terrasse
/tɛ.ʁas/feminine
The French word for terrace is terrasse.
A terrasse refers to a platform that extends outwards from a building. In an idiomatic sense, the phrase en terrasse is commonly used to describe sitting at an outdoor seating area of a cafe or restaurant.
Meaning: platform that extends outwards from a building (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of France, such as Normandy and Brittany, the term un perron might be used to refer to a small terrace or an external staircase leading to a building's entrance.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word terrasse is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /tɛ.ʁas/ and consists of 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- In French slang, the verb terrasser means to knock someone down or to defeat them completely, as if flattening them into the ground.
- In France, sitting en terrasse is a distinct social activity where people often spend hours people-watching while sipping a single coffee.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, the French government created terrasses éphémères or temporary terraces by converting parking spaces into dining areas.
Examples in context
- Sortons sur la terrasse.Let's go out on the terrace.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of terrasse in a suggestion.Tatoeba #13227188 by lbdx, translation #6264173 by CK
- Nous déjeunons en terrasse.We are having lunch on the terrace.This sentence shows the idiomatic usage of the phrase en terrasse.Tatoeba #13227190 by lbdx, translation #12831299 by kitkat129
- L'étendoir est sur la terrasse.The clothes airer is on the terrace.This sentence shows how to use terrasse when describing the location of an object.Tatoeba #6850149 by Micsmithel, translation #12567611 by sundown
- Le restaurant dispose d'une terrasse extérieure spacieuse.The restaurant has a spacious outdoor terrace.
- Notre appartement possède une terrasse privée donnant sur un jardin.Our apartment has a private terrace overlooking a garden.
- On se retrouve en terrasse pour prendre un verre ?Shall we meet on the terrace for a drink?
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are choosing where to sit at a café.
- NathanEst-ce que la terrasse est libre ?Is the terrace free?
- ManonOui, elle est vide.Yes, it is empty.
- NathanParfait, installons-nous sur la terrasse.Perfect, let's sit on the terrace.
- ManonBonne idée, il fait beau.Good idea, the weather is nice.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “terrace” translations and entries terrasse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
