sanctuaire
/sɑ̃(k).tɥɛʁ/masculine
The English word 'shrine' is translated into French as sanctuaire. Wiktionary also lists lieu saint.
Meaning: a holy place dedicated to a specific figure of respect (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sanctuaire | /sɑ̃(k).tɥɛʁ/ | masculine |
| lieu saint | masculine |
A sanctuaire refers to a holy place dedicated to a specific figure of respect.
Which one should you use?
While sanctuaire can mean a religious shrine, it is also the standard word for a sanctuary or a nature reserve.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of sanctuaire is sanctuaires.
How do you pronounce it?
/sɑ̃(k).tɥɛʁ/. The word has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word sanctuaire describes not only the whole building but also the specific innermost area of a temple where the most sacred objects are kept.
- Because sanctuaire can refer to a nature reserve, calling a park a sanctuaire implies it is a place of profound, almost spiritual, preservation.
- The word lieu in lieu saint comes from the Latin locum, which is the same root found in the English word 'location'.
Examples in context
- Il plut si fort que le sanctuaire fut emporté.It rained so hard that the shrine was washed away.This sentence uses sanctuaire to describe a shrine being washed away by rain.Tatoeba #7752431 by sacredceltic, translation #67725 by CM
- Il y a un sanctuaire au sommet de la montagne.There is a shrine atop the mountain.This sentence uses sanctuaire to describe a shrine located at the top of a mountain.Tatoeba #12300217 by lbdx, translation #4255961 by orcrist
- « J'en ai entendu parler, Koichi. » « Pas la peine d'en dire plus, je suis au courant. C'est à propos de l'incident lors du festival d'été au sanctuaire, non ? »"I've heard about it, Koichi." "You don't need to say anything more, I know. It's the summer festival incident at the shrine, right?"This sentence uses sanctuaire in the context of a summer festival incident at a shrine.Tatoeba #11546920 by Micsmithel, translation #328477 by fcbond
- Nous avons visité le sanctuaire de Lourdes, un endroit de pèlerinage important.We visited the shrine of Lourdes, an important pilgrimage site.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are visiting a historical site.
- NathanCe sanctuaire est vraiment impressionnant.This shrine is really impressive.
- EmmaOui, c'est un endroit très paisible.Yes, it is a very peaceful place.
- NathanEst-ce qu'on peut entrer dans le sanctuaire ?Can we go inside the shrine?
- EmmaJe pense que c'est interdit aujourd'hui, Nathan.I think it is forbidden today, Nathan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shrine” translations and entries sanctuaire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lieu, saint, sanctuaire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
