical remains, you almost always use the plural form ruines.
Which one should you use?
While ruines is the standard term for physical remains, there are other ways to express this concept depending on the context. The term vestiges is a formal word for ruins that implies archaeological or historical importance. If you are referring to ruins caused specifically by war or natural disasters, the formal term décombres is more appropriate.
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, there is a distinction between the plural and singular forms. The plural ruines is used for the physical remains of structures. In contrast, the singular ruine is often used in abstract contexts to mean "ruin" or "downfall," such as in the phrase la ruine d'un empire (the downfall of an empire).
Did you know?
- The formal term vestiges is frequently used in French journalism to describe the 'ruins' of a person's reputation or a family legacy.
- While ruines refers to historical sites, the word décombres is specifically used for ruins that can be cleared away, like rubble from a fallen wall.
- French writers often use the phrase la ruine in the singular to describe the process of decaying, making it a verb-like noun that describes an active decline.
Examples in context
- Ces ruines sont anciennes.These ruins are ancient.This sentence uses ruines to describe the age of the remains.Tatoeba #6560416 by Aiji, translation #3231256 by CK
- Beaucoup de châteaux sont en ruines.Many castles are in ruins.This sentence uses the phrase en ruines to describe the state of the castles.Tatoeba #11281855 by lbdx, translation #10355242 by LimeGreenTeknii
- La tour se dressait parmi les ruines.The tower stood among ruins.This sentence uses ruines to describe the setting where the tower is located.Tatoeba #822686 by sacredceltic, translation #1778751 by belgavox
- Les ruines de ce château sont très impressionnantes.The ruins of this castle are very impressive.
- Les vestiges de l'ancienne cité romaine sont protégés par l'UNESCO.The ruins of the ancient Roman city are protected by UNESCO.
- Les décombres de la ville témoignent des ravages de la guerre.The ruins of the city bear witness to the ravages of war.
- Regarde ces ruines, c'est triste de voir notre histoire délabrée.Look at these ruins, it's sad to see our history in such disrepair.
- Le vieux manoir est complètement délabré, il ne reste que des ruines.The old mansion is completely run down, only ruins remain.
- Les vestiges antiques de cette ville retracent sa riche histoire.The ancient ruins of this city trace its rich history.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are visiting an archaeological site.
- ChloéRegarde ces magnifiques ruines romaines.Look at these magnificent Roman ruins.
- HugoC'est impressionnant, même si tout est en ruines.It's impressive, even if everything is in ruins.
- ChloéTu veux prendre une photo de ces ruines ?Do you want to take a photo of these ruins?
- HugoOui, avec toi sur la photo.Yes, with you in the photo.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
