French word

chandelle

Pronunciation

IPA/ʃɑ̃dɛl/

Meaning

  • feminine nouncandle

Example

J'ai allumé une chandelle.

I lit a candle.

Illustration for chandelle (candle)

More examples

Pendant la panne, ils se sont éclairés à la chandelle.

During the power outage, they used a candle so they could see.

Core concept

A hand-sized wax taper that turns a small flame into portable light.

Common phrases

  • allumer une chandelle

    light a candle

  • une chandelle d'église

    a church candle

Similar words

bougie: A small candle that is easy to handle and used in the home.
lampe: A lamp that provides illumination through electricity or another power source.
cierge: A tall candle intended for worship and lit on an altar or similar sacred site.

Definition in French

Objet de cire, muni d'une mèche, qu'on allume pour produire de la lumière.

Word origin

French chandelle developed from Latin candela through Old French, while Latin candere, meaning "to shine," is also related to English candle.

Usage tips

  • Bougie is generally the usual everyday word for an ordinary candle, while chandelle often sounds more traditional, literary, or context-specific.

Related words

Word lists with this word