French word

balcon

Pronunciation

IPA/balkɔ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nounbalcony

Example

Nous avons pris le petit-déjeuner sur le balcon.

We had our breakfast on the balcony.

Illustration for balcon (balcony)

More examples

Elle fait sécher son linge sur le balcon.

She dries her laundry on the balcony.

Core concept

A railing-enclosed ledge projecting from a building, forming an outdoor extension of an indoor room.

Common phrases

  • faire sécher le linge sur le balcon

    dry the laundry on the balcony

  • mettre une chaise sur le balcon

    put a chair on the balcony

Similar words

terrasse: A broad, flat outdoor area on the ground or roof for relaxing.
véranda: A room-like addition covered by a roof and enclosed by walls and windows.
loggia: A small outdoor alcove recessed into a building wall.
balconnet: A narrow outdoor projection with a railing, suitable for standing or flowers.

Definition in French

Surface extérieure, généralement surélevée et bordée d'une rambarde, fixée à la façade et accessible depuis une pièce.

Word origin

French borrowed balcon from Italian balcone, whose deeper origin is linked to a Germanic word for a beam supporting a projecting structure.

Usage tips

  • A balcon is open to the outside, whereas a véranda is generally an enclosed or partly enclosed extension with a roof and walls.

Opposites

Word lists with this word