French Conversation · Level 128
45 words
French word
nappe
Pronunciation
IPA/nap/
Meaning
- feminine nountablecloth
Example
Pose la nappe sur la table.
Lay the tablecloth on the table.
More examples
La nappe à carreaux donne un air campagnard à la cuisine.
The checked tablecloth gives the kitchen a country feel.
Core concept
A single fabric layer covering the tabletop, combining practical protection with table decoration.
Common phrases
poser la nappe
set the tablecloth
une nappe à carreaux
a checked tablecloth
une nappe blanche
a white tablecloth
Similar words
serviette: A cloth or paper napkin for wiping the mouth and hands during a meal.
set de table: A placemat placed under one person's dishes to define a place and prevent stains.
Definition in French
Tissu que l'on étend sur une table pour la protéger ou pour la décorer lors d'un repas.
Word origin
French nappe developed from Latin mappa, 'cloth', through Old French; the dining-table sense became established in French.
Usage tips
- French nappe means a tablecloth, whereas a napkin is une serviette, so the two words are not equivalents.
Related words
- napperondoilynoun
- nappercoververb
- nappécoveredadjective