arbre
/aʁbʁ/masculine
The English word tree is translated into French as arbre.
The word arbre refers to a large woody plant. Related terms include feuille for leaf, branche for branch and tronc for trunk.
Meaning: large woody plant (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun arbre is masculine, so you use the indefinite article un to say un arbre (a tree). To make the word plural, add an s to the end to form arbres, as in les arbres (the trees).
How do you pronounce it?
/aʁbʁ/
Did you know?
- In mechanical engineering, the French word arbre is used to describe a drive shaft or axle. In this context, it refers to a rotating cylindrical part rather than a plant.
- In French, a Christmas tree is called sapin de Noël. While arbre is a general term, French speakers specifically use sapin, meaning 'fir', for this holiday tradition.
- The phrase l'arbre qui cache la forêt translates to 'the tree that hides the forest'. It is used when someone focuses on a single detail and misses the bigger picture.
Examples in context
- Cet arbre est haut.This tree is tall.This sentence is useful for describing the height of an arbre.Tatoeba #3644618 by sacredceltic, translation #2517080 by Hybrid
- Je plante un arbre.I'm planting a tree.This sentence is useful for describing the action of planting an arbre.Tatoeba #5262812 by martin9, translation #6013105 by mailohilohi
- Il planta un arbre.He planted a tree.Tatoeba #5263558 by martin9, translation #6815337 by Eccles17
- essence d'arbre feuilluDeciduous tree species
- Je me promène souvent dans la forêt pour admirer les arbres majestueux.I often take walks in the forest to admire the majestic trees.
- Les différentes essences d'arbres offrent une palette de couleurs automnales magnifique.The different tree species offer a stunning palette of autumn colors.
- Le petit écureuil a grimpé sur l'arbrisseau.The little squirrel climbed up the small tree.
- 528 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are walking in a park.
- NathanQuel bel arbre, n'est-ce pas ?What a beautiful tree, isn't it?
- ManonOui, cet arbre est magnifique, Nathan.Yes, this tree is magnificent, Nathan.
- NathanVeux-tu t'asseoir sous l'arbre ?Do you want to sit under the tree?
- ManonC'est une excellente idée.That is an excellent idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tree” translations and entries arbre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
