trompette
/tʁɔ̃.pɛt/feminine
The English word "trumpet" is trompette in French.
trompette is a feminine noun used to refer to the brass instrument.
Meaning: brass instrument (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Because trompette is a feminine noun, the definite article used is la (la trompette). When you want to say you play the instrument, you must use the construction jouer de followed by the instrument, such as in jouer de la trompette.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʁɔ̃.pɛt/. The word has 2 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying jouer la trompette. English speakers often mistakenly omit the required preposition de, but you must use jouer de la trompette to be correct.
Did you know?
- There is a variety of mushroom known as trompette de la mort, which translates literally as 'death trumpet'.
- While the English 'trumpet' is used for many things, the French use the word trompette specifically for the instrument, but use trompe when referring to an elephant's trunk.
- The word trompette contains the diminutive suffix -ette, which implies a smaller version of something. This stems from the root word trompe, a larger horn used in hunting.
Examples in context
- Je joue de la trompette.I play the trumpet.This sentence is useful for expressing that you play the trompette.Tatoeba #6537090 by GB3, translation #5858244 by CK
- Il sait jouer de la trompette.He knows how to play trumpet.This sentence is useful for expressing that someone knows how to play the trompette.Tatoeba #7982961 by Aiji, translation #1751904 by Amastan
- Ted aime jouer de la trompette.Ted likes playing the trumpet.This sentence is useful for expressing that someone likes playing the trompette.Tatoeba #441537 by Archibald, translation #39436 by CN
- La trompette est un instrument de musique à vent.The trumpet is a wind instrument.
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are at a music shop.
- GabrielEst-ce que tu vois une trompette ici ?Do you see a trumpet here?
- EmmaOui, elle est sur l'étagère.Yes, it is on the shelf.
- GabrielCette trompette est très brillante.This trumpet is very shiny.
- EmmaElle est vraiment magnifique, Gabriel.It is truly magnificent, Gabriel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “trumpet” translations and entries trompette, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries trompette, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
