French word

palais

Pronunciation

IPA/palɛ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpalace

Example

C'est un palais magnifique.

It is a magnificent palace.

Illustration for palais (palace)

More examples

Le palais est ouvert au public le dimanche.

The palace is open to the public on Sundays.

Core concept

A grand official building with imposing halls for royal residence, ceremonies, or public functions.

Common phrases

  • entrer dans un palais

    enter a palace

  • palais de l'Élysée

    Élysée Palace

  • visite du palais

    palace visit

Similar words

château: A large historic building that was once a castle or aristocratic residence.
hôtel: A building that provides accommodation for travelers.
bâtiment: A building constructed for offices, schools, or other purposes.
monument: A historically or culturally important structure preserved as a landmark or memorial.

Definition in French

Bâtiment officiel et grand, souvent résidence royale ou lieu de cérémonies publiques.

Word origin

French palais comes through Old French from Latin palatium, the name for the imperial residence on Rome's Palatine Hill.

Usage tips

  • In French, le palais can also mean 'the palate' in the mouth, a separate word of Latin origin, so context distinguishes the senses.

Other meanings

  • palatenoun

Word lists with this word