incliné
/ɛ̃.kli.ne/
In French, "tilted" is translated as incliné.
The term is used to describe something positioned at an angle rather than being perfectly vertical or horizontal.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, incliné must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use inclinée for feminine singular nouns, inclinés for masculine plural nouns and inclinées for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables: /ɛ̃.kli.ne/.
Did you know?
- The word incliné is the root of the English word 'inclination', but in French, une inclination often refers to a natural liking or fondness for something rather than just a slope.
- To describe a 'tilted' or 'crooked' painting on a wall, French speakers often use the word de travers instead of incliné to emphasize that it is visually wrong.
- The verb form incliner is used in the phrase incliner la tête, which can signify not just a physical tilt but also a gesture of submission or modesty.
Examples in context
- Il a incliné sa tête sur le côté.He tilted his head sideways.This sentence shows how to use incliné to describe the position of a head.Tatoeba #9868009 by lbdx, translation #9409715 by AlanF_US
- La Terre est inclinée d'un angle de 23.4 degrés.The Earth is tilted at an angle of 23.4 degrees.This sentence demonstrates the use of incliné when describing the angle of the Earth.Tatoeba #3138452 by Clic, translation #3138298 by Hybrid
- La Tour de Pise est inclinée depuis des siècles.The Leaning Tower of Pisa has been tilted for centuries.
- Le tableau est légèrement incliné.The painting is slightly tilted.
- La tour penchée de Pise est un exemple célèbre de construction ratée.The leaning tower of Pisa is a famous example of a failed construction.
- Le tableau est accroché de travers.The painting is hung crooked.
- Tu vois comme le panneau est de travers?Do you see how the sign is tilted?
- Sa casquette est posée de biais sur sa tête.His cap is placed sideways on his head.
- Le cadre sur le mur est incliné.The frame on the wall is tilted.
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are decorating a room in a new apartment.
- ChloéEst-ce que ce tableau est bien droit ?Is this painting straight?
- NathanNon, il me semble un peu incliné.No, it seems a bit tilted to me.
- ChloéPeux-tu le redresser, Nathan ?Can you straighten it, Nathan?
- NathanOui, je le fais tout de suite.Yes, I'll do it right away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry incliné, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
