ombre
/ɔ̃bʁ/feminine
To say shade in French, meaning the darker area where light is blocked, use ombre.
ombre is the standard word for shade, and à l'ombre means in the shade.
Meaning: darkness where light is blocked (noun)
Which one should you use?
ombre also means shadow, the shape cast by an object. Context tells you which one is meant. To shield something from light is ombrager.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
ombre is a feminine noun. The article shortens before it, as in l'ombre.
How do you pronounce it?
ombre is pronounced /ɔ̃bʁ/.
When do people say it?
The expression faire de l'ombre can mean to overshadow someone.
Did you know?
- In French slang, the phrase être à l'ombre can be used as a euphemism for being in prison.
- The Latin root umbra is not only the ancestor of ombre but also the origin of the English word 'umbrella'.
- While ombre usually refers to darkness, it is also the name of a specific type of fish known as the drumfish.
Examples in context
- Gare la voiture à l'ombre.Park the car in the shade.à l'ombre means in the shade.Tatoeba #11737099 by lbdx, translation #3259601 by CK
- Faisons une pause à l'ombre.Let's take a rest in the shade.Faisons une pause means let's take a break.Tatoeba #14603 by nimfeo, translation #281102 by CK
- Allons nous asseoir à l'ombre.Let's go and sit in the shade.Allons nous asseoir means let's go and sit.Tatoeba #6545438 by Aiji, translation #2495036 by CK
- J'aime m'asseoir sous l'ombre fraîche d'un arbreI enjoy sitting under the cool shade of a tree
- Je préfère rester à l'ombreI prefer to stay in the shade
- Il est préférable de chercher un coin à l'abri du soleilIt is better to look for a spot sheltered from the sun
- Protégez-vous des rayons directs en vous tenant dans l'ombreProtect yourself from direct rays by staying in the shade
- 45 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are walking in a sunny park.
- ManonIl fait trop chaud aujourd'hui, Lucas.It is too hot today, Lucas.
- LucasCherchons vite un peu d'ombre.Let's quickly look for some shade.
- ManonRegarde, il y a de l'ombre sous ce parasol.Look, there is shade under this parasol.
- LucasBonne idée, allons-y.Good idea, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shade” translations and entries ombre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ombre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
