tableau
/ta.blo/
The French word tableau can be translated as a vivid scene arranged as in a painting.
A tableau refers to a striking scene or a painting. In modern French, the word is also commonly used to mean a chalkboard or a whiteboard. Additionally, the phrase tableau de bord is used to refer to a dashboard, especially within the context of a vehicle.
Meaning: a vivid scene arranged as in a painting (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, speakers sometimes use the term toile to refer to a painting.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word tableau is a masculine noun, so it is preceded by the masculine article le (as in le tableau).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /ta.blo/.
Did you know?
- In French sports, the tableau refers to the tournament bracket or the draw. Athletes use it to track their progression toward the final match.
- The phrase faire le tableau can be used idiomatically to describe the act of summarizing a situation or giving an overview of a set of facts.
- The word 'tableau' shares a common root with the English word 'table', as both stem from the concept of a flat surface or a board.
Examples in context
- Un beau tableauA beautiful painting
- Deux tableauxTwo paintings
- J'admire ce magnifique tableau de Picasso.I admire this magnificent painting by Picasso.
- Le tableau affiché à l'exposition était incroyable.The painting displayed at the exhibition was incredible.
- Des tableaux impressionnistes ornent les murs du musée.Impressionist paintings decorate the museum walls.
- Wow, ce tableau est vraiment impressionnant !Wow, this painting is truly impressive!
- As-tu déjà visité le musée des tableaux célèbres ?Have you ever visited the museum of famous paintings?
- J'ai acheté une belle toileI bought a beautiful painting
- Les acteurs ont figé pour créer un tableau vivant.The actors froze to create a living picture.
- La lumière du couchant offrait un magnifique tableau.The setting sun offered a magnificent scene.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are standing on a balcony overlooking a mountain range at sunset.
- LéaRegarde ce magnifique tableau naturel, Hugo !Look at this magnificent natural scene, Hugo!
- HugoC'est incroyable, on dirait un tableau de maître.It is incredible, it looks like a masterpiece painting.
- LéaLes couleurs sont absolument parfaites.The colors are absolutely perfect.
- HugoJe pourrais rester ici à admirer ce tableau toute la journée.I could stay here admiring this scene all day.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tableau, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tableau, CC BY-SA 4.0.
