forme
/fɔʁm/feminine
The English word 'shape' is translated into French as forme.
forme is used to describe the appearance or outline of an object. Idiomatically, the phrase en forme is a common way to describe someone's energy levels or physical fitness.
Meaning: appearance or outline (noun)
Which one should you use?
While forme refers to the physical outline of an object, it is also used idiomatically to refer to a person's physical condition.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
forme is a feminine noun, which means it requires feminine articles and adjectives, such as une belle forme.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɔʁm/
Did you know?
- The word forme descends from the Latin fōrma, which originally referred to a mold or a casting tool used to create a specific object.
- If you want to describe a person's physical 'shape' in terms of their silhouette or body type, you might use silhouette or allure instead of forme.
- In certain contexts, forme refers to a specific literary or artistic genre, such as la forme sonnet, treating the 'shape' of the poem as its structural rule.
Examples in context
- Tom était en forme.Tom was in good shape.This example shows the idiomatic use of forme to describe physical fitness.Tatoeba #5754077 by Yemana, translation #5752358 by CM
- Êtes-vous en forme ?Are you in good shape?This example uses forme to ask about someone's physical fitness or energy.Tatoeba #7853333 by Aiji, translation #6079184 by CK
- Le projet prend forme.The project is taking shape.This example uses forme to describe a project progressing or developing.Tatoeba #11226786 by lbdx, translation #48526 by CK
- Quelle est la forme de ce gâteau ?What is the shape of this cake?
- Il a une silhouette élégante.He has an elegant shape.
- La configuration de cette pièce est bien pensée.The shape of this room is well thought out.
- J'ai laissé tomber mon verre, maintenant il a une drôle de forme.I dropped my glass, now it has a weird shape.
- Regarde le contour de cette montagne, il est magnifique !Look at the shape of that mountain, it's gorgeous!
- Ce voilier a une forme élégante.This sailboat has an elegant shape.
- Les nuages ont des contours magnifiques ce soir.The clouds have beautiful shapes tonight.
- La forme de cette tarte est parfaite.The shape of this pie is perfect.
- en pleine formeIn great shape / full of energy
- 93 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are looking at a new piece of modern furniture in a store.
- GabrielRegarde la forme de cette chaise.Look at the shape of this chair.
- ManonElle a une forme très originale.It has a very original shape.
- GabrielEst-ce qu'elle est confortable ?Is it comfortable?
- ManonJe ne sais pas, elle est bizarre.I don't know, it's weird.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shape” translations and entries forme, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries forme, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
