piste
/pist/
The English word "track" can be translated into French as piste.
In the context of music, piste refers to a single track on an album or a digital recording, specifically a relatively short piece of music separated from others by a short silence.
Meaning: a song or other relatively short piece of music, on a record, separated from others by a short silence (noun)
Which one should you use?
While piste refers to the technical track on a recording, the word morceau is more commonly used to refer to a musical piece or song in a general sense.
How do you pronounce it?
/pist/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When you are talking specifically about a railroad track or a train track, do not use piste. Instead, use the formal term la voie ferrée.
Did you know?
- The word piste is used in French to describe the specific strip of ice where athletes compete in speed skating and the runway at an airport.
- The French word piste for a music track actually traces its roots back to the idea of a 'footprint' or a trail left by someone walking.
- In the context of fencing, the narrow strip where the duel takes place is called a piste.
Examples in context
- Vous êtes sur la bonne piste.You're on the right track.This sentence demonstrates using piste in the idiomatic sense of being on the right track.Tatoeba #482146 by sacredceltic, translation #17344 by CK
- Il existe une fonctionnalité « Lire ensuite » qui lit automatiquement la piste suivante d'une liste de lecture.There's a "Play Next" feature that automatically plays the next track in a playlist.This sentence shows how to use piste when discussing digital music playback and playlists.Tatoeba #13164043 by Myrano_, translation #13164042 by Myrano_
- Une piste automobile dans le désert.A car track in the desert.This sentence shows the use of piste when referring to a track for vehicles in a desert environment.
- J'ai couru autour de la piste pendant trente minutes.I ran around the track for thirty minutes.
- Le train roule le long de la voie ferrée.The train is traveling along the railroad track.
- Nous avons marché sur le chemin toute la journée.We walked on the track all day.
- La piste de danse était bondée hier soir.The dance floor was crowded last night.
- J'aime faire du vélo sur la piste cyclable.I enjoy biking on the bike track.
- Le train a déraillé de la voie ferrée.The train derailed from the railroad track.
- Nous avons suivi le chemin à travers la forêt.We followed the trail through the forest.
- La piste de danse était animée toute la nuit.The dance floor was lively all night long.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are listening to a new vinyl record in a living room.
- LucasTu as écouté la première piste ?Did you listen to the first track?
- EmmaOui, elle est magnifique, Lucas.Yes, it is beautiful, Lucas.
- LucasJe vais passer à la piste suivante.I'm going to play the next track.
- EmmaD'accord, j'ai hâte de l'entendre.Okay, I can't wait to hear it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry piste, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries piste, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
