scène
/sɛn/
The English word "scene" is translated into French as scène.
scène refers to a combination of objects or events in view or happening at a given moment in a particular place. It is used in several specific ways: you can use une scène de crime to refer to a crime scene, or une scène de ménage to describe a domestic quarrel or a heated argument between a couple. If someone is making a public spectacle or an emotional outburst, the idiom faire une scène (to make a scene) is used. Additionally, the phrase se mettre en scène describes someone who loves to attract attention or literally, to stage oneself. To describe an intense or exciting scene figuratively, you can use the expression être au cœur de l'action (to be in the heart of the action).
Meaning: combination of objects or events in view or happening at a given moment at a particular place (noun)
Which one should you use?
While scène is a general term, other words are more precise depending on the context. If you are referring to a scene in a painting or a picturesque view, use tableau. If you are specifically talking about a scene in a film or any moving image, the term plan is more appropriate.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of scène is scènes.
How do you pronounce it?
/sɛn/
Did you know?
- The word scène shares its roots with the Greek word for a tent or booth, because the original stage decorations in ancient Greek theaters were actually mobile fabric structures.
- In a French theater, a 'scène' is not just a part of a story, but the actual physical space where the actors perform.
- While an English speaker might describe a breathtaking landscape as a 'scene', a French speaker is more likely to call it un tableau, literally comparing the view to a painting.
Examples in context
- Quelle belle scène !What a beautiful scene!This sentence demonstrates how to express admiration for a beautiful scene using scène.Tatoeba #1927893 by sacredceltic, translation #1913095 by CK
- Elle a fait une scène.She made a scene.This sentence shows the idiomatic use of scène to describe making a scene.Tatoeba #4758536 by sacredceltic, translation #2210461 by Hybrid
- C'est une scène touchante.That's a heartwarming scene.This sentence uses scène to describe an emotional or heartwarming moment.Tatoeba #1112102 by sacredceltic, translation #1112069 by Scott
- Ce tableau de Monet représente une scène de la campagne française.This Monet painting represents a scene of the French countryside.
- J'ai adoré le dernier plan du film.I loved the last shot in the movie.
- 48 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are looking at a painting of a street market.
- HugoRegarde cette scène de marché.Look at this market scene.
- LéaOui, c'est très réaliste.Yes, it is very realistic.
- HugoLa scène est pleine de couleurs.The scene is full of colors.
- LéaJ'adore les détails du peintre.I love the painter's details.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry scène, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries scène, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
