French word

divan

Pronunciation

IPA/divɑ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nounsofa

Example

Le chat dort sur le divan.

The cat is sleeping on the sofa.

Illustration for divan (sofa)

More examples

Je m'assieds sur le divan pour regarder la télévision.

I sit on the sofa to watch television.

Core concept

A shared cushioned platform for relaxed sitting in a living room.

Common phrases

  • s'asseoir sur le divan

    sit on the sofa

Similar words

canapé: A long, cushioned seat made for several people in a living room.
sofa: A cushioned seat for several people, placed in a living room.
fauteuil: A cushioned armchair with armrests for one person.

Definition in French

Meuble rembourré, assez long pour accueillir plusieurs personnes, utilisé pour s'asseoir ou se reposer dans un salon.

Word origin

French borrowed divan from Ottoman Turkish divan, ultimately from Persian dīvān, whose meanings connected administration and councils with the place and seating used for them.

Usage tips

  • In modern French, canapé is often more neutral for an everyday sofa, while divan can sound literary or old-fashioned.

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