French word

bateau

Pronunciation

IPA/bato/

Meaning

  • masculine nounboat

Example

Le bateau arrive au port.

The boat arrives at the port.

Illustration for bateau (boat)

More examples

Le bateau quitte le port ce matin.

The boat leaves the port this morning.

Core concept

A floating vessel carrying people or goods across water, from a small boat to a large ship.

Common phrases

  • prendre le bateau

    take the boat

  • un bateau de pêche

    fishing boat

  • un bateau à moteur

    motorboat

Similar words

ferry: A vessel used to transport people and cars over short crossings.
navire: A large vessel designed for long sea voyages in commercial or military service.
bateau-moteur: An engine-powered boat ranging from small to medium in size.

Definition in French

Embarcation flottante destinée au transport de personnes ou de marchandises sur l'eau, du petit canot aux grands navires.

Word origin

Bateau comes from Old French batel, a medieval form that later developed into the modern French word.

Usage tips

  • Bateau is masculine, so standard forms include un bateau and le bateau.

Other meanings

  • shipnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word