taille
/taj/feminine
The English word 'size' is translated to French as taille.
taille refers to the dimensions or magnitude of a thing. While it is used for general size, more formal contexts might use dimensions to refer specifically to the measurements of objects.
Meaning: dimensions or magnitude of a thing (noun)
Which one should you use?
When you are talking about a person, taille can mean both 'size' and 'height'. To describe the span or range of something, such as a wingspan or a range of influence, the formal term envergure is used instead.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/taj/
Did you know?
- In a historical context, la taille was the name of a direct land tax paid to the French crown from the 14th to the 18th century.
- The phrase à taille humaine describes a place or a system that is not overwhelming and remains accessible to people.
- The word taille is also used in gardening to refer to the pruning of a hedge or a tree.
Examples in context
- Regarde sa taille !Look at the size of it!This sentence is useful for emphasizing the size of something using taille.Tatoeba #2218616 by sacredceltic, translation #2213945 by Hybrid
- Taille 9… je pense.Size 9, I think.This sentence shows how to express a specific size using taille.Tatoeba #11622 by Lulantis, translation #54166 by araneo
- C'est la bonne taille.It's the right size.This sentence shows how to say something is the correct size using taille.Tatoeba #13395342 by lbdx, translation #3635957 by CK
- Quelle est votre taille de vêtement?What is your clothing size?
- Les dimensions de cette table sont 80 centimètres sur 120 centimètres.The dimensions of this table are 80 centimeters by 120 centimeters.
- L'envergure de cet aigle royal peut atteindre trois mètres.The wingspan of this royal eagle can reach three meters.
- Il a un très grand gabarit, il est impressionnant.He has a very large build, he is impressive.
- 103 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are shopping for a new t-shirt.
- GabrielEst-ce que tu connais ta taille ?Do you know your size?
- LéaJe pense que je fais une taille M.I think I am a size M.
- GabrielCette taille est disponible ici.This size is available here.
- LéaMerci Gabriel, je vais l'essayer.Thanks Gabriel, I'm going to try it on.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “size” translations and entries taille, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
