croquis
/kʁɔ.ki/
The English word "sketch" (referring to a quick freehand drawing) is translated into French as croquis.
croquis is used to describe a quick freehand drawing. This includes specialized uses such as fashion sketches used within the fashion industry. To talk about the act of sketching, you can use the verb faire with croquis or dessin. If you are referring to the person creating the work, a male sketch artist is un dessinateur and a female sketch artist is une dessinatrice.
Meaning: quick freehand drawing (noun)
Which one should you use?
While croquis refers specifically to a quick freehand drawing, the word esquisse is often used for a more structured outline or a preliminary study intended for a larger, more formal work like a painting.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
croquis is a masculine noun. When used in the singular, it is un croquis (a sketch). Because the spelling of the word does not change in the plural, you simply change the article to des croquis (sketches).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /kʁɔ.ki/ in two syllables.
Did you know?
- If you want to describe a 'sketch' as a short comedic scene or a skit, you should not use croquis, but instead use un sketch.
- The verb croquer means 'to bite' or 'to crunch', suggesting a sketch is something captured in a single, quick 'bite' of the pencil.
- In French fashion, a croquis de mode often uses an exaggerated nine-head figure instead of the standard seven-head human proportion to emphasize elegance.
Examples in context
- Fais un croquis de ta maison.Make a sketch of your house.This sentence is useful for practicing the command to make a sketch of something.Tatoeba #476941 by sacredceltic, translation #17290 by Swift
- Jiro a fait un croquis du mont Fuji.Jiro made a sketch of Mt. Fuji.This sentence shows how to use the verb to describe making a sketch of a landmark.Tatoeba #128159 by nimfeo, translation #264374 by CN
- Tom dessine un croquis de la maison.Tom is drawing a sketch of the house.This sentence shows how to use the verb to describe the act of drawing a sketch.Tatoeba #9829977 by Micsmithel, translation #3436650 by CK
- J'ai créé un magnifique dessin de paysage.I have created a beautiful landscape sketch.
- Mon amie est une excellente dessinatrice.My friend is an excellent sketch artist.
- J'ai fait un petit croquis de mon chien dans le parc.I made a quick sketch of my dog in the park.
- Les designers ont présenté leurs croquis lors du défilé de mode.The designers presented their fashion sketches at the fashion show.
- Une collection de croquis de modeA collection of fashion sketches
- Les croquis de fleurs sont magnifiques.The flower sketches are beautiful.
- Je fais des dessins pendant mon temps libre.I make sketches during my free time.
- Nous aimons faire des croquis en voyageant.We enjoy doing sketches while traveling.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan is an artist showing his work to Emma in a studio.
- EmmaC'est un très beau croquis, Nathan.It is a very beautiful sketch, Nathan.
- NathanMerci, c'est juste un croquis rapide.Thank you, it is just a quick sketch.
- EmmaTu peux en faire un de moi ?Can you make one of me?
- NathanBien sûr, pose-toi là.Of course, sit right there.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry croquis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries croquis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
