projecteur
/pʁɔ.ʒɛk.tœʁ/masculine
The English word 'spotlight' can be translated into French as projecteur.
The term projecteur refers to a bright lamp, particularly one used to illuminate the center of attention on a stage. To express the idiomatic sense of being 'in the spotlight' (the center of attention), French uses the preposition 'sous' (under) with the plural les projecteurs.
Meaning: a bright lamp, especially one used to illuminate the center of attention on a stage (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word projecteur is derived from the verb projeter (to project) and the suffix -teur (one who does), literally meaning 'a projector'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word projecteur is a masculine noun. The plural form is created by adding an 's' to the end of the word.
How do you pronounce it?
/pʁɔ.ʒɛk.tœʁ/. The word has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- To say someone is stealing the spotlight, French uses the expression voler la vedette, which literally means 'to steal the lead performer'.
- In a theatrical context, if a spotlight is specifically tracking a performer's movements, it is referred to as a poursuite, which comes from the verb 'to pursue' or 'to follow'.
- The term projecteur is a cognate of the English 'projector', but in French, this word refers to the light source itself, whereas 'projector' in English often refers to the machine used for film.
Examples in context
- Il adore être sous les projecteurs.He loves being in the spotlight.This sentence shows how to use the plural form of projecteur to express being in the spotlight.Tatoeba #12341489 by lbdx, translation #3703084 by Luciosp
- Ils préfèrent l'ombre à la lumière des projecteurs.They prefer the shadows rather than the spotlight.This sentence uses the plural form of projecteur to contrast light and shadows.Tatoeba #1035485 by sacredceltic, translation #847164 by Source_Benedict_1921
- C'est difficile pour moi d'être toujours sous les projecteurs.It's hard for me to always be in the spotlight.This sentence demonstrates the use of the plural form projecteurs in the phrase 'under the spotlights'.Tatoeba #12620177 by lbdx, translation #2889207 by AlanF_US
- Le projecteur est braqué sur l'orateur principal.The spotlight is focused on the main speaker.
- Nous avons besoin d'un éclairage focalisé sur cet objet précis.We need a spotlight on this specific object.
- Durant le concert, les artistes étaient sous le feu des projecteurs.During the concert, the artists were in the spotlight.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are setting up equipment for a theater rehearsal.
- LéaLucas, peux-tu déplacer ce projecteur ?Lucas, can you move this spotlight?
- LucasOui, est-ce qu'il éclaire bien la scène ?Yes, does it illuminate the stage well?
- LéaPas assez, il faut l'orienter vers le centre.Not enough, it needs to be pointed toward the center.
- LucasD'accord, je m'en occupe tout de suite.Okay, I'll take care of it right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spotlight” translations and entries projecteur, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
