phrase
/fʁaz/feminine
The French word for sentence is phrase.
The word phrase refers to a grammatically complete series of words consisting of a subject and a predicate.
Meaning: grammatically complete series of words consisting of a subject and predicate (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
phrase is a feminine noun. Because of this, it is preceded by feminine articles such as la or une.
How do you pronounce it?
/fʁaz/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the word phrase to refer to a legal sentence (a punishment). In French, if you are talking about a punishment handed down to a convicted person, you should use the verbs punir or condamner instead.
Did you know?
- While phrase describes a grammatical sentence, French uses peine to describe a legal sentence, which literally means 'pain' or 'penalty'.
- The word phrase comes from the Ancient Greek phrásis, meaning 'manner of expression'.
- French has a specific term phrase faite to describe a cliché or a prefabricated expression that lacks original thought.
Examples in context
- Où est ma phrase ?Where is my sentence?This sentence is useful for asking for the location of your sentence.Tatoeba #3627422 by fleur74, translation #744890 by Vortarulo
- Qu'est une phrase ?What's a sentence?This sentence is useful for asking for the definition of a sentence.Tatoeba #3641839 by sacredceltic, translation #2761272 by Hybrid
- Je lis cette phrase.I am reading this sentence.This sentence is useful for stating that you are reading a specific sentence.Tatoeba #1786448 by sacredceltic, translation #1785687 by Amastan
- Bonjour, je m'appelle [Your Name]. Comment vous appelez-vous?Hello, my name is [Your Name]. What is your name?
- Je voudrais un café.I would like a coffee
- Salut, je m'appelle [Your Name]. Comment tu t'appelles?Hi, my name is [Your Name]. What's your name?
- Tu viens ce soir ?Are you coming tonight?
- Je suis ravi(e) de vous rencontrer.I am pleased to meet you.
- Pouvez-vous m'aider, s'il vous plaît?Can you help me, please?
- Je vous remercie pour votre assistance.Thank you for your assistance.
- C'est super de te voir!It’s great to see you!
- Tu peux m'aider?Can you help me?
- Bonne chanceGood luck
- 714 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are studying French together in a cafe.
- LéaCette phrase est trop longue.This sentence is too long.
- HugoJe vais la raccourcir, Léa.I am going to shorten it, Léa.
- LéaEst-ce que cette phrase est correcte ?Is this sentence correct?
- HugoOui, elle est parfaite.Yes, it is perfect.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sentence” translations and entries phrase, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries phrase, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
