French word

marais

Pronunciation

IPA/maʁɛ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounmarsh

Example

Il y a un marais près du village.

There is a marsh near the village.

Illustration for marais (marsh)

More examples

Les marais abritent souvent des amphibiens et des oiseaux.

Marshes often shelter amphibians and birds.

Core concept

A wet lowland that may stay soft and peat-rich while supporting water-loving vegetation.

Common phrases

  • un marais

    a marsh

  • les marais

    marshes

Similar words

marécage: A wide expanse of muddy wetland where water collects.
bourbier: A deep muddy mire that can trap feet and make escape difficult.
flaque: A small, shallow puddle that forms for a short time.

Definition in French

Étendue de terrain souvent gorgée d'eau, au sol mou et parfois tourbeux, où se développe une végétation aquatique.

Word origin

Marais is inherited through Old French from Medieval Latin mariscus, whose meaning included marshland and associated vegetation.

Usage tips

  • For a simple muddy place, bourbier or trou boueux is more specific than marais.

Other meanings

  • swampnoun
  • bognoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word