ombre
/ɔ̃bʁ/
The English phrase "shadow" is translated into French as ombre.
ombre is used to refer to the dark shape cast by an object. It is also used to mean "shade," referring to an area protected from light or heat. Common idiomatic expressions include être dans l'ombre (to be in the shadow) and avoir peur de son ombre (to be afraid of one's own shadow).
Meaning: area protected by an obstacle (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 'ombre' refers to the dark shape cast by an object, it is also used to mean 'shade' (the area protected from light/heat).
How do you pronounce it?
/ɔ̃bʁ/
When do people say it?
The phrase sans l'ombre d'un doute is a common idiomatic way to express absolute certainty, mirroring the English idiom.
Did you know?
- The word ombre shares the same root as the English word 'umbrella', which comes from the Latin 'umbra'.
- In French, an 'ombre chinoise' is not a Chinese shadow, but is the term used for a shadow puppet show.
- In French literature and poetry, the word ombre is often used to refer to a ghost or a spirit rather than just a dark shape.
Examples in context
- Marche dans mon ombre.Walk in my shadow.This example shows how to use ombre when telling someone to walk in your shadow.Tatoeba #13414362 by sacredceltic, translation #13414360 by sacredceltic
- Il a peur de son ombre.He is afraid of his own shadow.This sentence illustrates the idiom for being afraid of one's own shadow using ombre.Tatoeba #131323 by sacredceltic, translation #292498 by CK
- Sans l'ombre d'un doute.Without a shadow of a doubt.This shows the idiomatic use of ombre to express certainty in the phrase "without a shadow of a doubt."Tatoeba #1157343 by sacredceltic, translation #12389421 by menaud
- L'ombre de l'arbre dansait sur le sol.The shadow of the tree danced on the ground.
- La pièce était plongée dans la pénombre.The room was plunged into the shadows.
- Regarde l'ombre portée de cet arbre, elle est immense !Look at the shadow cast by this tree, it's huge!
- 47 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are walking outside on a very sunny day.
- ChloéIl fait trop chaud au soleil.It is too hot in the sun.
- HugoViens vite dans l'ombre.Come quickly into the shade.
- ChloéMerci, on est mieux ici.Thanks, we are better off here.
- HugoOui, l'ombre est plus fraîche.Yes, the shade is cooler.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 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.
