French word

canapé

Pronunciation

IPA/kanape/

Meaning

  • masculine nounsofa

Example

Le canapé est confortable.

The sofa is comfortable.

Illustration for canapé (sofa)

More examples

Je me suis assis sur le canapé ce matin.

I sat on the sofa this morning.

Core concept

A cushioned household seat broad enough for people to sit side by side and relax.

Common phrases

  • s'asseoir sur le canapé

    sit on the sofa

  • un canapé en cuir

    a leather sofa

  • acheter un canapé

    buy a sofa

Similar words

fauteuil: A padded indoor seat with one or two armrests for one person.
chaise: A single seat with a back, often placed near a table or desk.
banquette: A long, fixed seat for several people in a shop or public place.
causeuse: A small sofa designed for two people to sit side by side.

Definition in French

Meuble rembourré et allongé, destiné à ce que plusieurs personnes puissent s'asseoir ensemble dans un salon ou une pièce de vie.

Word origin

The French noun canapé was borrowed through Italian canapè from Latin canapeum and Greek konopeion, originally referring to a bed enclosed by mosquito netting.

Usage tips

  • The final é in canapé is pronounced like the vowel in English 'cafe', not as a silent ending.

Word lists with this word