French word

portail

Pronunciation

IPA/pɔʁtaj/

Meaning

  • masculine noungate

Example

Le portail est fermé.

The gate is closed.

Illustration for portail (gate)

More examples

J'ai ouvert le portail ce matin.

I opened the gate this morning.

Core concept

A substantial gate on a property boundary, wide enough for cars and used to control entry.

Common phrases

  • ouvrir le portail

    open the gate

  • fermer le portail

    close the gate

  • passer par le portail

    pass through the gate

Similar words

porte: A hinged door at a building or room entrance that regulates access.
entrée: The access point or passage leading into a building or property.

Definition in French

Structure ou construction, souvent imposante, qui signale et protège l'accès à un terrain privé et sert d'entrée pour piétons et véhicules.

Word origin

The noun comes through Old French portal from Latin portale, the neuter form of portalis, related to porta, meaning gate.

Usage tips

  • Portail is masculine, so standard forms include le portail, un portail, and ce portail.

Other meanings

  • portalnoun

Word lists with this word