French Conversation · Level 36
75 words
French word
tunnel
Pronunciation
IPA/tynɛl/
Meaning
- masculine nountunnel
Example
Le tunnel est fermé à cause des travaux.
The tunnel is closed because of the construction work.
More examples
La voiture passe par le tunnel pour aller plus vite.
The car passes through the tunnel to go faster.
Core concept
A long artificial passage hidden below the surface, linking two points for people or transport.
Common phrases
passer par le tunnel
go through the tunnel
sortir du tunnel
come out of the tunnel
Similar words
pont: A raised structure that lets vehicles and pedestrians cross a river or road.
souterrain: A passage or area below ground that allows people or goods to pass.
passage: A narrow passage linking an interior space with the outdoors.
Definition in French
Passage artificiel creusé sous la surface du sol pour assurer le passage continu de personnes, de véhicules ou de trains.
Word origin
The word tunnel entered French from English, while the English form traces back through Middle English tunel and Old French tonnel to Latin tunna, meaning 'barrel'.
Usage tips
- French uses traverser un tunnel for going through it and passer par un tunnel for going via it, giving the verbs different focuses.
Other meanings
- underpassnoun
- mine tunnelnoun
Opposites
- pontbridgenoun