ensemble
/ɑ̃.sɑ̃bl/
The English word 'set' can be translated into French as ensemble when referring to a collection of objects.
ensemble is the primary translation for 'set' when you mean a group or a collection of various objects intended for a particular purpose. For example, you can use it to describe a set of tools or a set of maps. In a musical context, ensemble is also used to refer to a group of musicians playing together. Note that if you mean 'set' as a verb, such as to fix or establish something, you might use fixer or if you mean to place something down, you might use poser.
Meaning: collection of various objects for a particular purpose, such as a set of tools (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France, when specifically referring to a set of cutlery, you may hear the terms ensemble de couverts or ménagère.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun ensemble is masculine, so you use the indefinite article un (un ensemble). To say 'a set of [something]', use the construction un ensemble de followed by the noun. The plural form of ensemble is ensembles.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ɑ̃.sɑ̃bl/ and consists of two syllables.
Did you know?
- When referring to a 'set' in a tennis match, French does not use ensemble. Instead, it uses the word set, borrowing directly from English.
- The word ensemble shares its roots with the English word 'simultaneously', as both trace back to the Latin 'simul'.
- While ensemble as a noun means 'set', as an adverb it means 'together'. This is why the phrase on est ensemble is a common way to say 'we are together'.
Examples in context
- Un atlas est un ensemble de cartes.An atlas is a set of maps.This sentence shows how to use ensemble to describe a collection of maps.Tatoeba #8751184 by Aiji, translation #8252270 by AlanF_US
- Les pionniers ont surmonté un ensemble d'obstacles.The pioneers overcame a set of obstacles.This sentence demonstrates using ensemble to describe a set of obstacles.Tatoeba #7804149 by Aiji, translation #2480959 by AlanF_US
- Construisez une phrase à partir de cet ensemble de mots.Construct a sentence from this set of words.This sentence illustrates how to use ensemble when referring to a set of words.Tatoeba #8533138 by Aiji, translation #8022212 by AlanF_US
- Nous avons un ensemble de règles strictes à suivre.We have a set of strict rules to follow.
- Vous devez fixer les heures de travail au préalable.You need to establish the working hours in advance.
- Merci de poser le dossier sur la table.Please set the file down on the table.
- J'ai acheté une belle ménagère en argent pour ma grand-mère.I bought a beautiful silver cutlery set for my grandmother.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are looking at a gift in a shop.
- ChloéRegarde cet ensemble de tasses, Lucas.Look at this set of cups, Lucas.
- LucasIl est très beau, Chloé.It is very beautiful, Chloé.
- ChloéEst-ce que tu l'aimes ?Do you like it?
- LucasOui, c'est un excellent cadeau.Yes, it is an excellent gift.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ensemble, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ensemble, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
