French word

signe

Pronunciation

IPA/siɲ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounsign

Example

Il m'a fait un signe.

He gave me a sign.

Illustration for signe (sign)

More examples

Elle a fait un signe pour appeler le serveur.

She made a gesture to call the waiter.

Core concept

A visible mark or brief gesture that carries a message.

Common phrases

  • faire un signe

    make a gesture

  • donner un signe

    give a signal

  • signe de tête

    a nod

Similar words

geste: A brief movement of the hand or body that conveys information or emotion.
signal: A visual or audible cue that conveys a warning or other information.

Definition in French

Geste, marque ou indication faite pour attirer l'attention d'une personne ou transmettre rapidement une information.

Word origin

French signe descends from Latin signum, meaning a mark or token, through Old French; the related verb signer comes from Latin signare, to mark.

Usage tips

  • Signe is masculine, so standard forms include un signe and ce signe.

Other meanings

  • symbolnoun
  • symptomnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word