lieu
/ljø/masculine
The English word 'venue' can be translated into French as lieu or salle.
Meaning: place, especially the one where a given event is to happen (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| lieu | /ljø/ | masculine |
| salle | /sal/ | feminine |
The term refers to a place where a specific event happens. You can use the phrase lieu de rendez-vous to refer to a meeting venue or a rendezvous point.
Which one should you use?
Use lieu when you are referring to a general location, a site or the abstract concept of a place. In contrast, use salle when the venue is a specific indoor room, hall or auditorium.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of lieu is lieux.
How do you pronounce it?
/ljø/
Did you know?
- In French, the word lieu can refer to a physical venue or a fish known as a pollack, depending on the context.
- The French word salle shares a common ancestor with the English word 'saloon', both originating from a word for a 'dwelling' or 'large hall'.
- Depending on the context, a 'venue' in French might be described as a site if it refers to an outdoor or expansive geographical location.
Examples in context
- Quel est le lieu de la réunion ?Where is the venue for the meeting?This sentence is useful for asking about the venue for a meeting using lieu.Tatoeba #8648228 by lbdx, translation #3221535 by shekitten
- Peut-on se rendre dans un autre lieu ?Can we go to a different venue?This sentence is useful for asking about moving to a different venue using lieu.Tatoeba #8648229 by lbdx, translation #1060456 by CM
- Les rues étaient pleines à craquer quand tout le monde est sorti de la salle.The streets were chocka when everyone spilled out of the venue.This sentence is useful for describing people leaving a venue using salle.Tatoeba #8915735 by lbdx, translation #6534635 by sundown
- La salle est magnifiqueThe venue is magnificent
- C'est un lieu exceptionnel pour un événementIt's an exceptional venue for an event
- La salle de réception est idéale pour le mariage.The reception venue is perfect for the wedding.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are discussing where to host a party.
- GabrielAs-tu déjà choisi le lieu pour la fête ?Have you already chosen the venue for the party?
- EmmaNon, je cherche encore un endroit calme.No, I am still looking for a quiet place.
- GabrielCe lieu serait parfait pour nous, Emma.This venue would be perfect for us, Emma.
- EmmaTu as raison, c'est un très bel espace.You are right, it is a very beautiful space.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “venue” translations and entries lieu, salle, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lieu, salle, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
