dessus
/də.sy/masculine
The English phrase 'top' can be translated into French as dessus or sommet.
Meaning: uppermost part (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| dessus | /də.sy/ /tsy/ (Louisiana) |
masculine |
| sommet | /sɔ.mɛ/ | masculine |
The term 'top' refers to the uppermost part. You can use le dessus to mean 'the top' as a noun. Additionally, sommet can be used as a noun meaning 'summit' to convey being at the top.
Which one should you use?
Use sommet when referring to the physical peak of a mountain or the highest point of a career or achievement. While dessus refers to the top, sommet specifically translates to summit, peak or highest point.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase au sommet is used to express being at or moving to the highest point. When using dessus as a noun meaning 'the top', it is typically preceded by the definite article le.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of dessus is /də.sy/.
Did you know?
- The word sommet is actually a diminutive form, meaning it was originally a 'little top'.
- While sommet is used for physical peaks, French speakers often use the word pointe to describe the 'top' of a pencil, a needle, or even the tip of a finger. This distinguishes a sharp 'top' from a flat one.
- While sommet means 'top' or 'summit', it is also the standard French word for a 'summit' meeting between heads of state.
Examples in context
- Il débuta au sommet.He came out on top.This sentence shows the use of sommet to describe coming out on top.Tatoeba #1706463 by sacredceltic, translation #1690891 by Spamster
- Elle débuta au sommet.She started at the top.This sentence shows the use of sommet to describe starting at the top.Tatoeba #1696465 by sacredceltic, translation #1722531 by Scott
- On a grimpé jusqu'au sommet.We climbed to the top.This sentence shows the use of sommet to describe climbing to the top.Tatoeba #11172055 by lbdx, translation #1543550 by JimBreen
- C'est le meilleur film que j'ai jamais vuThis is the best movie I've ever seen
- Elle a obtenu une note supérieure à la moyenneShe got a grade higher than average
- Les alpinistes ont atteint le sommet de la montagneThe climbers reached the top of the mountain
- On se retrouve au bar en hautLet's meet at the bar upstairs
- Le meilleur élève de la classeThe top student in the class
- C'est un film top !It's a top movie!
- 84 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are organizing a bookshelf together.
- LucasOù est le livre rouge ?Where is the red book?
- ChloéIl est tout en haut, juste dessus.It is at the very top, right on top.
- LucasJe ne peux pas l'attraper dessus.I cannot reach it on top.
- ChloéAttends, je vais t'aider, Lucas.Wait, I will help you, Lucas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “top” translations and entries dessus, sommet, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dessus, sommet, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
