plateau
/pla.to/masculine
The English word tray is plateau in French. Wiktionary also lists cabaret.
Meaning: object on which things are carried (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| plateau | /pla.to/ | masculine |
| cabaret | /ka.ba.ʁɛ/ | Louisiana, Quebec, masculine |
A plateau refers to an object on which things are carried.
Which one should you use?
While plateau can refer to a geographical plateau, in a culinary or service context, it specifically refers to a tray.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain North American French dialects, such as those in Louisiana and Quebec, the word cabaret is used to mean a tray.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /pla.to/ and has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word cabaret for 'tray' in Quebec and Louisiana comes from a word meaning 'little room'. This evolved from the Latin word camera, which is also the root of the English word 'camera'.
- In the film industry, a movie set is called a plateau. This usage treats the filming area as a giant 'tray' upon which the action is laid out.
- French uses plateau to describe a 'tray' of eggs or a 'tray' of seedlings in gardening. This shows the word covers any flat surface used for organizing small items.
Examples in context
- Voulez-vous un plateau avec ?Do you want a tray with that?This sentence is useful for asking if someone wants a plateau with an item.Tatoeba #799251 by felix63, translation #799252 by FeuDRenais2
- S'il vous plaît, apportez-moi un plateau pour le service en chambre.Please bring me a tray for room service.
- Passe-moi le plateau, s'il te plaît.Pass me the tray, please.
- Pose le verre sur le plateau.Put the glass on the tray.
- Le plateau est trop lourd pour moi.The tray is too heavy for me.
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are preparing snacks for guests.
- NathanOù est le plateau pour les verres ?Where is the tray for the glasses?
- ManonIl est dans le placard, Nathan.It is in the cupboard, Nathan.
- NathanJe l'ai trouvé, merci Manon.I found it, thank you Manon.
- ManonParfait, apporte-le dans le salon.Perfect, bring it into the living room.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tray” translations and entries plateau, cabaret, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cabaret, plateau, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
