horizon
/ɔ.ʁi.zɔ̃/masculine
The English phrase skyline can be translated into French as horizon. Wiktionary also lists ligne d'horizon.
Meaning: silhouette against city or buildings (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| horizon | /ɔ.ʁi.zɔ̃/ | masculine |
| ligne d'horizon | /liɲ d‿ɔ.ʁi.zɔ̃/ | feminine |
In French, the term refers to a silhouette against a city or buildings.
Which one should you use?
While 'skyline' in English often refers to the silhouette of a city, the French word horizon is more general and refers to the line where the earth or sea meets the sky.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ɔ.ʁi.zɔ̃/ and consists of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- While horizon is the standard translation, French speakers often use the English word 'skyline' when discussing modern urban architecture and photography.
- The word horizon comes from the Ancient Greek word hóros, which means 'boundary'.
- In French maritime tradition, the horizon is not just a view but a critical tool for navigation and calculating distance via the 'dip' of the horizon.
Examples in context
- L'horizon urbain de Paris est incroyable, avec la Tour Eiffel se dressant majestueusement au-dessus de tous les autres immeubles.The Paris skyline is incredible, with the Eiffel Tower standing majestically above all the other buildings.
- La ligne d'horizon de la ville de Lyon offre une vue spectaculaire sur les toits en tuiles rouges et les flèches des églises gothiques.The skyline of the city of Lyon offers a spectacular view of the red tile roofs and the spires of the Gothic churches.
- Wow, le panorama urbain de Montréal est vraiment à couper le souffle !Wow, the Montreal skyline is truly breathtaking!
- Les bâtiments qui se profilent à l'horizon à Nice sont d'une grande beauté architecturale.The buildings that stand out on the horizon in Nice are of great architectural beauty.
- L'horizon de la ville est magnifique ce soir.The city skyline is magnificent tonight.
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are standing on a rooftop balcony.
- ManonRegarde l'horizon, c'est magnifique !Look at the skyline, it's magnificent!
- LucasOui, Manon, les lumières sont superbes.Yes, Manon, the lights are superb.
- ManonL'horizon change beaucoup depuis dix ans.The skyline has changed a lot in ten years.
- LucasC'est vrai, Lucas est d'accord avec toi.That's true, Lucas agrees with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “skyline” translations and entries horizon, ligne d'horizon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries horizon, ligne, CC BY-SA 4.0.
