canapé
/ka.na.pe/masculine
The English phrase sofa is translated into French as canapé. Wiktionary also lists sofa.
Meaning: upholstered seat (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| canapé | /ka.na.pe/ | masculine |
| sofa | /sɔ.fa/ (France) /so.fa/ (Canada) |
masculine |
The word refers to an upholstered seat.
Which one should you use?
While both words are used in French, canapé is the more common and standard term for an upholstered seat, whereas sofa is also used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
canapé is the standard term. The word sofa is used in French but often carries a slightly more modern or informal connotation. In very informal speech, you may also hear the shortened form canap'. If you are referring specifically to a sofa bed, the formal term is Le canapé-lit.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun canapé is masculine, meaning it is used with the masculine definite article le or the indefinite article un.
How do you pronounce it?
/ka.na.pe/
Did you know?
- The French word canapé is also the name for a small, decorative piece of bread topped with a savory spread served as an appetizer.
- The term canapé originally described a seat covered by a mosquito net, derived from the Greek word for 'mosquito'.
- While sofa entered French through Turkish, its Arabic equivalent kanaba is actually a loanword from the French canapé.
Examples in context
- C'est sur le canapé.It's on the sofa.This sentence is useful for showing the position of an object on the canapé.Tatoeba #5403474 by Aiji, translation #43241 by CK
- Combien coûte ce canapé ?How much is this sofa?This sentence is useful for asking the price of a canapé.Tatoeba #1088811 by sacredceltic, translation #60927 by CK
- J'ai dormi sur le canapé.I slept on the sofa.This sentence is useful for describing an action performed on the canapé.Tatoeba #8305700 by Aiji, translation #5958449 by CK
- On se retrouve sur le canap' pour regarder un film ce soir?Shall we meet on the couch to watch a movie tonight?
- 93 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are looking at furniture in a showroom.
- EmmaCe canapé est très confortable.This sofa is very comfortable.
- NathanOui, il est très beau aussi.Yes, it is very beautiful too.
- EmmaEst-ce que tu l'aimes, Nathan ?Do you like it, Nathan?
- NathanOui, il irait bien dans le salon.Yes, it would go well in the living room.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sofa” translations and entries canapé, sofa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries canapé, sofa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
