French Conversation · Level 17
90 words
French word
flamme
Pronunciation
IPA/flam/
Meaning
- feminine nounflame
Example
Il souffle sur la flamme pour l'éteindre.
He blows on the flame to put it out.
More examples
Il a allumé une flamme avec une allumette.
He lit a flame with a match.
Core concept
A small, wavering fire that becomes a metaphor for powerful inner feeling.
Common phrases
éteindre la flamme
extinguish the flame
allumer la flamme
light the flame
une flamme de bougie
a candle flame
Similar words
feu: The state of something burning.
incendie: A large fire that spreads and causes extensive damage.
bougie: A candle with a lit wick used to provide light.
fumée: Visible smoke produced when something burns.
Definition in French
Désigne la lueur produite par une combustion; au sens figuré, évoque une passion vive ou une ardeur intérieure.
Word origin
French inherited flamme from Old French flamme, ultimately from Latin flamma, and extended the concrete term to emotional intensity.
Usage tips
- Feu refers more broadly to a fire, while flamme focuses on the visible flame produced by it.