Sacré-Cœur
The English phrase "sacred heart" is translated into French as Sacré-Cœur.
This phrase refers to a religious devotion to the heart of Jesus Christ, serving as a symbol of his divine love for humanity.
What does it mean word for word?
The term Sacré-Cœur is a compound of sacré, meaning sacred and cœur, meaning heart.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Paris, the expression Le Sacré-Cœur is commonly used.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are referring to the specific religious concept or the basilica, use the masculine definite article le to say le Sacré-Cœur.
When do people say it?
In a French context, Sacré-Cœur most commonly refers to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris (Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre).
Did you know?
- The Basilica of le Sacré-Cœur in Paris is built from travertine stone that naturally secretes calcite to keep the exterior white during rain.
- While Sacré-Cœur is a religious term, the word sacré is often used in French slang as an intensifier to mean 'quite a' or 'remarkable', such as calling someone a sacré menteur or 'quite a liar'.
- The construction of the Paris Sacré-Cœur was intended as a 'national vow' of penance after the defeat of France in the Franco-Prussian War and the turmoil of the Paris Commune.
Examples in context
- La cathédrale est le lieu où se trouve le cœur sacré de Jésus.The cathedral is the place where the Sacred Heart of Jesus is located.
- Mon ami m'a offert une médaille représentant le Cœur Sacré de Marie.My friend gave me a medal depicting the Sacred Heart of Mary.
- Ma grand-mère porte toujours une chaîne avec une médaille du Cœur Sacré.My grandmother always wears a chain with a Sacred Heart medal.
- À Paris, vous pouvez visiter la basilique du Sacré-Cœur, un monument emblématique.In Paris, you can visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, an iconic monument.
- La basilique du Sacré-Cœur est magnifique.The Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur is magnificent.
- Nous allons visiter le Sacré-Cœur demain.We are going to visit the Sacré-Cœur tomorrow.
- Le Sacré-Cœur surplombe tout Paris.The Sacré-Cœur overlooks all of Paris.
Example conversation
Two friends are planning a walking tour in Montmartre.
- ChloéEst-ce que tu veux voir le Sacré-Cœur ?Do you want to see the Sacré-Cœur?
- LucasOui, j'aimerais beaucoup monter jusqu'à là-haut.Yes, I would really like to climb up there.
- ChloéLa vue depuis le Sacré-Cœur est incroyable.The view from the Sacré-Cœur is incredible.
- LucasAlors, on y va maintenant !Then, let's go now!
