French word

théâtre

Pronunciation

IPA/teatʁ/

Meaning

  • masculine nountheater

Example

Nous allons au théâtre ce soir.

We are going to the theater tonight.

Illustration for théâtre (theater)

More examples

Nous avons pris une place au théâtre pour ce soir.

We got a seat at the theater for tonight.

Core concept

A live performance setting that also names the art and community formed around it.

Common phrases

  • aller au théâtre

    go to the theater

  • une place au théâtre

    a seat at the theater

Similar words

cinéma: A building where films are shown for an audience.
pièce: A dramatic work written for performance on stage.
spectacle: A performance or show presented for an audience.
opéra: A stage work centered on singing and music.

Definition in French

Édifice destiné à accueillir des représentations dramatiques; le mot désigne aussi la représentation ou le milieu du spectacle.

Word origin

The word traces back to Greek théatron through Latin theatrum and entered French as théâtre, whose meanings broadened beyond the viewing place.

Usage tips

  • In voir une pièce, pièce means a play, while théâtre refers more broadly to the venue, the performance, or the theatrical field.

Other meanings

  • playnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word