sculpture
/skyl.tyʁ/feminine
The French word for sculpture is sculpture.
The word sculpture refers to a work of art created by sculpting.
Meaning: work of art created by sculpting (noun)
Which one should you use?
While sculpture is the general term, la statuaire is a more specific term used to refer to the creation of statues and statuary art.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun sculpture is feminine. Because of this, you should use the feminine indefinite article une (e.g., une sculpture) rather than the masculine un.
How do you pronounce it?
/skyl.tyʁ/
Did you know?
- French museums often distinguish between sculpture and modelage, where the latter refers specifically to sculptures made from soft materials like clay or wax.
- While sculpture looks identical to its English counterpart, the French 'u' requires you to shape your lips for 'oo' but try to say 'ee' to get the correct sound.
- The French word sculpteur changes to sculptrice for a female artist, but in very formal or older contexts, you might see the masculine form used generically for the profession.
Examples in context
- La sculpture s'est mise à saigner.The sculpture started to bleed.This sentence shows the use of the feminine form sculpture.Tatoeba #11756978 by Amastan, translation #11483730 by Amastan
- Il a réalisé une sculpture de sable.He made a sand sculpture.Tatoeba #4718626 by sacredceltic, translation #2515224 by Hybrid
- Je ne comprends vraiment pas la sculpture moderne.I really can't understand modern sculpture.Tatoeba #6574 by Cocorico, translation #257286 by CK
- J'aime visiter les musées pour admirer la sculpture.I enjoy visiting museums to admire sculpture.
- Les jardins du château regorgent de magnifiques œuvres de statuaire.The gardens of the castle are filled with magnificent statuary works.
- La sculpture artistique permet aux artistes de donner vie à leurs visions uniques.Artistic sculpture allows artists to bring their unique visions to life.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are visiting an art museum.
- NathanRegarde cette sculpture en bronze !Look at this bronze sculpture!
- EmmaElle est vraiment impressionnante, Nathan.It is really impressive, Nathan.
- NathanJe me demande comment il a fait cette sculpture.I wonder how he made this sculpture.
- EmmaC'est un travail très détaillé.It is a very detailed piece of work.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sculpture” translations and entries sculpture, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
