pente
/pɑ̃t/feminine
The English word 'slope' is translated into French as pente.
The word pente refers to an area of ground that tends evenly upward or downward. For more specific terms, you might use pente raide for a 'steep slope' or dénivelé for 'gradient'.
Meaning: area of ground that tends evenly upward or downward (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun pente is feminine, so any accompanying adjectives must agree in gender.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɑ̃t/
Did you know?
- French has a specific term faux plat to describe a slope that looks flat but actually has a slight pente, often used by cyclists.
- The French word pente shares its DNA with the English word 'pendulum', as both trace back to the Latin verb 'pendere', meaning 'to hang'.
- In French, if you are talking about the 'slope' or 'incline' of a roof, you would more commonly use the word inclinaison rather than pente.
Examples in context
- Il fixa la pente raide.He stared at the steep slope.This example is useful for seeing how to describe a steep slope using pente.Tatoeba #131987 by Micsmithel, translation #296041 by CM
- C'est une pente glissante.It's a slippery slope.This sentence shows how to describe a slippery slope using pente.Tatoeba #13554577 by Myrano_, translation #3168565 by CK
- C'est une pente très raide.It's a very steep slope.This sentence demonstrates how to say a slope is very steep using pente.Tatoeba #8418516 by Aiji, translation #7779724 by AlanF_US
- Les skieurs apprécient les pentes enneigées des montagnes françaises.Skiers appreciate the snowy slopes of the French mountains.
- La montée est raide, mais la vue en vaut la peine !The slope is steep, but the view is worth it!
- Il est agréable de faire du vélo sur cette pente douce.It's delightful to bike on this gentle slope.
- en pentesloping / on a slope
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are hiking on a mountain trail.
- EmmaRegarde cette pente douce.Look at this gentle slope.
- GabrielOui, elle est facile à monter.Yes, it is easy to climb.
- EmmaEst-ce que la pente continue ainsi ?Does the slope continue like this?
- GabrielNon, ça devient plus plat après.No, it becomes flatter after.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slope” translations and entries pente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
